Track vs. Cross Country

Are you wanting to get into running? Cross country and track are great options to get you started out. But what even are the differences between them? In the paragraphs below we will discuss differences in the two running sports between meets, practices, and seasonal times.

Differences between Meets

Meets from cross country typically last between one to two hours, while track meets have to be at least four hours. In cross country you spend most of the time on the bus driving there, and then you get off the bus and run. In track, depending on your events, your free time is either limited or pretty spacious. Events are spaced out and there may be more complications based on weather. For example things like wind may affect events such as pole vault while it wouldn’t matter in cross country.

Practices 

Track and cross country meets have quite the variety in how we practice. Whether you decide one is more disciplined or not is your opinion, but one is held in the morning as early as 5:30 am while in the other you can’t even start warming up until at least 3:30pm. Practices during track vary whether we do sprints in short distances or long ones. While in cross country we do the same warm-ups everyday, even before races. Lastly, CC allows you to train more at your own pace by choosing what route and how much you run. On the other hand, track is naturally more monitored because the coaches are there to motivate and watch your progress. These are only a few of their many differences.

Seasonal Times

Track practices are in the morning, so you may be more tired or less willing to have to get up and go. Cross country has practices in the afternoon, though you may be worn out from the long school day, and might have less free time. In addition, it may be colder in the morning compared to the hotter afternoons at practice. This also means that you would have to change at the Jr. High for CC practice, while track requires you to bring your extra change of school clothes with you. In conclusion, the times of day and year can have an effect on your view on the sport.

No matter what you end up choosing, both sports are great options. Whether you want to improve, have an off season activity, or just have fun doing the sport, either are excellent choices. Though who says you have to choose one? Cross country and track each have their pros and cons, and will provide you with amazing opportunities!