Archives for cross country running

The Athlete Profile – Part 1

Track coaches use the disciplines of physiology and psychology to develop successful athletes.  This can be difficult in part because coaches usually work with large groups of athletes in their training group.  The application of unique training and psychological stimuli within the training group is called individualization of training.  To do this effectively is critical…

The Secretions of a Winner

It has been jokingly said that 83% of statistics are made up on the spot in conversation.  Coaches do this all the time, as they say such things as: “give me 110% effort today” (huh?), “slow the second lap down to 95%” (again, huh?), or the classic line; “sports is 90% psychological and 10% physical”. …

Finishing the Race

  One of the most frustrating aspects of analyzing cross country running training is the post-race reflection of an athlete’s sub par performance.  Even the really great performances have something sour that catches the coaches’ critical eye.  As in any analytical, cause-result relationship, the result is more obvious than the cause.  One of the more…

Aerobic Capacity and Aerobic Power

  There are several critical aspects to aerobic fitness in all endurance sports, including cross country running in particular. For instance, aerobic capacity is an important factor, and is defined as the maximal oxygen intake in liters per minute for an athlete. It is a true measure of individual work intensity, and its measured value…

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