Winter Training for your Running

[Hugh]

Hey folks,

Well the Tri season is closed and it’s the perfect time to spread your wings/legs a little and give a cross-country running a try. I was chatting to a few people before swimming yesterday about it, so here’s the low-down.

Why Cross Country Running?
Benefits are here – with some quotes from some guy called Mo before he was famous: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/cross-country-the-training-of-champions/5853.html

What is Cross Country Running and What Will I Need?
Basically it involves running across fields, like our nearby Phoenix Park. You’ll just need to buy a pair of Cross-Country Spikes (i.e. runners with spikes to help you run through mud).
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/running-times-fall-2015-cross-country-spikes-guide

Upcoming Races:
October 18th. This is a big one organised by Athletics Ireland and open to all runners (i.e. you don’t have to be a member of a running club to enter).
http://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/take-the-cross-challenge-this-autumn/

BHAA are an organisation that organise very inexpensive races open to all. €15 or €10 per race if you pay the annual membership of €15. They do try to gather race colleagues as teams but most race as an individual.
http://bhaa.ie/events/
Sat 17th October
Sat 28th November
Sun 13th December

Hugh

[Willo]

Good post Hugh – you’ve sold me on them. I’ll be doing the BHAA X country races. I can highly recommend them having done a few before.

[Siobhan Forman]

Thanks for that Hugh,

Will definitely look into trying a few races!

Siobhan

[Hugh]

Great stuff Siobhan – go get em tiger!

[jamesn]

Cheers Hugh, will defo enter a few of these.

[ConallMurphy]

Great post Hugh. Can’t recommend these enough. No better way to build strength. One point on the gear – don’t be afraid to rock up with normal runners if you just want to see what the story is. No problem running in these if the day is fine and muck levels are low (I’ve gotten away with it?)

And for anyone looking for something else to keep them interested over winter give Imra.ie a look – great races
https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/1255/

[johnwallnutt]

its a perfect time to spread ypur legs ?????……….Ha Ha

This might just float my boat but should we not be taking a longer rest after the Tri season ?
Currently I am not swimming or biking so is it OK just to be running ?
interested in serious opinions on this

[johnwallnutt]

ALSO JUST TO NOTE FOR THE RUGBY HEADS 17TH /18TH OCT IS QUARTER FINALS WEEKEND

[Hugh]

Hey Johnny,

Yes absolutely! Everyone should not only rest and also vary what they do. How much rest that is best for you is quite individual. In your case though, you should rest loads as you’re an old man.

(can’t believe I got there before Moody did?)

Two good articles on this (with recommended rest for age-groupers):
http://triathlon.competitor.com/2012/11/training/a-better-off-season_69306
http://triathlete-europe.competitor.com/2011/11/22/project-recovery

Conall – good point about using normal runners if the weather is dry. Thanks! And all of the BHAA races you can just rock up and register on the day!

Anthony is talking about doing cyclo-cross and getting very excited about buying nobbly tyres.

[Willo]

BUMP

The first BHAA XC is on this Saturday morning in Castleknock College. See http://bhaa.ie/events/ for more details.

The weather is due to be fine until Saturday so I would say runners would be best for this race. The course is very flat, mostly on grass with just a few small hills to contend. Its a good introduction to XC (i.e. not very difficult) for those that want to see what it’s all about.

You can register online usually but it doesn’t seem to be working at the moment. You can sign up on the morning either at no additional cost.

FYI – Tea, sandwiches and buns will likely be served after the race.

Will

[AnthonyM]

@ Johnny

Would defo recommend focusing on swim & bike rather than run this time of year. Less impact. Gives the legs a true chance to heal after a hard season. JOMO!!!

CX is defo the way to go!

[Rachel Hayes]

For anyone interested in this Sunday’s open XC race in Phoenix Park, registration is from 11:00am-1:30pm in Dunore Harriers clubhouse.

The 5km race starts at 2:00pm while the 8km race is at 2:45pm.

Not to present a conundrum but the only downside to participating in these races is that the boys in green will be kicking-off at 2:00pm… the decision is yours.

[johnwallnutt]

KICK OFF ON SUNDAY IS 1pm not 2pm

[Rachel Hayes]

I THINK I’LL KICK YOU OFF AT 1PM

[johnwallnutt]

There’s gratitude for ya

[Author]

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