YMS Cross Country

Winter Training 2014-2015

November 13, 2014

You can gain a huge advantage for track in the spring, or next year's cross country season by continuing your cross country training over the winter. Running in the winter, believe it or not, can be fun if you are prepared for it. Below are some tips for winter running:

Find a safe place to run. Try to avoid areas without sidewalks. If you are going on a run by yourself, tell someone where you are running and how long you plan to be gone.
Don't wear too many layers. You should wear these layers: (1) a layer on top to block the wind, (2) a moisture-wicking layer on the bottom, and (3) on very cold days a middle layer.
Always wear a hat and gloves on the coldest days.
Run on fresh snow and shorten your stride to lessen the chance of slipping.
Use a treadmill or an indoor track if the weather gets too bad.
Start by running into the wind to make the trip back easier.
Some more tips from Running Times

Workout Plan

Are you wondering what you should run over the winter? You can take a look at our ideal winter workout plan for an idea. You don't have to follow the plan exactly, but if you plan to run track in the spring, you should try to average 15-20 miles per week by the time track starts in March. You can contact Coach Miller if you have any questions about the plan.

5K Club

To make it easier to train over the winter, consider joining the 5K Club. If you join, your name will be added to our 5K Club page and you can try to find other people to train with. You don't actually have to participate in any of the 5Ks listed on the club page, but if you do you will be eligible for awards at the end of the winter. If you participate in a race that isn't on the list, send an email to club@ymsxc.sportssites.us to make sure you get credit for it.