Cross country running can be a great way to improve your physical and mental health. Not only does it burn calories and reduce stress, but it also helps strengthen bones.
It may be a tough sport, but it can be extremely rewarding as you work hard to finish a difficult workout or race. The mental toughness that you build in cross country can carry over into the rest of your life.
Some of the benefits that you can enjoy from this type of running include:
* Losing weight and getting leaner - Research has shown that runners who participate in this sport are more likely to lose weight than those who don't.
** Boosting confidence and relieving stress - Within minutes of running, your brain releases endorphins that increase your mood and make you feel better.
*** Improved coordination and balance - When you run, you need to be aware of your surroundings as well as your body. This can help you to be more coordinated and avoid injuries.
It is important to practice on different types of surfaces. This is especially true for beginners, so that you can get a feel for how your body responds to different conditions before attempting to race.
If you're new to the sport, start with shorter runs and build up gradually in distance and intensity. Once you're comfortable, begin training for a race. It will also be helpful to incorporate fartlek training, which mimics the ups and downs of a race.