Running Tips?

Question

I have a really important Cross Country race tomorrow and I need some tips for my breathing and endurance. Any tips?

Update: I got 12 out of like 30 people, I don’t know if I made the team yet, I’ll find out on Monday probably!

Answer

I always time my breaths with the beat of a song. Distracts me from overthinking and overexerting, but also helps me keep my breathing in check. I never did cross country, but I use this technique when I do cardio. Not sure if it will help, but I hope it does. Good luck tomorrow!

Answer

In addition to breathing pattern, your form is really important. Many common mistakes are in the arms. If you're too tense then you'll tire your arms and shoulders quickly. I've found letting my arms drop loose down my side and doing a quick wiggle/shaking motion as if you're trying to shake water off them resets me back to better, less tense form. Keep your hands relaxed; same reason, you don't want to put extra strain on your arms. If they feel tense then try very lightly tapping the pads of two fingers together to reset your hands. Remember to keep up the full range of motion. The most important time to remember your form is when you're tired. Easy to slip up then.
Lengthen your stride down any hills and roll with the speed down. Push up the hills quickly because the longer you're on it, the more it'll wear on you psychically and mentally. Make sure you're very well hydrated starting the day before your race; no last minute catch-ups on that. But most of all it's a mental sport. Have a goal for yourself, preferably beating your personal record rather than a specific place (like 1st, 2nd...). During the race, pick someone ahead of you to catch for motivation. If you can beat their pace, then pass them. If not, then stick with them and use them to keep going. If they're a little fast but still at a pace you can do, then let them set the pace. Don't stick to the same person unless they're going to push you to be better by pushing the pace.  Give it your all to sprint the last 200-400m because people will pass you in the last stretch if you're complacent in your pace.
Good luck and have fun. You're going to do GREAT!

Running Tips?

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