Cross Country

Warrington Road Runners are part of the Sunday North West Cross Country League which comprises of six races, the first race is usually third or fourth Sunday in October / first in November and the last race beginning of March but all dates issued in newsletter and postcard in advance. For more information, including previous year's results, see www.stevesaunders.co.uk

Muddy ChrisMale teams require six runners and female teams three. One runner in each team must be of veteran age category and runners must be first claim club members. A club vest must be worn (contact Tracy Entwistle for kit). It helps the cross country captain to know in advance who will be running for the club so please let Gill know if you are intending to run or more importantly if there is a problem preventing you from running.

Aim to arrive at the course by 9 am. This allows sufficient time to walk the course which is recommended so that you can assess the mud and hills (it really does help to know what’s coming). Most races commence at 10 am (but not Arrowe Park) and are approximately 4.5 miles distance with the occasional hill thrown in for interest. Both men and women line up at the start. At the end of the race each runner is given a ticket which represents your position. This is handed to the cross country captain(s) and the first six male finishing positions are added together as are the first three female positions to give the team total. Guest runners are allowed to take part but cannot score and are requested not to take a finisher’s ticket and should make themselves known to the host club Venues have shower and changing facilities available and the club hosting the race provides refreshments, sandwiches and tea/coffee (beer if we’re lucky) after which the results of that day’s race are announced.

Prior to the first race, we aim to set up a weekly training session specifically for the cross country season (see below). Ongoing details will be in the newsletter and on the website. To get the best out of your race in mud or at very best soft grass, specific training is the best way to benefit your race day performance, as your legs will be used to running this type of terrain on race day.

What Not to Wear

No Trinny and Susannah aren’t giving out their advice but here are some WRR “trade secrets” In addition to the very “de rigour” WRR vest, most competitors run in shorts whatever the weather, but still wear gloves and hat if extremely cold. Footwear – teetering about in mud is by no means easy and cross country spikes will give more traction to dig in on hills (up and down) but if it’s your first attempt then the use of trail shoes or old trainers will be fine. Mud is the new black – wearing thin black socks will not worry the fashion conscious runner as running without socks can give a dermabrasion effect to the feet by the end of the race. Packing the sports bag - Can’t make up your mind which outfit to take, don’t worry, take everything – you’ll need a possible three changes of clothes.  If walking the course proves to be muddy and wet, clean dry clothes for after the race will be needed.  An old towel to scrape of the mud prior to showers so you can use the nice fluffy one when you’re clean.  Plenty of carrier bags won’t go amiss to put all this mucky stuff in. Your spikes will last a lot longer if mud is removed as well as being more comfortable to run in next time.   Having tried several methods; in the sink; in the bath; in a bucket, my tip is to get the jet wash on them – done in an instant; stuff with newspaper which will absorb the water quite quickly and then take out to finish off.

Finally, you may be surprised, or possibly disappointed to learn that cross country races are NEVER SELDOM cancelled!

Arrangements for Travel

Skelmersdales (2006?)

 

Town Park, Runcorn 15/1/2012