For runners it seems the rules are different. With the onset of colder weather and sodden earth, it’s time to don the spikes or studs and get down and dirty with nature – it’s the XC season! In other spheres, it seems that off-road variants are considered separate sports altogether, yet with running, struggling up-hill and down dale with poor conditions underfoot is considered just a enjoyable seasonal variation.
NHRR compete in a XC league and, with a sense of responsibility to my Club (and quite liking the team-league format), I try to do all the races in this series. I decided this season however to studiously avoid all the other XC opportunities (Southerns, Nationals, County, County Vets etc).
The conditions were tricky, but quack times were still possible
I love racing and training. Somehow however, I have yet to really catch the XC bug. I think there are a number for reasons for this.
>Memories of XC at school
>It’s not easy trying to run fast in mud up to and over your ankles!
>It’s difficult to establish or maintain a running rhythm
>I have a short stride with little uplift and I don’t think this helps
>I am prejudiced by a persistent groin niggle I picked up in a fall at last year's County XC
Statto performing live at the NHRR XC without a safety net
Conversely, I know many Club members eagerly await the XC season, and perhaps even prefer off-road racing, so please don't let my personal negativity on the subject put you off. In fact, I have to say that this season I have found XC less of an ordeal. I was almost looking forward to the Ampthill race (before it was cancelled). Perhaps it's because I am a lot lighter, better at hill-running, or just a more experienced runner?
At this rate, come the 09/10 season, I may have had a XC epiphany! I’ll let you know.
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