Should Sprinters Run Cross Country?

If you know my approach to training, then the quick answer is NO.. UNLESS you are a 400-800 combo sprinter (where mileage is important). That means 100-200 combo sprinters... No XC.  200-400 sprinters... No XC.  Pure 400m specialists or 400mH... No XC.

But that doesn’t mean you should not do any type of aerobic training

Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-aerobic training.  You've seen those energy systems charts where the 400m represents up to 40% aerobic capacity (some say it's higher!).  Aerobic jogging or running is good as it helps flush out lactic acid after a race... a great idea when you are running many races in a single day.

In fact, I like the Saturday 30-40 min in the park or forest run to change things up in my Fall training block.  There will be plenty of days on the 8 lane oval track with spikes, trust me :)

If you are one to hate any kind of cardio training, then try circuit training - especially when the weather turns cold, wet, windy and just downright nasty. Click here for 4 sample workouts from my Blog.

I always feel you need to be an athlete first before you become a sprinter.  Even if it includes some cardio training, but not at the expense of speed and strength training!