XC Training System
A Middle School Cross Country Training Plan for Every Environment

📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • A conservative approach to middle school training sets athletes up for long-term success — don’t simply water down a high school program.
  • Take a long-term view: many of the best collegiate women runners weren’t standouts in middle school, so be especially careful not to overtrain young girls.
  • Work backwards from a senior-year goal (e.g., 40-45 miles/week for girls, as much as 60 miles a week for boys) to determine appropriate...
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Middle School Cross Country Training PDF

 📌 KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Don't take high school training and "water it down" — middle school needs its own approach
  • Many top college women weren't standouts in middle school; some never ran until high school
  • Be especially conservative with middle school girls — no correlation between MS success and college success
  • Suggested progression: 6th grade (15 mi/wk) → 7th (20) → 8th (25) → 9th (30) → Senior (60)
  • Goal: Create a culture where running is...
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