Running track and field & cross country

Running. Many people love to run marathons, cross country or track and field like I do. Running to me is a lot of fun. A lot of famous runners that live in the United States have won medals in the olympics or set records. Running is very good for you and is amazing exercise.

CROSS COUNTRY

Cross Country Attire

Sneaker with spikes

For cross country you should wear comfortable clothes. Mainly people wear light clothing. When you have light clothes you can run faster because if you had heavier clothes it can slow you down where light clothes don't do that. Runners can also wear sneakers with or without spikes. You should also bring a hat and gloves if it is cold outside. And most of all you need a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Length

For cross country the length of the races can vary. If you are younger the races will be about a half of a mile. Then as you get older you run a longer distance. In middle school you run around one and a half to two miles. Then in high school you run around three miles. The length of your race depends on your age and how good of a runner you are.

Rules

In cross country you are not allowed to hold anything in your hand. You are also not allowed to wear a watch to time your self. You are also not allowed to wear any type of jewelry like a bracelets, necklaces or earrings. Races should start with an official firing a gun. The courses should be designed or made in an open or woodland area.

History

Cross country began in England. It was first called "hare and hounds" or "paper chase". International races for cross country started in 1898. Cross country was in the olympics in 1912, 1920 and 1924, but was dropped. The records that people made back then where not kept.

TRACK AND FEILD

Track and field attire

In track you where the same thing as in cross country. You wear sneakers with spikes. You can wear warm ups you get from your coach or instructor but not while you are racing. It also depends if you do indoor or outdoor track. Outdoor is a lot colder than indoor. You may want to wear light pants and shirts.

Length for track and field

In track the races are different distances. There are dashes that are like sprints. For dashes there is 50, 55, 60, 100, 200 and 400 meters. Then for middle distance there is the 800, and 400. Then for distance there is 1500, 1600 and 3,200 meters. You can also run relays and there are 4 people in a group with 1 alternate. The length for the relays are 4x100, 4x200 and a 4x800 meters.

Rules

When you run you are not allowed to distract or push other runners. You cannot start until the offical fires the gun. For sprints and the first lap of some relays you have to stay in your own lane. For distance races you are allowed to cut towards the first lane as quickly as you want to. You have to do the amount of laps that where in the race that you are doing and if you don't you can get disqualified.

History

Track began in 776 BC. and it started in the United States in 1860. The first NCAA championship for track was held in 1921. Also women's track was part of the olympics in 1920.

Events

This is what high jump looks like

For track there are different events, it is not just running. There is hurdles and you have to jump over a certain height. There is also high jump, long jump and triple jump. For those you have to jump into a sandpit. Then there is also pole vault, shot put, discus, hammer and javelin.

Famous Runners

Jim Ryun

There are a bunch of famous runners who have set records or have been in the olympics for running. some people who have done this are Jim Ryun who won a silver medal in the summer Olympics in 1968.

Joanna Hayes

Joanna Haye won a gold medal in the 100 meter hurdles in 2004.

Oscar Pistourius

Oscar Pistourius had both of his legs amputated when he was 11 months old. but he is still an amazing runner that was in the olympics.

Benefits from running

Running is very good for you. It can help you with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Running can also help you with anxiety. No matter how you feel running can help. Running is also a very good exercise because it can help you burn calories.

Popularity Of Running

Running is very popular. That is because running is good for you and the only thing you need is a pair of sneakers and workout clothes. Running can keep you in shape. Running can also control your anger or calm you down. Some people just like to run for fun with their friends. Also people run so they can live a happy life.

Running is very fun to me. Running is a very good exercise. If you run you can become an amazing runner. If you like short distances go with track and if you like longer distances you can run marathons or do cross country.

Credits

1. Track.isport.com
2. Wisegeek.org
3. Athleticscholarships.net
4. Runandbecome.org
5. Runningforfitness.org
6. Bcathletics.org
7. Wiaawi.org
8. Andelfire.com
9. Shmoop.com
10. Bio.com
11. Runnersworld.com
12. Active.com
13. Healthiack.com