There are so many different events in Track & Field that we won’t go into detail on each. Short-distance running events and throwing events require Alactic-Power through the upper or lower-limbs. Long-distance running events require aerobic-endurance and muscular-endurance. All events require a great deal of core-stability and flexibility, specifically within the hip-flexors.
Cross-Country runners require Aerobic-Endurance and muscle-endurance. Cross-Country events also require a great amount of mental-toughness and concentration. ‘Pacing’ is an important part of these events, and the ability to keep their pace throughout the event is vital to the runner’s ability to perform optimally.
Track and Cross-Country Training Highlights:
- Core-Stability – focusing on linear stabilization of the spine for sprinters and runners, and rotational stability for throwers
- Running Power/Turnover – focusing on acceleration power through double and single-leg hip-extension and turnover rate through strength-speed and nervous-system recruitment
- Flexibility/Stride-Length – focusing on hip-flexor flexibility to allow for maximal stride-length, and shoulder flexibility to allow for maximal arm movement
- Endurance – focusing on muscle-endurance of the legs and abdominals, to allow for long-distance events
- Conditioning – focusing on the Anaerobic-Alactic energy system for short-sprinters and throwers, Anaerobic-Lactic system for long-sprinters, and Aerobic system for middle and long-distance runners)
