MIDWAY CROSS COUNTRY
A RUNNING TRADITION
 

FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) about Midway Cross Country

What is cross country?
Cross country is a two-mile race for girls and a three mile race for boys.  The races are run in a variety of places, including parks, golf courses, school campuses, amongst others.  Most races are on grassy areas, with some on trails and even a little on paved areas.  

When and where do we workout?
We work out at 6:30 am every school day at different locations around town.  We run the roads of Hewitt and Woodway.  We do not have team workouts after school.  

Why are workouts so early in the morning?
1.     The weather is much better at 6:30 – much cooler, much less chance of thunderstorms.  2.     Since we need to run on the roads, early morning has much less traffic to worry about. 

I haven’t run much.  Will I get to run in a race this year?
There is no bench in cross country.  Everybody on our team who is eligible, healthy, and able to run the race will get to race each week.  While we can usually only run 7 on the varsity, almost every meet has unlimited entries in the JV division. 

I don’t want to race.  I just want to get in shape.  Is that OK?
No, we train specifically to race.  This is not a conditioning PE class.  This is one of the most successful athletic programs at Midway High School.  It’s OK to run to get into shape, but racing is mandatory. 

I am in the basketball/soccer/(any team sport) class.  Can I still run?
YES!!  Some of our best runners are also in other sports.  You will work out with the CC team in the morning before school, and then you will still have your regular team workout during the school day.

I just started running, and my leg is sore.  What should I do?
Call the coach first.  Most likely it is normal wear and tear on your leg, and it is no big deal.  We have a great trainer at the High School, and he can tell you if you need to go to the doctor.

What do I need to do before the first team workout of the year?
You must have a completed physical form on file with Coach Shelton in the high school trainer’s office.  DO NOT GIVE your physical to Coach Boles.  You must give it directly to the trainer’s office. 

What kind of equipment will I need to have to run?
You will need to provide your shoes.  You don’t have to go overboard on price, but you do not want to get poor quality shoes.  I recommend a name brand shoe of your choosing.  As far as workout clothes, use whatever works for you.  Since we run in the early morning when it may still be dark, light colored tops are encouraged.   

What does the team provide?
You will be issued a uniform (tank top and shorts) and team sweats for the meets.  We also have reflective running vests that coach will bring whenever we run on the road.  These all are school property. 

Is there a freshman team?
No, since very few meets have freshman divisions.  All runners will run on either the varsity or the junior varsity team. 

Who runs on the varsity?
·        At the beginning of the season, seniors and those whom the coaches deem ready for the varsity will run up on the varsity.  All others will run on the JV.
·        At the end of the season, the 7 best runners will race on the varsity.  Classification does not matter at this point.  It could be freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors.  Racing ability is all that matters then.
·        We use all the meets before district to determine who our best 7 runners are.  Some kids may run varsity one week and JV the next.  Do not read too much into this.  There are a number of reasons this could happen.   

Coach Boles, what are the things that I can do to improve my running?
1.     Run consistently!  Be there every day, on time.
2.     Do the best you can with the ability God gave you!!
3.     When the gun goes off, compete!!  This is a race, after all.

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