Cross Country
Running cross country means you’re ready to go the distance - at least the distance of the race, that is. The standard distance for cross country races for men/boys is 7.5 miles and women/girls is 3 miles. Keep in mind, however, that those are just the races. The average cross country team runs between 70 to 90 miles per week depending on their event, their team members, and their goals. If you couldn’t already tell, cross country is intense.
Cross country runners put their bodies through a lot, which means injuries are common. Some of the most common injuries in cross country runners include:
- Stress fractures
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Runner’s knee
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
- Achilles tears
- IT band syndrome
- Shin splints
- Ankle fractures
- Plantar fasciitis
- Hamstring strains
Overtraining, form, strength, and so many other factors contribute to cross country injuries. Getting injured in any sport can be frustrating, but especially when you have a team counting on you. The best thing to do in these situations is to find a sports physical therapist to help you heal.
Next Level Physio understands the rigors of cross country training. In fact, we have our own running technique training program that is specifically geared towards helping people improve their form and become better athletes. If you’re dealing with an injury from cross country, you need a physical therapist who gets you. Give us a call at Next Level Physio today!