XC running (numpty questions)

kingQuez

When I started to get into running I did a few runs around the park for training, and entered the series that led up to the marathon. For the last two years I've been thinking I'd like to give something different a try, the imra runs and xc (as ideas) have always been at the back of my mind.. but I've got some numpty questions.

What's the difference between XC running and the IMRA hill runs? Is XC essentially runs on grass covered fields, but hill runs are a bit more hilly (as in up the mountain) + varied terrain?

What's the easiest way to show up to an XC race? From what I can gather BHAA are the only races I can show up to as an individual who isn't a member of any running club? (tbh. trying to figure out the different classifications, standards, the requirements of being in different working sectors etc. across the AAI/BHAA organized races was the stumbling block that made me decide it was a bit too organized and a bit too much effort to pursue last year. at the race is it just a mass-start regardless of all these things?).

Are my regular runners ok to run it, or should I be looking at getting something specific (spikes/trail runners)? Any specific training you'd do other than just going for a run on appropriate terrain to see how well you're set for giving a race a go?

RacoonQueen

Anyone can do BHAA runs, don't worry about the industry classifications in BHAA - just turn up, pay and run.

They're muddy, mucky and slippy and can be hilly, IMRA is a whole different baby. People do the BHAA in normal runners but spikes are best and you can wear trail shoes either. Spikes are best even if the ground looks ok you'll normally get one spot where the footing isn't great - spikes are the fastest way to get through them. Train on some grassy, mucky, muddy fields a couple of times and you'll be grand, though you're a strong enough runner you could probably just turn up at a race and whip out a good result.

I think Gerry Farnan might be an open race too, just asked in the club yesterday about that.

You really need to join a club.

Timmaay

RacoonQueen wrote: »

You really need to join a club.

Yep, but being a member of an athletics club doesn't mean you need to be fully committed to them, you can generally showup to as many or as few training sessions as you want. In terms of the membership costs, its generally fairly small, usually not much over 100quid per year, however the club XC races themself are all usually way cheaper then most roadraces, so you'll definitely save money in the long run, aswell as all the other benefits of clubs, like bucketloads of free advice! Where do ya live, we can certainly direct you towards your local club.

BeepBeep67

You've answered most of your own questions there, but!
IMRA essentially up and down mountains/hills and some trail races.
XC generally around fields, varying degrees of difficulty, think hilly, ditches, shallow water at the extreme end.
Most XC outside of the BHAA are AAI affiliated, but a few open races around.
Generally a free for all start, sometimes corrals for team based championship races.
Footwear is a personal choice, dry conditions you can get away with runners, as it gets muckier you need trail shoes with lugs or spikes. Spikes are a good investment of you intend to continue and entry level or past season can be picked up for <€40.

RayCun

Yeah, you don't need to worry about all the standards, industries, etc etc in the BHAA, just turn up and run. You don't even have to join BHAA, you can just pay the standard 15 quid entry on the day. In a road or XC race everyone gets the same start and there's no standing on ceremony, just elbows out to the first corner

(If you do join, they'll ask you what company you work for. If there are other runners from the company there you can form a team and you're eligible for some team prizes. You can also form a team from other unattached people if you like. It's not mandatory at all.
Also if you join, you're entered into a league competition, and that's where the standards come in. Your performance in your first race puts you in a certain standard, and from then on you get points for how well you do in your standard, and you can get moved up or down depending on your time. There's two leagues a year, and the more races you do the better your chances of winning something.
Finally, in every race there are prizes for the first finishers in each age group.
At the start line none of this matters, it's just a race. It's only when the prizes are being given out that they check your company, age, or standard to see what you're eligible for)

kingQuez

Cheers for the info folks, now all I need is a muddy field for some training.... looks like met.ie have me sorted for the next few days on that front

There's a few local clubs (I think one of dundrum/rathfarnham/sportsworld would all be around the right area), but training doesn't fit in very well with the rest of life and tri club membership so putting that off for another time..

RacoonQueen

RacoonQueen wrote: »

I think Gerry Farnan might be an open race too, just asked in the club yesterday about that.

GF confirmed as an open race. Just so you know

P.s never join DSD or sportsworld

Racman

RacoonQueen wrote: »

You really need to join a club.

Definitely - if you want to transform your running.

Timmaay wrote: »

(Club) membership costs - usually not much over 100 quid per year

And our club pays entry fees for championship races out of that!

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Spikes are a good investment of you intend to continue and entry level or past season can be picked up for <€40.

Buy a pair - maybe not the lovely multi-coloured ones, they will get very dirty.

RayCun wrote: »

BHAA: just turn up and run. You don't even have to join BHAA, you can just pay the standard 15 quid entry on the day.

In every race there are prizes for the first finishers in each age group.

Annual BHAA membership is €15 which allows you to enter for €10 per race - so three races and you have covered your costs.

kingQuez wrote: »

There's a few local clubs (I think one of dundrum/rathfarnham/sportsworld would all be around the right area)

RacoonQueen wrote: »

P.s never join DSD or sportsworld

I know Rathfarnham AC is good (see my user name) but why the negativity about the others?!

Cross-country is great fun and is actually easier on the body than running in road races.

thirstywork2

P.s never join DSD or sportsworld[/QUOTE]


Reading that comment you would put me off joining Donore Harriers(woops im already a member)

RacoonQueen

There should have been a smilie there. For DSD anyway

When I saw you'd posted I thought there'd be a deal for spikes.