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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers For Parents, By Parents
What will my runner do in Cross Country?
They will run every day at practice to train with mileage escalating throughout the season. Practices consist of longer distance runs, short sprints, work on hills, and sometimes track workouts. They will also stretch, warm up properly, and cool down after training.
They will also have fun, be a part of a cohesive team, get and give support to teammates, receive great coaching, and compete in meets throughout the season.
What gear does my runner need?
A good pair of running shoes is the most important piece of equipment for a runner. Athletes should visit a running specific store (Runners Roost, Road Runner Sports, Boulder Running Company) to get a consultation on the best style of shoes for their running type. Each store will have treadmill to 'test' the runner to see their gait, pronation, etc. then offer suggestions for the best shoe. Expect that a good pair of running shoes will cost between $100-$150 and should last approximately 500 miles of running. Most of the running will be on roads and trails like the Highline Canal, but some races have grassy or trail sections where cross country spiked shoes (like track shoes but with more cushion) might be advantageous for the Varsity-level runners. Runners Roost and other stores also carry the cross country spikes.
Loose fitting, light shorts and tops are best for running, especially in the warmer months at the start of the season.
While not required, a wristwatch that tracks mileage is recommended. The team tracks their runs in a Strava group so having a wristwatch to track runs will help your runner keep track of weekly miles, times, and overall performance improvement. While there are many watches on the market, Garmin has lower priced watches that perform all of the functions the students will need.
Runners will also receive team branded gear to wear while resting, running in colder weather, and hanging out during meets.
What is a Cross Country Meet?
High School cross country meets/races in Colorado are over a 5k course (3.1 miles). Typically the meets consist of several races; Varsity boys and girls (top 7 runners from each school at the meet), an Open Division race, boys and girls, for all runners who are not in the top 7 to race, and occationally a JV or 9th/10th Grade boys and girls. Each meet has multiple teams competing and may have multiple races within each category depending on the number of teams competing. Each race is professionally timed and all of the runners wear bibs with chips to track their time. Every team member will compete and has a valuable place on the team regardless of age, speed, or skill.
How is a Cross Country Meet Scored?
The lower the score the better. At a minimum, there must be 5 who finish the race. If there are fewer than 5 to finish, the team cannot score any points and are disqualified.
The top 7 runners for the team, in any given race, are the only runners involved in the scoring for that race. Additional runners will not be considered in the scored results. The top 5 runners are assigned the number of points equal to their place in the race. For example, if a runner finishes in 4th place then the team gets 4 points for that runner. These points are then added together to determine the team score. If there is a tie with the first 5 runners, the 6th place runner’s points are then added to find the team winner. In addition to breaking ties, the 6th and 7th runners also play an important part of the race. They can “displace” another team’s top 5 runners. For example, if the 6th runner for AHS beats the 5th runner from another school; the other school will have another point added to its team score. Although the sixth runner’s place is not added to the AHS score, the other team’s score is worsened in comparison.
How do I watch a Cross Country Race?
When you arrive at the meet, ask to see a chart of the race (many are posted online prior to the race). First, locate the start and finish, then try to scout central points where you can see as much of the race with as little moving around as possible. Maybe follow along with some of the other parents, as well. During the race, you can move from point to point along the course to cheer the runners as they pass. Be careful, however, to stay off the runners’ path and out of their way. Rules also forbid running alongside a competitor to pace or encourage him or her. Suggestion: wear soft soled shoes to do this!
At the finish of the race, the runners file through the finish chute. At this time, it’s OK to greet them but they will need to walk around a bit/recover before engaging in a lot of conversation.
How long is the whole Cross Country Meet?
Each individual race will take around 30 minutes (sometimes more) with time in between to recalibrate the timing, get the runners setup, and allow for officials to fix any issues on the course. Typically, at most races since the start and finish are in the same place, one race won't start until the previous one ends. At some races (the Steve Lohman Invitational for example), the start and finish are at different places, allowing for the start of one race before the previous one ends. Meets can last several hours from start to finish.
Arapahoe asks that all runners arrive around one hour before the first race and stay until the end of the meet to cheer and support every single runner on the team, regardless of which race they are participating in.
Here is an example of a schedule from the Pat Amato Classic meet in Northglenn:
Boys JV (Run 7, Score 5)......................1:30 PM
Girls JV (Run 7, Score 5).......................2:00 PM
Boys Varsity (Run 7, Score 5)...............2:30 PM
Girls Varsity (Run 7, Score 5)...............3:00 PM
Boys Open (Unlimited).........................3:30 PM
Girls Open (Unlimited).........................4:15 PM
Awards................................................5:00 PM
Which schools host which meets?
Many of the meets are named after mascots, former athletes, coaches, or people important to their schools. Since the meets have many teams participating, you won't see a line that says "AHS vs. Heritage" similar to soccer, field hockey, or baseball. We will race against teams from all over the state and in some meets, teams from other states, as Colorado is a destination for many top runners to get a time at altitude.
Arapahoe hosts the Warrior Invite
Columbine hosts the Dave Sanders Invite
Cherry Creek hosts the Steve Lohman Invitational
Northglenn HS hosts the Pat Amato Classic
Littleton HS hosts the Lions Classic
Heritage hosts the Liberty Bell
Englewood HS hosts the Windjammer Invitational
What is a Team Feed?
Team Feeds are get togethers for the entire team outside of practice. Typically, the Booster Club, with support from parents and supporters, provide food and drinks for the runners. Team Feeds can be held at a park, a neighborhood clubhouse (like the Knolls), a home, or even at school. The runners typically bring games and activities to play together during the casual get togethers (like Spikeball, volleyball, etc.). The Team Feeds are a great time for the whole team to bond and hang out together since practices they are usually separated into different groups. If you would like to help with supporting a Team Feed, please email ahsxcbooster@gmail.com.
What is an Arrowhead?
At the end of season banquet, each runner is presented with an Arrowhead. Its a 24 inch tall, coroplast sign that supporters decorate with pictures, phrases, cut-outs, or anything special and specific to their runner. The Booster Club will supply the Arrowhead and some basic art supplies, but it is up to the runner's supporters to decorate the Arrowhead and bring it to the banquet to display. Make sure to take plenty of pictures of your runner throughout the season or go to the AHS XC Photo website to download pictures of your runner to use.
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Send us an email at ahsxcbooster@gmail.com and we'll get back to you asap!
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