Our Fairfax County high school has a wonderful cross-country team, but it is definitely a commitment in terms of practices (5 days per week) and meets. It is also a "cut" sport. To initially make the team, students need to be able to run 2 miles in under 15 minutes, and they expect that their time will drop to 2 miles in under 14 minutes within the first month on the team.

In my opinion, cross country is the best sport in high school.

Forced Rec soccer child into the sport in 9th grade, new school. What a bunch of fabulous kids! Just make sure to track (no pun intended) when ‘tryouts’ are in the summer - we had to come back from the beach. DC’s school has no cuts but it is a commitment - 5 days a week, 2+ hours a day. (Half day Saturdays for meets). We’ve also seen remarkable improvement in ADHD behavior. Cannot say enough good things about this sport and the people it attracts. Work on 5K and getting it to low 20 minutes.

Anonymous wrote:First, see how your school defines CC It might be that she wants to do long distance (which in FCPS is different from CC).

While it’s true that there are track events that are longer than XC, I wouldn’t overthink this if I were OP. Cross country is a fantastic, low key sport for most, and a great way to meet people and get in shape. Have her start with XC in the Fall, and she can decide at that point whether she wants to do winter and spring track. Most kids do all three unless they want to do a different winter or spring sport, because it’s such a fun thing to do with friends. One of the few co-ed sports too.

First, see how your school defines CC It might be that she wants to do long distance (which in FCPS is different from CC).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So they teach kids strategies? I think my kid would enjoy running if they could get past the side ache pain. I have a medical condition where I can’t run so I’m not much help, I would love my kid to be taught tips and strategies for things like breathing and side aches.

Aside from high school, are there running clubs or something for younger kids in the same way you can do soccer or baseball outside of school?

To get rid of a side stitch breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. And improve conditioning.

The kids train and get in shape (like any other sport). Most county rec programs offer track and field for younger kids.

Agree with all this. There are private running clubs for all ages too. We’re in Bethesda and there is one based here; just google to find ones in your area.

It’s a great sport and definitely a varsity sport in our school.

Anonymous wrote:So they teach kids strategies? I think my kid would enjoy running if they could get past the side ache pain. I have a medical condition where I can’t run so I’m not much help, I would love my kid to be taught tips and strategies for things like breathing and side aches.

Aside from high school, are there running clubs or something for younger kids in the same way you can do soccer or baseball outside of school?

To get rid of a side stitch breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. And improve conditioning.

The kids train and get in shape (like any other sport). Most county rec programs offer track and field for younger kids.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you! Cross Country sounds perfect for her!


Is it a varsity sport like other teams? Or is it more like a club sport?

Cross Country has JV and Varsity. It’s not a club sport. Think of it like track & field but everyone runs distance.

OP here. Thank you! Cross Country sounds perfect for her!


Is it a varsity sport like other teams? Or is it more like a club sport?

So they teach kids strategies? I think my kid would enjoy running if they could get past the side ache pain. I have a medical condition where I can’t run so I’m not much help, I would love my kid to be taught tips and strategies for things like breathing and side aches.

Aside from high school, are there running clubs or something for younger kids in the same way you can do soccer or baseball outside of school?

Running is the ultimate life-sport for your child.

Anywhere they go, your child can always run with just a pair of quality shoes (and the right running clothes).

Year round too.

It’s a much more supportive group in general.

As a parent, you’ll find far fewer of the hyper-competitive DMV parents at an XC event.

Cross country is distance running. Winter track is the hurdles/sprints etc. X-C is a nice team in most schools. All levels can participate because only the fastest kids scores matter so everyone else is just running for their own time. Sounds like it would be a good fit for your dd.

My daughter wants to join an athletic team next year (9th grade) but isn’t rough-and-tumble at all and petite. But she loves running with me.

What about the track team in the spring? Can you just be a runner or do you have to jump hurdles on the teach team?


Thank you!