How to Run Faster in Cross Country: Tips and Tricks

[@jessicadunham9472]

I am old 😂 but I ran both HS and college 20 some years ago and I remember a good way to deal with my nerves was telling myself all the reasons why I loved running and why I was grateful to be toeing the line that day. I use to get overly nervous but reassuring myself over and over that running was my purpose and I had a gift I was using. It changed my whole trajectory. I ended up accomplishing a lot in college being a 10 time All American in track NCAA D3 and a cross country All American my junior year. I was average in HS but I matured so much in college both physically and mentally. The video was good I would also add mental imagery the night before or morning of the race. Visualize yourself relaxed and in position and getting across the line where you want! Now my kids run so I’m sending them videos!

[@annabelleschade170]

I’m not by any means a competitive runner, but I just wanted to say how under appreciated this channel is. Love everything you post.

[@elonMusk-ry3xq]

when Brock Kelly said "it's Cross country Race tipping time", I literally cried tears of joy, and subsequently, my stress fracture healed, allowing me to run a 10 minute 5k. truly one of the running youtubers of all time in my opinion.

[@Sharknadowars]

10 minutes! Did you get a world record award? That’s like a 3:06 pace!

[@thebot64838]

@@Sharknadowars he's joking lol

[@TheRayOfBlue]

Only 10? You ain't a runner if you can't run sub 5 🙄

[@natejc93]

Race specific training is super important. If your A race has hills, train hills leading up to it. Same with different types of terrain as well (sand, loose gravel, etc.). Also congrats on the partnership with BPN. Their stuff is amazing and I have used their stuff for years.

[@jamestherunner2]

I’m a freshman college athlete who runs 400/800. What really helps me is to think back to all the work I put in especially my hardest workout. Stay confident on the line and keep to yourself. This is one of my favorite channels, keep it up dude!

[@leocossham]

What do you mean by keep to yourself?

[@jamestherunner2]

@@leocossham I just mean stay focused on the line, no need to tell anyone your prs or goals. Focus to your own race they’re just running in your race

[@ezramarkos4957]

I 100% agree with keeping to yourself, I set goals in my head that I know will be hard to reach and I will likely fail to push myself to my limits but telling those to other people just adds pressure and can kinda seem cocky

[@runner0]

As a runner myself, I would say that one thing is to believe in yourself. You have put in the training and yes it is going to hurt but everyone else is hurting too, you have to find that second gear and just go for it like Kelly said. This is the first video iIhave watched of his and I honestly loved it!

[@rbpi841]

I am a simple man. When Brock posts I click

[@TheBrockKelly]

I appreciate you ❤️

[@SuperShipppp]

@@TheBrockKellythx for the help I’m on my way to a meet right now

[@NotFedwards]

@@SuperShipppphow did it go? I’m curious 😊

[@nathanevans569]

As a college runner whose been struggling with racing cross, this was perfect timing and super helpful for me!

[@cooperbrungardt9388]

My personal favorite is blowing up the toilet before a meet. That’s when you know its going to be a good day.

[@Sharknadowars]

If your it reading this, you got this! Don’t let anything get in your way, the only thing your racing against is yourself. 🎉😊

[@Rose-bh9dv]

Congrats on the bpn partnership 💪

[@TheBrockKelly]

Appreciate it!

[@jacksonlittle282]

So glad I finally found a video where the tips were helpful and not common sense. Thanks man

[@ColossoDGS]

Hey thanks for some one who wants tp run in the Olympics one day your advice is some of the best I've seen

[@TheBudderBroes]

top tier video. I absolutely love your videos and they give me a huge amount of motivation for running.

[@jackkelly8679]

I watched you race at the Southern Stampede! Great race, exited to see how you’ll do this year!!

[@muhammedfariz8871]

dude this channel really deserves 1M+ subscribers

[@mariokartman10]

Congrats on the partnership! I know it’s easier said then done but if you keep up the quality and consistency of your videos you will go places and a ton of opportunities are gonna come your way 100%.

[@donovanweidler1539]

I’ve been feeling with BPN for a few years now and all the products are top of the line.

[@vinnysworld6029]

My team walks the cource always a while before a race. We will also do a little warm up run. Also we will do some warmups before racing. So some tips are walk the cource, a little warmup run, and warmups before the race.

[@eduardoespinoza3173]

thank you for posting this, had a terrible first college race, went slower than I do in mileage idk how, it was so hilly but I had seen you at the meet last Friday but I didn't want to bother you or your team but hope you have a good season this year, excited for the new vids too🤘

[@TheBrockKelly]

It happens to the best of us. Keep your head up and keep moving forward!

[@Beavers-editz0204]

I have a big race tomororw and this video helped. Thanks!

[@laurencharltonn]

Could you do a video dedicated to nutrition? Like day to day fuelling; post and pre workout; when to fuel ina workout; supplements you recommend etc?

[@TheBrockKelly]

I’ll definitely consider it. Especially since I started this new type of series on the channel.

[@awsmchicken]

We usually run alongside part of the course as warmup to get to know it better

[@ntwaripyunn1618]

Brock, we are going to race at y’all’s meet in mid October! I can’t wait!

[@marknance6461]

W tips bro, love the channel

[@TheBrockKelly]

Thanks! 🙏🏼

[@Grayson_111]

Appreciate you bro!! Ima try some of that stuff for my next race

[@victorhanley623]

awesome video sir

[@elijahscott3063]

I remember this last season I was that one in a million runner who wasn’t nervous, AND I SUCKED THAT RACE. I showed up a little dehydrated, I was cocky, I was walking the most I ever did in a race and I got a 24 time wasn’t my best race. To anyone reading this nerves are ur ally, it builds up ur adrenaline, ur mind set and expectations, at least for me. When u have nerves be glad, ur about to have a good race, just don’t get scared, scared will ruin u I know

[@andym1594]

Good video... I was fast once but just below the cut of guys running pro or going to the olympics. There's no substitute for a high level of fitness. When coming up in HS, I didn't train so that I "could win" a state championship, I trained so that I couldn't lose a state championship. Even on my worst day. Say that about Foot Locker and you'll have a good XC season. In College it's a different story, but if you are in college, you're not reading youtube comments for race strategy. On Strat- it depends on the above and who is on the race. If you are the top guy, you just need to be able to lead going into the last mile and drop the last 800-1000 to a pace that punishes anyone not from the planet krypton. If you are trying to pick off the top guy- you need to keep him with 10-15 yards of yourself in the entire race and match his moves as best you can. Lesser runners always go out too hard at all levels. If you are good, you never lead that first mile. On the carbs- I adopted the habit of sucking on butterscotch candy all the way up to warm up. Generally you will be having a light breakfast that day and you don't want much in your GI tract, so this kept energy in the system. Also stay hydrated. Coffee- I adopted this in HS at around 2-3 hours before hard workouts and races. Drink it in a quiet place and relax your mind thinking about nothing. I'm in my 50s now contemplating masters racing and it's still my favorite routine.

[@sandrasmithers2122]

Thank you very much this was helpful I have my second ever cross country meet this wensday and the first one I ran I went to hard at the start

[@Landon.Livingston]

Guys expect it to hurt. I would expect it to hurt early, and when it did I had already expected it too, it helped me feel more in control of the race. Also my #1 tip is to control your breathing. Once i started controlling my breathing i was running such better races

[@DannyHodgesrunning247]

Love your content 🤝

[@alejandroromagosa5547]

Such great info!

[@davidvankuik2857]

Dont forget to practice starts with a big group so you are prepared

[@jvqx-wl3mc]

well i hope this helps i have a 3k tommorow i forgot about this video until like 5 hours after my race and i PB! and got a new best mile time of 7:03

[@sdbowen18]

Question: Do many XC runner use Bi-Carb? i know its very big in cycling as it helps with lactate buffering? Also love the channel and the content

[@daisygoodwin1288]

What is your everyday breakfast? Nutrition wise??

[@eduardoestrada8224]

I feel like sometimes you just gotta remind yourself this isn’t something new or some kind of uncharted territory, but rather what you do for a living 😂. Helps ease my nerves when I’m overthinking.

[@user-wo2xg]

Hey Brock I just ran a 21:10 5k as a freshman with almost no prior running experience, is that good?

[@sejal19747]

Keep up the work! With dedication, you are on your way to greatness! ❤

[@The_Liam_Radakovich]

It is good, if you keep training and grinding you will be lots better. Begining of this summer I ran about your time, and now I run a 19:15, just focus on getting better and you will!.

[@jkinnicutt]

You had me with the St. Jude directors chair 😃

[@TheBrockKelly]

you have one of those lying around anywhere?

[@evancheney4841]

Hey man love the vids, your hat is really fire what brand is it?

[@TheBrockKelly]

It’s actually my own brand. We’re sold out right now, but I got some more items in the works! Stay tuned

[@Y_53333]

Hey man, just finished my 8th grade cross country season. We ran 3k races and just wondering if you can make a video that can help myself and others my age prep for highschools 5ks?

[@superscreentrapyellowchann4704]

I run skirt and sidewalk and parks

[@BaileyCroffordMusic]

Will you be trying out the coros pace 3?

[@cloudyisghost]

Hey could I get a recommendation for spikes & flats? Recently started xc. I mainly road run so I have no idea what to get.

[@TheBrockKelly]

I would say the Nike dragonfly spikes are probably the best in the game right now. The streakfly flats from Nike are also pretty good.

[@lobsterdisc]

I don’t get nervous before a race, but this is because I don’t care about the sport I just do it.

[@HannahsBookishThings]

You should make a running app with intervals and timing and your methods

[@ConorHickey-b5k]

Hey Brock. Do you have any recommendations on watches to track your work out and progress?

[@TheBrockKelly]

I use the Coros Pace 2 and I love it! Perfect watch for any runner.

[@ConorHickey-b5k]

@@TheBrockKelly Awesome thanks, and keep the up the good work

[@hoyler616]

Do you race with your watch on? This is something I have been considering but I’m worrying that checking it will slow me down, thoughts?

[@TheBrockKelly]

I usually don’t race with my watch on. I take it off. I don’t want any concept of time. I just want to be in the moment as much as possible. But some people love looking at their watch and getting the data. It feeds them during their races. It really all depends on your personality type and what works best for you. I’m very much a go with the flow type of guy, so I don’t really like all the data

[@Monkey-u2l]

Guys please make sure to eat right my chest started hurting bad during a 5k cuz i didn't eat anything before

[@willemmandel]

where was this before my race this morning

[@TheBrockKelly]

Use it for your next race 🙏🏼

[@andrewwneely7830]

I like to tell myself to stay relaxed but don’t get comfortable

[@Corsa93]

how does one acquire that hat like Derek at camp?

[@TheBrockKelly]

At some point, I’ll restock the hats. But for now, I’m working on some XC tees that will be out in a few weeks 👀🤘🏽

[@Corsa93]

@@TheBrockKelly that’s awesome dude, ill be posted, keep killing it!

[@kathyhammond492]

Not you calling out Gabe like that 😂

[@TheBrockKelly]

Hahaha he already commented on the video too

[@Silushernandez]

can you make one for 5k?

[@flobergruns]

Chemex pour over = faster running - got it.

[@flobergruns]

2 Chemex pour overs - twice as fast?

[@TheBrockKelly]

Yes. Double pour over. Double the speed. Use this wisely in your marathon

[@Gus4-r7l]

Hey Brock I’m Gus And Do Cross Country And Track And I Have A Race Today And I’m Nervous.

[@sandrasmithers2122]

And this is my first year

[@habtamugeta1920]

I am much better runner when I follow 80/20 rule. Lots of easy run is very important

[@fluffyflamingo2267]

I think everyone says this but you will not succeed unless you really want it. Mindset is very important.

[@bobdanani1863]

maby a lane swich dobble to get in front of opponents

[@bobdanani1863]

yeah that sounds good

[@Slattertatters]

14.3 miles a day😳

[@gabepoulin9615]

25 laps around a track. Easy. 4 laps in a grass field. No bueno

[@TheBrockKelly]

Homie can’t count

[@KaidenHedge]

Brock, do you know Jesus bro? He loves you so much and wants to use you to reach so many people! You can walk in freedom and in power when you see who you are as his son! You are a son bro!! ❤️

[@LilyCrowe-w1x]

Aww I love your evangelism for Jesus. So bold!! -Jesus is KING!!

[@dailydriveasmr]