Cross country success in the fall is built in the summer. The most successful runners are not the one who show up on day 1 of mandatory practice without having run all summer; they are the ones that put in the work all summer to build a base and prepared to sharpen themselves in preparation to compete.

 

Derry Area XC offers 8 weeks of optional training throughout June and July, designed to help athletes gradually build endurance, improve consistency, and enter the season feeling strong and confident. While summer practices are not mandatory, they are where foundational fitness is formed — and where team culture really begins to grow. 

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Throughout summer training, athletes will experience: easy runs, long runs, tempo runs, interval workouts, strength training in the fitness center, swimming cross-training in the pool, Fun Friday runs (with prizes!) and more. 

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These sessions are open to all returning runners as well as anyone curious about trying cross country for the first time. Whether you’re looking to race varsity or just build a base, summer is the best time to start.