Cross Country team to keep to the roads

submitted by Nick Krus

October 23, 2006 —

I would like to comment on the commentary titled "Students jogging in road face inevitable danger" by Jason Wolverton in the Oct. 9 issue. First I would like to address that a runner is much different from a jogger. A runner trains to compete at a high level of competition. While a jogger merely jogs to stay in shape, hence, a jogger is likely to head indoors to the track or stay within the boundaries of campus.

Secondly, everyone pays taxes; therefore, everyone has an equal right to the roads. This includes runners, cyclists, and drivers. Yes, there are many drivers that respect that, but unfortunately I have had run-ins with many drivers who don't. Also, I recall back in driver's training that all pedestrians have the right of way, therefore the vehicle must yield to the pedestrian. It is our right to use the roads as we see fit.

Thirdly, the last time I checked, distance runners run long distances. Why on earth would I do an 18 to 20 mile-long run, lap after lap around a track? Wow, that would be boring. Wait, that would not only be boring, but it would be a high risk for injury. The constant turning of a track would put extra strain and pressure on ligaments, bones, and tendons in your legs and lower body. When you're running upwards of 90 to 115 miles a week, you need the variation in scenery and in terrain. Obviously, you are not a runner yourself; otherwise you would know that it would be a huge mistake to do that much mileage on a track. As to the paved sidewalk around campus, that is maybe one mile tops. As for the rest of the Men's Cross Country Team and I, we will continue to use the roads day in and day out for our training. Motorists beware, we are not giving any in this situation.

Nick Krus
Men’s Cross Country Captain