What Do I Need?
If you're new, you might not know what you need. You're in luck, as
running is the simplest sport on the face of the earth. Your needs are minimal.
Shoes
Good running shoes are the most important piece of equipment for cross-country.
They must be made specifically for running; any thing else just isn't going to cut it.
Avoid mall shops, because they're overpriced and the employees rarely know much about running.
Locally, Dave's Running Shop is the place to go.
I have coupons that will save you $10 (but even without it they'll usually give you the
discount if you ask for it and tell them which team you run for).
When the season starts up, spiked racing shoes are a good investment. They're usually cheaper than
training shoes, and if well-taken care of can last years (by comparison, training shoes last
six months at best).
Clothes
Most of the time spent training for cross-country is done during the hottest time of the year.
Shoes, socks, shorts and shirt are all you need. Aside from the shoes, just about anything will
do. Shorts specifically made for running are usually more comfortable, though.
Other stuff
It's usually a good idea to bring a water bottle to practice since you're going to sweat a lot.
Also, if you want to earn a varsity letter you're going to have to keep a
running log.
That's all, folks!