The summer is over and the nights are fair drawing in.It can only mean one thing - the start of the cross country season.  
If you’ve never pulled on a pair of spikes, don’t despair. Here is the WERR wolves’  handy guide to all things cross country.
 
First things first, what is it?
It might sound like a whole new world, but really it is just running - on grass. What could be simpler?

But is it just for the proper runners?
Absolutely not. It really is fun and inclusive. Think of it like parkrun, but with more mud, more roadtrips and more cake.
 
How do I get started?
First of all,you need to register with Scottish Athletics. It costs £21 for the year and you can do this here. As well as being able to enter cross country events, it will also give you discounts on entry to other races throughout the year. Once you have your number, you can fill in this form and we’ll be able to sign up to the races that you want to do.
 
What do I wear?
Spikes. They will really help you stay on your feet. Your club top. Apart from that, it is up to you. Most people wear shorts because you can get quite wet and it is a bit miserable and cold if you have something longer on and it gets soaked. Pack some warm clothes to put on afterwards - don’t forget a pair of clean, dry socks. 
 
Do I really need another pair of running shoes?
Yes - but the good news is that spikes are much cheaper than road shoes. The actual spikes come in different lengths so depending on the conditions, you can pick how big you need to go with them. Allen is always available to assist with last minute changes too. He is thrilled with this. 
 
But I’ve never ever done it before.
Don’t worry, the club will organise some practice sessions to build your confidence and details will be sent out nearer the time. There are also sessions organised by Glasgow Athletics Association, which are basically one of Colin’s reps sessions, but on grass and on a Saturday. You can find the details over on their Facebook page (or just wait until the WERRwolf issues an email). 
 
When is it?
Runs take place on Saturdays,with different types of events taking place leading up to the national final in February. It all kicks off with relay events, where you will be in a team. The men and women race separately, so you’ll be able to cheer your club on. You can find details on the WERR website.
 
I heard about the cakes…
Big cake culture. Huge. Bring something sweet (and ideally vegan)  to share with your teammates. We even have a tent to shelter in now so don’t have to gather around someone’s car boot. Men take note, cake contribution is everyone’s responsibility.
 
Why do it?
Firstly, for the love of running. It might not sound it, but there is something intensely joyful about charging about a muddy field on a Saturday. For me, is a complete escape from being stuck behind a desk all week. It’s also a lot more interesting than road running. Will you go around that puddle or through it? How are you going to get over the fallen tree? And at what point are you going to try and get past the person in front of you. 
Running on a soft surface is also a great workout. It’s great for improving your strength, balance and your running form. Just ask Paula Radcliffe. You get to go on regular roadtrips – think the parkrun challenge, but with a car full of your best running friends. It’s great for team spirit and you get a real sense of achievement.
​So what are you waiting for?

A is for afterparty! We like to celebrate everyone’s achievements, after all. And it is nice to see people scrubbed up nicely.
 
B is for brain power – cross country is so much more interesting than road running. Will you run around that puddle or straight through it? Over the tree or around it? Your brain will be working overtime and those miles will just tick by.
 
C is for…cake. All the cake. Definitely more calories consumed than burned, but who is counting? Also cheering. 
 
D is for determination. You don’t have to be fast, but you will definitely be trying your best. 
 
E is for enjoyment! Remember that feeling of jumping in a massive puddle when you were five? It’s like that, but no one will tell you off for it.
 
F is for Falkirk – the scene of the national finals.
 
G is for GAA. They put on some great training sessions to help people of all abilities improve. It’s also a good way to meet new people. 
 
H is for hamstrings – they’ll be getting a great workout.
 
I is for inspirational - that would be the sight of all the WERRs taking to the field together and having a go. Brings a tear to our eyes.
 
J is for jumper – remember to put a warm one in your bag to pop on afterwards. What better excuse to purchase one of WERR’s stylish new hoodies?
 
K is for kickass.That feeling you get when you arrive home, covered in mud and grinning from ear to ear.
 
L is for the Lindsays trophy, which is awarded to the club with the highest number of people taking part. Not that we’re competitive, but we stand a good chance of climbing that table this year.
 
M is for mud – obviously
 
N is for ‘nearly there’ - that feeling when you see the finishing line ahead of you and somehow find the strength for a sprint finish.
 
O is for opportunity. It’s a great chance to try something new. 
 
P is for puddles.So much fun to splosh through them. 
 
Q is for quads. Aching because you have just given them a great workout
 
R  is for relays. The first stage of the XC seasons.
 2019 will be the first year that WERR have put a team in. Something new for everyone.
 
S is for spikes and also your Scottish Athletics number. You need both. 
 
T is for team spirit! And also our lovely new tent.
 
U is for underdogs. Yes, we’re a small club and we’re really only getting started, but underestimate the WERRwolves at your peril.
 
V is for vest – you need to wear your club top. Available from the WERR club shop.
 
W is for the WERRwolves of course.
 
X is for XC. Or cross country. 
 
Y is for you. We really want everyone to have a go at cross country this year. 
 
Z is for zzzz. You’ll definitely sleep well after all that fresh air.