Cross Country Tales with Izzy Fry
Athlete: Izzy Fry
DOB: 04/05/2000
Nationality: British
Club: Newbury AC
How would you describe cross country to someone who has never tried it?
Cross country is a very simple sport, in short, it’s a mental battle of you against you. It’s always physically challenging due to the typical terrain and conditions, but the beauty of the sport is you can make it however hard you want based on how much you want to push yourself. It encourages you to run to feel and forget about pace and specific splits which can give you a very freeing feeling especially on a good day!
What is your earliest memory of taking part in cross country?
My earliest memory of cross country is competing at school cross country leagues. I particularly remember the overriding feeling being nervousness. Shivering on the start line in a baggy long sleeved rugby shirt surrounded by a big crowd of other nervous girls. I had very little idea of pacing but found myself in the top half of the race, thinking how on earth are the girls in front running so fast!
What is your best result to date?
My best result to date is winning the World university cross country championships in March 2022 which took place in Aveiro, Portugal. Coming off the back of my first indoor season I had no idea what to expect going into a 10km cross country race. Little did I know it was about to be the best race of my life and I was going to be the one breaking the tape. It was a challenging course which had an array of different terrains including grass, sand, hills, and hair pin turns. I remember having a real sense of control and feeling as though it was my race, and I could dictate the pace.
What is the toughest cross-country experience you’ve had?
The toughest cross country course I have experienced was the European Cross country championships in Lisbon, 2019. It was my first time representing Great Britain for cross country and although the course wasn’t muddy it was very hilly. It had lots of short sharp hills which made it really difficult to find a rhythm, especially as we were only running 4km, which meant there was no let up on the pace from the very start.
Is there another race that particularly stands out?
A race that stands out for me is National XC Championships in 2020 at Woolaton Park. It was the first time I had medalled at a National Championships, but it stands out mainly due to how muddy it was. It was thick mud which made every step difficult to pull your leg back out from the ground and move forward. A true reflection of what a typical cross country course can look like in the UK!
How do you train for cross country season?
Cross country doesn’t require much specific training, you just have to be aerobically fit and strong enough to cope with the uneven terrain. Long controlled tempos, hill sessions and hilly easy runs certainly help!
What are your cross country goals for the season?
My goals for the season are to qualify for my third European Cross Country Championships. It is my last year in the U23 age category, so I’d like to finish as high up as possible and make the most of the shorter distance before moving up to the senior races next year!
What is your preferred footwear for a cross country race?
New Balance XC seven v3
If you could change one thing about cross country racing, what would it be?
The weather, the occasional freezing cold and very wet days certainly make it slightly less enjoyable!
Stay tuned to our social channels for more insight from the running industries most exciting brands and to stay up -to-date with the latest and greatest running shoe releases. You can find us at:
►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prodirectrunning/
►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prodirectrunning/
►Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProD_Running
►Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/prodirectrunclub
►YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/prodirectrunning
