Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Exercise Sciences, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 13-15).

The study examines a particular aspect of the development of athletics in Scotland. The first organised clubs for the sole purpose of purely athletic competition in the contemporary sense, were cross country clubs known as harrier clubs. Through investigation of the origins, governance and the social structure of harriers clubs, the study connects these three fundamental themes in understanding sport within broader social historical study. In this study the origins of cross country running are set within a theoretical framework which recognises the nature of the urban and rural environments which defined the sport. The sport’s early growth and governance in Scotland is set alongside the broader ideological position of the ‘amateur’. Additionally, club organisation promoted the clubs as cultural institutions. Clubs served as a focus for male sociability and elevated the status of membership of the harriers. Membership meant more than just sporting engagement; it included social and civic standing. The purpose and function therefore of early clubs extended beyond participation. This study demonstrates how membership of cross country clubs conferred upon its members a status, establishing harriers clubs as important social institutions. This research shows how social networks within sport replicated society more broadly. The significance of the contribution of cross country clubs to the development of Scottish sporting culture is therefore implicit. Harriers clubs were the epitome of the complexity of sporting engagement representing both respectability and liminal behaviour.

Thesis PlanA (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Literature suggests that the original and "pure" elements of cross country course design have faded through time; in order to wholly enhance course design the original elements must be preserved and united with desired modern course elements. "Pure" sport is defined by an athlete's struggle and persistence that occur amidst tough competition, rugged course elements, and physical pain. In addition to identifying the desired elements through literature review, case studies, and self-experience of cross country course design, it was necessary to confirm the desired elements through interviewing eight key informants. The key informants were renowned and accomplished NCAA cross country coaches selected to represent a wide geographic. These eight informants were interviewed to unveil which elements of cross country courses were desired, important, essential, would advance design, and are underutilized and present in their favored courses. The results from the interviews confirmed a deep desire for enhanced course design by unionizing the elements present in the "pure" sport of cross country with contemporary desired elements. The new "pure" sport of cross country can be obtained through the utilization of the elements revealed within this thesis. Designing courses that will provide unchanged emotions from the "pure" sport of cross country, yet do not incorporate excessively rough course elements, will be the new "pure" sport of cross country. Overall, the results show designing for the athlete, which includes safety, well defined routing and proper carrying capacity, an accomplished sense of place, advanced technologies and facilities, sport appropriate and safe footing and reasonable terrain, and spectator engagement, would considerably improve design. In order to preserve the "pure" sport of cross country while also integrating modern desired and necessary elements, course designers must use pioneering design methods in order to incorporate all of the desired elements. The main objective of this research was accomplished and has established a foundation upon which subsequent research efforts may begin. This work serves as a catalyst to improving cross country course design by attaining the knowledge of proper, intensified, and innovative design.

Master's thesis - - State University of New York College at Cortland, 2009 - - Department of Kinesiology. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 25-7).

This study examined the effects of two distinct phases of endurance training (summer and in-season training) in previously well-trained male and female high school cross-country runners. Eleven males and 11 females from the same high school training program were recruited for the three testing sessions: post-track season (June), postsummer training (mid-August), and post-cross-country season (early-November). However, due to injury and other circumstances, only 10 males and 4 females completed all testing sessions. Thus, baseline characteristics were analyzed for both genders; however, longitudinal analysis was only conducted using the males. Submaximal measurements included running economy (RE), blood lactate concentration ([BLa]), and heart rate (HR) at three running speeds in females (6, 7, and 8 mph), and males (7, 8, and 9 mph). Maximal measurements of oxygen uptake (VO2max) and HR, neuromuscular characteristics of isokinetic knee extension strength and vertical jump height, and body composition were also measured. Baseline results showed that the males possessed a higher VO2max, greater neuromuscular characteristics, and lower submaximal [BLa] and HR values than the females. Longitudinal analysis of the males showed that there was an increased VO2max, decreased maximal HR, and decreased neuromuscular strength following summer training. In-season training precipitated further increases in VO2max, an increase in maximal and submaximal HR, and increased neuromuscular characteristics. RE and [BLa] did not significantly change (p<_ 0.05) throughout the course of the study. Likely, it is the subtle changes in these variables in previously welltrained runners which account for the slower performance times at the beginning of the cross-country season and the improvements thereafter. / School of Physical Education

The purpose of this study is to determine physiological adaptations in trained male high-school runners before and after high-intensity training associated with a crosscountry season. Testing occurred on five separate occasions at the Human Performance Laboratory. After the first familiarization session, the subjects performed a treadmill graded exercise test in which maximal oxygen consumption and ventilatory threshold was measured. Submaximal oxygen consumption and blood lactate concentration at three running speeds (10, 12, and 14 km'hf 1 at 0% grade) was determined in a second testing session. After the cross-country season (13 weeks) the subjects returned to the laboratory and performed the same graded exercise and submaximal exercise tests. VO2max significantly increased, VT tended to increased, however, not significant. There were no changes in submaximal economy or lactate except for significant decline in blood lactate at 14 km hf' . Although these variables are associated with endurance performance in adults, there is very little information available regarding the effects of endurance training on these variables in the adolescent age group. Knowing the extent of the adaptations will help to optimize the training programs for age group. / School of Physical Education

This study evaluated the training adaptations in female adolescent cross-country runners over two training seasons. Although the effects of endurance training in this population are understood, the specific adaptations resulting from pre-season and in-season training are not clear. The physiological changes occurring over these two training seasons in 10 female runners (15.7 ± 0.8 yrs, 165.6 ± 5.6 cm, 53.8 ± 6.1 kg) were assessed. Maximal exercise responses were measured during a continuous graded exercise test and submaximal exercise responses were quantified at 7 and 8 mph. Isokinetic muscle strength was assessed at four movement speeds (60-240°/sec) and muscle power was calculated using vertical jump height. Body composition also was assessed. HR at maximal and submaximal exercise declined during pre-season training and then increased during in-season training. Blood lactate [BLa] measurements at 7 and 8 mph decreased following summer training. Whole body bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density, and femoral head BMC increased. In conclusion, it appears that high volume, low intensity training lowers [BLa] with no corresponding change in oxygen utilization in highly trained female adolescents. Running also appears to have a positive impact on bone mass in female adolescents. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.I.S.)--Oregon State University, 2010. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 65-69). Also available on the World Wide Web.