Running in the offseason is a big help to any cross country runner. Also, going out for track and field and running in the distance races is another good training devise for a runner. Knoxville Cross Country Coach Michael Splavec tells KNIA/KRLS track and field helps with foot speed when they come down to the final 200 meters of a race. He also says many of the cross country runners play soccer in the spring, and he says that is just as good. Splavec says going out for track is not required for his cross country runners, but he does want them involved in some sport during the spring to get ready for the summer conditioning.