between seasons

[OH-IOvaulter]

At a very basic level I don't necessarily think that its a bad thing for beginning vaulters. However a question to you Becca, and not offensively just a question, Did cross country take you from a competitive level of vaulting to an even more competitive level, or did it take you from a very basic level (as you say void of stamina and running form) to a decent level of stamina and and form? I see cross country as being detrimental to higher level vaulters because you run so very differently on the trail as opposed to on the runway. Last I checked a vaulter was a sprinter while still on the runway and their off season workouts should match accordingly. I've trained with and talked to some high profile sprinters and their off season (which there really isn't one) doesn't have such workouts. I've occasionally jogged in bare feet for a few laps on the inside of the track to strengthen my feet and ankles, but aside from that, Vault all year round if you want to be a vaulter.

[accept fear]

i think that taking an entire season to change the way you run is being a little dramatic. although you may need to change your running form slightly i dont think that running cross country will make you less of a vaulter. i agree that there are other more beneficial things you can be doing, but it will not hurt you run xc.

[powerplant42]

At least not very much at the average high school level...

[vault3rb0y]

You need basic athletic levels to be a good pole vaulter, and cardio is one of them. But over-doing it will do you no good. I think for good HS vaulter guys, they should be able to come out and run 6:05 or so in the mile, if for no other reason, to stay strong and consistent during running workouts and in meets.