Cross Country Training

Question
Hi there :) So I'm interesting in long distance running, specifically cross country. It's always been a goal or dream of mine to be able to run long distances and possibly join track and field. Ironically enough, I rarely exercise and can run about a 8-9 minute mile. Terrible, I know. I'm 14 and just about to start highschool so I was hoping that maybe next year I could try out for the cross country team. I was wondering if you had and tips or advice on how to get into long distance running and what I could do to train for it. I appreciate any and all advice you have. Thank you :)

Answer
Cross country and track & field are very different worlds. There is an abyss of philosophical differences between them. I suggest you get involved with them in practices and read about it as much as you can so you can figure out which one is more congenial to your personality and running style.