GET YOUR STAMINA ON TRACK
Track running is the group workout chasing down park runners with its focus on technique, speed and quicker fat burn. On your marks, gentlemen
Parkruns are great – but catch up with track training to fast-forward your endurance
01_ WHERE DO I START?
Join a network such as Track Life LDN, which holds weekly group sessions. It will drill you in valuable techniques to correct your form and protect your joints, while offering motivation you won’t get on a treadmill. “Doing sprint sessions alone is tough,” says Rory Knight, leader of the running club. “Having someone in front of you puts you in a competitive mindset and forces you to push harder than you would on your own.”
02_ WHO’S IT FOR?
Anyone who wants to improve their fitness. And don’t be daunted by the Olympic connotations: the track is the best place for beginners. “At standard running clubs, you can easily be left behind by more experienced runners,” says Knight. “But on the track, you’re only ever 200m from the next person. So, it’s far from elitist.”
03_ IS THERE A SIGNATURE MOVE TO MASTER?
Perfect your arm stride with the A-skip. Drive one knee up to 90 degrees and push forward by engaging your hamstrings and glutes, swinging the opposite arm in unison with your leading leg. Perform 10 on each side to elbow out your rivals.
04_ DO I NEED ANY SPECIAL KIT?
Despite their chunky silhouette, French label Hoka One One’s lightweight Speedgoat 2 sneakers (£120 hokaoneone.eu) are increasingly popular with track runners, thanks to their advanced midsole technology and hightraction Vibram outsole.
05_ WILL IT GET ME RIPPED?
The further you run, the more like Sir Mobot you’ll become. Sprint training, however, utilises your body’s fast-twitch fibres, which grow when subjected to short distances at high intensity. Knight says runners can burn 1,300kcal in a single 90-minute session, which makes the track a dash to a leaner physique.
06_ WHAT SHOULD I AVOID?
Never phone in your warmup. “Expect at least 30 minutes of activations,” says Knight. “Your posture is very important. Deskbound runners, in particular, need to open up their hips, glutes, chest and shoulders.” Hit the track prepared and you’ll be able to focus on running and cash in on the musclebuilding, fat-melting boons without injury.