THE RIGHT TRACK
Pushing your limits on the oval is fun – and a great way to improve as a runner
WHETHER YOU’VE JUST STARTED RUNNING or have been doing it for years, I have one question: do you do speedwork at the track? I’m asking because, in my humble opinion, the track rocks. I know many find it intimidating, and to be honest, so did I. Some people think it’s a place where only fast people go. Which they do, but then so do people like me and you.
If I started running from scratch,
I’d opt for the track. At TrackMafia sessions, I’d say you’re only ever 400m from the finish, so why not push your limits and experiment? If the wheels fall off, just reset, recover and go again. Here are some benefits of the track and advice for getting started:
Sense of occasion
Every Thursday night felt like a special occasion. My friends and I would meet in a coffee shop and walk to the track as part of the warm-up ritual, before getting started with some easy laps, drills and strides. The track felt springy, as if it was offering help. It also felt more forgiving and a touch easier on both my muscles and joints, which encouraged me to push that little bit harder.
Focus and consistency
The fixed lap distance lets you hone consistency, which is key to your running development. You don’t have to watch traffic or cross roads – you simply focus on the run. This helps you get used to running at a particular pace, teaching your legs and body how to manage, so that you can slip into autopilot on race day.
Strength in numbers
We’d take turns leading the rep, while occasionally battling with a headwind. You’d want to ease off at times, but you knew that this rep wasn’t just yours, it was the team’s. Accountability like that can make you hold on a bit longer than you might do if you were running alone.
Track etiquette
The track is open to all, as long as you follow a few simple rules:
Ease your way in
Trying anything new is always daunting. So the first time you go, why not just do your normal run? Or perhaps start or finish on the track? No speedwork, just a nice, easy run. Check it out and see what it feels like to run in a circle.