A couple of years ago a young american girl sent me a heart-felt email telling me that one of her big goals in life was to lose enough weight to run track, at the time I was hit with a number of emotions, I was chuffed that she had reached out to me for support, and I was sad that she felt that running at her local track was so far out of her reach as she didn’t have any health issues, she was simply too scared to be seen running public as a fat lady. You can read the original post here
Now I think the whole running thing is slightly different in the states, what with the facilities in high schools and the link between college and athletic endeavour, but the principles of track running are similar I am sure and the barriers to fat women plucking up the courage to go along to their local track are universal, so I decided to put this post together to showcase some of the amazing reasons we shouldn’t feel like it’s not for us.
So here are my 7 compelling reasons to run track
1. They have a great soft running surface – Pounding the pavement week after week is no good for anybody, no matter your size, but most running tracks are made of a synthetic rubber called Tartan which is springy and therefore kinder on the ankle, knee, and hip joints. You won’t have to worry about pot holes, curbs or stray dogs either…you can just focus on your running.
2. They are suitable for all abilities – Despite what you may think, track running is not just for the super fast or for super endurance athlete, by their circular nature they are suitable for absolute beginners too. Running tracks are always 400 meters in distance, with clear 100 meter markings so perfect for run walking to start off with. Once you can run 1 lap you can then progress to running 2, once you can do a handful you can grab yourself a stopwatch and start improving your speed (See point 6)
3. They are almost spectator free – So often we have issues with running in public, the chance of being heckled, being seen in our lycra by people we know or having strangers judge us, it’s a wonder we leave the house at all. But with track despite their open nature, the chances of having more than a handful of spectators and the likelihood is they are focussed on their training.
4. They are very affordable – Most running tracks have a pay as you go system with off peak discounted sessions, and training sessions led by local running clubs. My local track costs about £3 a session, less if you are over 35 (A veteran so to speak) and you can get an annual membership for just £45 (Bargain or what?)
5. They are a great place to meet other runners – Most runners are friendly and willing to give advice and support, so being in a place where other runners hang out is going to help you to feel more at home in that world. You are also more likely to find out about local running groups, coaching services and races. So say hello and if nothing else smile
6. They are a great place to work on both speed and endurance – When you are training for something in particular like a 10K (or any other distance race in fact) a track session can be very versatile. There are hundreds of different speed sessions that can be created, with intervals, YASSOs, Pyramids for example (Google these), but you can also just go for distance without the need to think of a new route (although you might want some music for company!!)
7. They are a public resource – Most tracks are owned by local authorities, or managed by publicly funded voluntary groups or colleges, so as a UK tax payer (not sure about the rest of the world) you are paying for the upkeep of these facilities, so you should use them. Most tracks are underused too, aside from evenings and weekends when they are used for training sessions and events. During the day they tend to be quiet, so if you are looking for somewhere to train during the day this is ideal.
So there you have it, why wouldn’t you start running track?
Oh yeah…that thing called FEAR!!!
Still a bit worried about just showing up the first time? Well here are a few ideas for facing those pesky fears
- Call up your local track and ask them about fees and timings of beginners sessions and pay as you go track time
- Arrange to go with a friend the first time
- Attend a local track race as a spectator to familiarise yourself with the facilities
- Offer to volunteer to get to know other officials
And what about track etiquette?
A lot of this is common sense, and you will get to grips with it after your first few times. People can be uptight if they are doing an important training session, but remember we all have to start somewhere so just be polite and if you are not sure just ask the other runners which lanes they are using.
The basics rules are
- Never go onto the track without looking in both directions first
- Never cut across the central grass area (someone could be throwing a javelin your way)
- Avoid the inside 3 lanes during warm up and cool down
- Leave the track at the end of the session by walking outside the barrier – not along the track.
- Try not to set off to run if you can see a faster group or athlete coming towards you, wait until they have passed
- When you have just finished a rep or stride don’t just stop on the track as you may be blocking other groups coming up quickly behind you.
- Make yourself aware of what other groups are doing in their session before you start your own.
- If you hear someone shout “TRACK!” it means someone is approaching you at speed probably from behind you, so step aside quickly. (alternatively you can stand your ground and let them overtake on the outside, just don’t dither)
Finally, if you are London based and wan to come and try out track in a safe and friendly environment why not come and join us on Friday 11th September at Mile End Stadium from 7pm for a fun introduction to track session led by myself and plus size running coach Craigie-Lee Patterson. Spaces are limited, more details here
[wpv_featured_products columns=”4″ per_page=”1″ orderby=”date” order=”desc”]
[/wpv_featured_products]