Track Running - what to expect...?

[JaoJao]

They say there is no such thing as a silly question...

The local Borough puts on a schedule of free running sessions a few times a week. There is one happening tomorrow night 7.00pm-8.00pm at a local Athletics Centre, it’s very close and convenient so I’m going to try it out. It’s listed as “Track Running” as opposed to “Road Running”. I know what a track looks like, but can anyone advise me with what I can expect at this 1 hour session of track running?

I’m quite excited about trying something different but it’s nice to be a bit prepared 👍

[Katnap Graduate10]

Hi JaoJao. The track will probably be a bit more grippy and possibly a bit more bouncy. You may get a mix of shorter quick intervals with longer 1k or 1 mile distances.

Just remember to stretch after as you may work harder than usual if you're enjoying it!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Katnap]

Thank you Katnap, that is very helpful. Appreciate it.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I ran on a track years ago and loved it, usually ran for at least for an hour

From what i remember the main difference is it’s smoothness and uniformity, can get boring going round and round but i really loves it and knowing how far i’d run, of course this was long before mobile phones and sports watches or even music small enough to go in your ears

Enjoy the experience

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you WilliwandSola, I can see how it may get monotonous going round and round, it will be quite an experience tonight if I can make it.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to JaoJao]

It’ll be great it’s always interesting to do something merging different have fun

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

For sure! And I like the safety aspect of it too. Even if it's in the dark it doesn't matter because other runners will be around me.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to JaoJao]

Yes it’s a comforting thought not being out there alone

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Have fun! Whatever surface you’re used to running on, track is better. For road runners it’s more comfortable... and for grass/trail runners it takes less energy. It’s difficult to predict what you’ll make of it... and I don’t want to say you’ll be faster, because it’ll feel a little different... and that puts you just outside your comfort zone at first. Just take it as another run, and remember that if you love it, you’ll be needing a pair of spikes 🤣

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you UNM, I think it will be a welcome relief from running on playing fields at parkrun! I wonder if the track will spoil my trainers if you think I need spikes

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

It’ll be fine... spikes will be quicker, that’s all... really not worth buying unless you intend to do a lot of track running. Of course there’s another type of spikes for grass 🤣🤣

[Windoze Graduate10]

I would be prepared for some hard interval sessions.....that's what the track is all about 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😎😜

Also if it's your first time you'll probably run through H&S and ettiqute (how to avoide a javelin in the back of your head 😜) etc

Do they tell you what the session will involve on the website?

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Windoze]

Thank you Windoze, there is no other information on the schedule published by the borough other than it's track running. I would be quite happy to go round and round until the hour is up and see what my distance is! I expect there may be a few different things going on depending on how many people turn up.

I wish this rain would stop! It's really off putting! But I am determined to make it out tonight

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi. I did a track session a few weeks ago. However unfortunately the track was a little slippy in parts, so I felt a bit on edge. It was mainly one end of the track that maybe doesn't get much sun. Organisers said it needs a good clean. 🤞 Your track be OK.

That said I still enjoyed it.

Session about 40 mins and consisted of a few warm up laps. Some baton work - were we split into teams (reminded me of school 🤣😵) and ran fast sections passing on the baton. Speed and cadence work, a bit hard to explain but basically counting steps over distance for 3 x section runs of steady, medium and fast whilst also lengthening stride, then the same in reverse. Some more laps, then some stretching.. Did about 3.5k.

Have fun and let us know how u get on.

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thanks Deals, That's quite a full on session with all those different alternatives you've mentioned. I will report back tonight when I get back home. It will be a change of scenery for me which I'm looking forward to the most and running with others.

[Granspeed Graduate10]

No idea, but it sounds fun & different. Be sure to report back on what you discover! 👍

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you Granspeed, I will let you know.

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

wow thats so cool..... when i joined ( briefly) a running club, we did a warm up curcuit, then lots of interval type things, as well as strength work ( not on the track!!). whatever it is, just enjoy it... sounds fun

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you Ju-ju, "variation" seems to be the common theme.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

I've been tempted to check out the track closest to me... the gate is often open... but I haven't yet found out if it's free! 🤣

[JaoJao Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Haha, do a quick google search and you'll be sure to find some details on it. There must be running groups using it, maybe your borough has an "active" campaign you can join, just try it once and you'll soon if its for you. That's what I am doing tonight.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

Yes, there's clubs... but I'm not a club sort 🤣 I might just sneak in the gate one time to see....

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Look forward to hearing all about it 😍

[JaoJao Graduate10]

Update: Today's session got cancelled, I was unaware of this until I rocked up at the Athletics Centre. So I may leave it until next week. One of the regulars was there and explained that it's a "fun" session where they play games rather than hardcore runs for an hour. I'm not sure how I feel about that, I may try again next week or maybe it's just not for me. I really need a slot to run with others and get my mileage in!

So I will be running tomorrow morning solo to make up for the lost run today.

Thanks all for your input and feedback.

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to JaoJao]

ahhh, shame it was cancelled, i just came on here to see how you got on and how everyone is doing. I'd say still give it a try if you can

[Kevtrev Graduate10]

Hope you enjoy it JaoJao but my club don’t do track running some times some members go to Manchester City track and pay £3 entry but not often more when it’s warmer but it does sound like fun enjoy my friend XX