Ready to hit the ground running on the track?
Well, my friend, you’ve come to the perfect spot (and I mean that both literally and figuratively). Get ready to unlock the secrets of the local track and take your running game to new heights!
Let’s start with a little truth bomb, shall we? The track is the holy grail of running sanctuaries. It’s like a sacred playground where you can unleash your inner speed demon, fine-tune your running technique, and escape the mundane distractions of the road. This oval-shaped paradise was made for one thing and one thing only—running, glorious running!
In this article, I’ve got your back, especially your track-loving feet. I’m dishing out some juicy beginner track guidelines to ensure you start this exhilarating journey on the right foot (pun intended). We’ll cover all the bases, my friend, and leave no lane unexplored.
So, what’s on the agenda? Oh, just a little bit of everything! We’ll dive deep into the nitty-gritty of track running, from unraveling the mysteries of what exactly a track is (spoiler alert: it’s not just a circle), to uncovering the mind-blowing benefits that await you on those sleek lanes. And that’s just the warm-up!
But hey, it’s not just about running—we’ll also explore the unspoken rules and etiquette of the track, because being a courteous and informed runner is the true mark of a track superstar.
But wait, there’s more! We’re not stopping at just the basics. I’ve got some killer track workouts lined up, suitable for beginners and advanced runners alike. These workouts will push you, challenge you, and make you wonder if you’ve tapped into some secret superhero power.
Does all of this sound great? Let’s get to it.
What a Running Track?
Picture this: a pristine oval paradise, crafted with precision and purpose. A track is a runner’s haven, a place where your strides find harmony with the ground beneath you. But it’s not just any surface—it’s a synthetic wonderland that cushions your every step, granting your muscles and joints a reprieve from the harsh impacts of the sport.
Trust me, your body will thank you for choosing the forgiving embrace of the track.
Now, I get it. If you’re accustomed to pounding the pavement, conquering trails, or frolicking through grassy meadows, the idea of circling around a track may seem like a daunting and monotonous task.
Worry no more.
I’m here to guide you through the labyrinth of track running and show you the endless possibilities that lie within those seemingly repetitive circles.
What Makes A Track – The Measurements
First things first, let’s talk measurements. A standard track is a marvel of precision, with four to eight lanes that encase its magical core. And guess what? It measures exactly 400 meters—roughly a quarter of a mile—around the innermost lane. But here’s where things get interesting.
As you move outward to the other lanes, the distance increases with each step. In fact, the outside lane stretches a tantalizing 40 to 50 meters longer than its inner sibling. This little quirk is the reason why you’ll often see staggered starting lines in races. It’s all part of the track’s intriguing charm, my friend..
Track Running Distances Explained
Here are some track measurements to help you wrap your head around track running
- 100-meter – The length of each straightaway.
- 200-meter—a half lap around a standard track, kicking off on the curve and finishing at the end of the straightway.
- 400-meter—or a single lap. Roughly a quarter-mile, and one of the most challenging sprint races thanks to the speed and endurance it requires.
- 800-meter—two laps around a standard track or roughly half a mile.
- 1200-meter—three laps around a standard track, or roughly three-quarters of a mile.
- 1600-meter—four laps around a standard track, or approximately one mile.
Using the same math, you can calculate further distances.
For example, if four laps around a track equal one mile, running 5 miles on the track will have you finishing roughly 20 laps.
Not rocket science.
Get the full scope to how many laps is a mile around a track here.
The Benefits of Track Running
Let’s dive into the incredible benefits that track running brings to the table.
If you’re still on the fence about giving it a try, prepare to have your doubts shattered and your running ambitions reignited.
Good For Motivation
We all have those days when running solo feels like a solitary journey into the depths of monotony. But fear not, for the track is your salvation.
It’s a hub of energy, camaraderie, and a little sprinkle of competitive spirit. As a public space, the track offers you the chance to connect with fellow runners, share stories, and find that extra spark that ignites your passion.
All you have to do is show up at the right time, and the track will embrace you with open lanes.
Improve Your Confidence
Track training has the incredible power to boost your confidence and transform your self-image as a runner.
Each stride you take on that meticulously measured oval reinforces your belief in your abilities. With every lap conquered, you’ll witness your self-esteem soaring to new heights.
Meet New People
Picture this: you’re on the track, surrounded by like-minded individuals, each with their own running journey. Together, you form a community that thrives on pushing boundaries and supporting one another.
Training sessions become a playground of friendly competition, as you strive to keep up with the more experienced runners by your side. The collective energy fuels your determination, encouraging you to push beyond your limits. The track becomes a melting pot of inspiration and growth, where friendships are forged and memories are made.
Another Surface Option
By incorporating track workouts into your training regimen, you add a whole new dimension of variety to your running experience.
Think of it as expanding your horizons, exploring different surfaces to enhance your skills and reduce the risk of injury. The track becomes a canvas upon which you paint your running dreams, offering a safe and controlled environment to test your limits. Say goodbye to the interruptions of traffic and obstacles that plague road running. On the track, it’s just you and the pursuit of excellence.
Track Your Progress
Thanks to the deliberate design of standard tracks, you can easily track your speed, effort, and time over a set distance.
You can also do this in a safe and uninterrupted manner.
Unlike on the road where you usually have to stop because of traffic and other obstacles.
The track is literally your playground.
Your Guide to Track Lingo
The more time you spend at a track, the more likely you may come across some of these common track terms.
Better be informed.
Here are the essentials:
Splits
Imagine taking your total running time and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts—usually measured in miles. Monitoring your performance at specific split markers is a valuable tool for maintaining proper pacing during your runs.
For instance, if you maintain the same pace throughout your entire run, you’re running an “even split.” But here’s where it gets interesting: if you pick up the pace during the second half of your session, surpassing your performance in the initial portion, that’s what we call a “negative split.”
Additional Resource – Here’s how many miles should a beginner run
Straightway
Now, let’s take a stroll down the track and explore the different sections. First up, we have the “straightway.” Picture this—100 meters of sheer power and intensity. It’s the shortest distance you’ll encounter in an outdoor sprint race.
This is where explosive speed reigns supreme, as runners unleash their turbocharged legs and push their limits in a lightning-fast burst. It’s a thrilling battleground where every stride counts, and the finish line beckons with a tantalizing promise.
The Curve
Think of the curve as the track’s twisty turn, where the straightway gracefully transitions into a bend. This is where agility and finesse come into play, as runners navigate the curvature with precision and grace. The curve is a true test of technique, demanding a delicate balance between speed and control. Embrace its challenge, and you’ll emerge victorious, conquering each graceful arc like a champion.
Sprints
And let’s not forget about “sprints.” These are the epitome of raw power and explosive energy, the ultimate showcase of speed over a relatively short distance. It’s a test of your limits, pushing yourself to the brink and beyond in a blazing burst of intensity.
Sprint intervals typically last no more than 20 to 60 seconds, spanning a range of 100 to 300 meters. When it comes to sprints, every muscle fiber ignites, every heartbeat quickens, and you unleash a ferocity that propels you forward.
Intervals
Picture this: bursts of faster-paced running followed by recovery periods, whether it’s a light jog or a brisk walk. These dynamic sessions have been proven through numerous studies and research papers to boost your aerobic capacity and enhance your speed.
It’s like giving your engine a turbo boost, pushing your limits, and unleashing your inner speed demon. The key here is to maintain a consistent level of effort and performance with each interval, ensuring that you’re giving it your all and leaving nothing on the track.
Recovery
After each exhilarating sprint or interval, it’s time to catch your breath and bring that heart rate down. Think of it as a pit stop in a race where you refuel and recharge before diving back into the intense action.
During this crucial period, your body regroups, allowing you to fully recover and prepare for the next explosive burst of exercise. It’s the balance between exertion and rest that powers your progress and keeps you in the game for the long run.
Strides
Imagine short sprints that ignite your speedometer, typically ranging from 50 to 60 meters. Here’s how it works: you sprint at around 90 percent of your maximum speed for 20 to 30 seconds, fully recover, and then do it all over again.
Strides are not only an excellent warm-up to kick-start your momentum, but they can also be used as a grand finale, tapping into that reserve of energy when you feel like you still have more to give.
Drills
Think of drills as the pre-run rituals that prepare your mind, muscles, and nervous system for the speedwork that lies ahead. These functional exercises and stretches, such as butt kicks, high knees, walking lunges, and inchworms, are the secret sauce to priming your body for optimal performance.
They awaken your muscles, enhance your coordination, and create a seamless connection between your mind and body. It’s like tuning up a finely-tuned instrument, ensuring that every note you play on the track is pitch-perfect.
Get The Right Shoes
When it comes to conquering the track, your choice of footwear can make all the difference. Picture this: you’re striding confidently, feeling the surge of power with every step, and leaving your competitors in the dust.
That’s why it’s essential to get the right shoes on your feet, ones that are lightweight, comfortable, and supportive—a winning combination that helps you reach your peak performance while keeping those pesky injuries at bay.
While your trusty road running shoes can certainly do the job, if you’re ready to take your track game to the next level, it’s time to consider specialized track shoes like spikes or flats. These babies are designed with the track in mind, giving you that extra edge and helping you unleash your full potential.
Spikes Are The Way to Go
Now, let’s talk about spikes. Imagine them as your secret weapon, providing optimal traction and grip on the track’s surface, allowing you to channel your inner speed demon.
For beginners, I recommend starting with middle-distance spikes. These gems strike the perfect balance between lightweight agility and cushioned comfort, with some extra padding at the heel to give you that sweet cushioning over middle distances. They’re like the sleek sports car that hugs the curves and powers you through each lap with grace and precision.
Plus, they offer more flexibility than their sprinting counterparts, giving you the versatility to tackle various track workouts.
Track Running Rules
Another thing you need to pay attention to is track etiquette.
Since it’s a social venue, there are many conduct rules you need to abide by—unless you want to come off as a completely obnoxious person, or worse, get kicked off the track.
Following these rules is key on the track.
Not only does it help prevent unwanted clashes with other track users, but it also reduces the risk of accidents to you and others.
Stick To Your Line
Let’s start with the cardinal rule: stick to your line. Just like on the expressway, lanes on the track have their own pecking order. The inner lanes, akin to the fast lane on the highway, are reserved for speed demons, those unleashing their lightning-fast intervals and strides.
So, if you find yourself occupying the inner lane and you’re not part of the speedsters’ club, you risk becoming an unintentional speed bump. Instead, gracefully make way for those on a mission and allow them to pass more easily. It’s all about maintaining the flow and keeping the track’s energy in perfect sync.
Run Counterclockwise
Now, let’s talk about direction—counterclockwise is the name of the game. Embrace those left turns like a dance routine that’s been choreographed to perfection. Running against the grain and attempting to stand out by going against the established flow? Well, let’s just say it’s not a good look.
Remember, we’re in the land of track aficionados, and following the unwritten track law is the key to fitting right in. Keep your eyes peeled for posted signs that explicitly state the running direction, or simply follow the lead of the seasoned track warriors who know the ropes.
Pass Safely
A track is a public place that you’ll be sharing with others training at different paces, so expect to pass some.
As a rule, pass other track users on the right-hand side when running counterclockwise or on the left clockwise.
Also, this rule isn’t written in stone.
Adjust your approach to what other runners and walkers tell you is right for their track.
What’s more?
As long as you’re mindful of the shared space, you’re doing it right.
Know The Slots
Most tracks are not open all day long for everyone.
They typically have off-limit times for recreational runners.
For example, some tracks restrict public use during school hours for the safety of the students, whereas most restricts use at night.
Check out the rules to check what is allowed and not allowed for each track you use.
Track and Field tips for Beginners
Now that you know a thing or two about track training and how to conduct yourself once you’re there, let’s look at how you can actually get started.
Warm-Up
Whether you’re doing a long run on the trails, or a speedwork session on the track, the warm-up is always the first step
The main purpose behind a warm-up is to increase blood circulation, heart rate, and core temperature so that you won’t have to “go through the gears” in your workout.
A good warm-up also fires up your muscles so they can perform optimally, reducing the risk of muscle or tendon injury.
To warm-up, jog a few laps on the track, preferably on the outer lanes.
Once you feel your heart rate and body temperature increase, perform a few dynamic stretches on the infield or outflies space.
Have A Plan
Decide beforehand what your track sessions will be so you can get mentally ready for what pace you’ll run, how much recovery you’ll take, and how long the session will be.
Avoid running laps mindlessly around the track.
That’s how you are going to waste your time running in circles and actually achieving nothing in the process.
I’ve provided you below with many workout options to choose from.
Pick something that suits your fitness level and training goals.
The rest is just details, as the saying goes.
Pace Yourself
Most track workouts involve some form of speedwork or the other—that’s why it’s key to pace yourself properly.
As a rule, pace depends on your fitness level and training goals.
Start slower than your maximum so you can hold early and finish strong.
As the workout progresses, it should feel harder to keep up the pace.
But if you find it hard to complete a fast segment, ease back a bit instead of adding extra recovery time.
The fitter you get, the more you can increase the number and/or length of reps or reduce recovery.
It’s up to you.
Additional resource – How to choose a running buddy
Sample Track Running Workouts to Try
If this is your first time on the track, performing 100-, 200-, or 400-meter reps can help you set the right foundation.
As a beginner, aim for a 1:1 ratio for the interval to recovery.
In other words, run the same distance you walk.
For example, if you run one 400-meter, walk for a full 400-meter in the outer lanes to recover, then repeat.
Here are a few workouts to try.
The 100-Meter Repeats
- Start with a 10-minute warm-up
- Run hard for one straightway—or 100 meters.
- Recovery by jogging or walking a full straightaway.
- Repeat six to eight times
- Cool down for 10 minutes
The 200-Meter Repeats Session
- Warm-up for 10 minutes
- Run hard for 200 meters, or half the track, which is one curve and one straightaway.
- Recover by jogging or walking for another 200 meters
- Repeat six to eight times
- Cool down for 10 minutes
The 400-Meter Repeats Workout
Warm-up for 10 minutes
- Run hard for 400 meters, or one lap around a standard track, at a controlled effort.
- Recover by jogging or walking a full lap.
- Repeat five to seven times.
- Cool down for 10 minutes.
The Ladder Session
The ladder workout is a fantastic session that helps you build endurance, speed, and confidence, regardless of the race distance you’re aiming for.
- Start with a 10-minute warm-up.
- Run hard for 400 meters, but at a controlled pace. Then walk a full lap to catch your breath.
- Run hard 800 meters at a controlled pace. Then walk a full lap to catch your breath.
- Run 1200 meters at a challenging pace, then walk a full of catching your breath.
- Run hard 800 meters at a controlled pace. Then walk a full lap to catch your breath.
- Run hard for 400 meters, but at a controlled pace. Then walk a full lap to catch your breath.
- Cool Down for 10 minutes.
The Mile Repeats Session
Looking to improve your race times and increase your running confidence?
Then mile repeats are exactly what you need.
In fact, mile reps are the ideal speed workout to run a faster long-distance event, such as a marathon.
Here’s a sample routine.
- Start with a 10-minute jog as a warm-up.
- Run one mile, or four laps, at your 10K pace, or 15 to 20 seconds faster than your realistic goal marathon pace.
- Recovery at an easy face for two laps around the track. Make sure your breathing and heart rate are back to warm-up level before you crank up the intensity.
- Repeat the cycle two to three times, depending on your fitness level. Aim to get it up to 5-6 reps as your fitness improves.
- Finish it off with a one-mile jog as a cool down.
