5 Reasons to Try the Track
Whether it’s your first time ever, or the first time in a long time; the track can be an intimidating venue. But it doesn’t have to be. This simple tool isn’t just for the speedy. Any and all runners can gain a little something from running around in circles. Here are five reasons to try the track.
Tracks are often easily accessible. Generally speaking, most communities and neighborhoods can find access to a track through public parks, schools, and even some university campuses. Get acquainted with the school’s hours, since most don’t allow visitors during school hours. Same for public parks, as most have regular hours of operation.
Tracks are safer than the streets. With no traffic or intersections, the track is quite possibly one of the safest places you can run. That doesn’t mean take safety for granted. If you’ll go early or late, check to see if the track is well-lit and find some friends to join you. And again, confirm their hours of operation or public access. Many running clubs also host regular track workouts.
Track workouts are simple to measure. Each lap around a standard track is 400 meters. That’s in lane 1, of course. You’ll see staggered start lines for the outer lanes. Whether you’re running an interval workout, or just want an easy way to know you’ve covered a particular distance… the track is as simple as it gets. Heads-up: tracks in parking lots or other non-traditional surfaces might not measure-up.
Tracks make it easy to measure your progress. Never run a mile without stopping? Trying to up your cadence, improve your form, or run any distance – faster? The track is your measuring stick and proving ground in one space. Take care, however. Add speed and distance work gradually.
Tracks can smooth the road to recovery. If you’re on the comeback from a running-related or other lower-body sports injury, the track is likely the safest, and simplest place to start. At the track, you can easily monitor your pace and distance, and you can call it quits early should it come to that.
Give the track a try and see what it can do for your running. We’re pretty sure you’ll find there’s benefit for most every kind of runner.
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