subject: Running Tips - Running On A Track [print this page] Running on a track is convenient for runnersRunning on a track is convenient for runners. Many beginning runners start running on a track so that they can monitor their distances. It is also a softer surface than concrete and is better on your legs. Runners also use the track to do speed workouts. It is easy to determine your hard and easy intervals. However, there are rules to using a track that you should be aware of.
If there is a track in your area that you wish to use, the first thing that you should do is to check to see if it is open to the public. Most tracks are - but some schools wish to only use their tracks for their own use. Also, see what hours the track is available. There may be blocks of time that it is not open to the public so that the track team can do their workouts. Usually there will be signs posts as to hours and availability.
Make sure you are running in the right direction. The direction of most tracks is to the right (counterclockwise), but it may vary from track to track. It could even vary daily. If so, there will be notices posted.
Always make sure that you are staying in the correct lane. If you are running slower, you want to say on the outside lanes of the track. Faster runners will be in the inner lanes. You will find faster runners and those that are doing speed work. Also, if I am doing speed work at a track, I will run my faster laps on the inside lanes and then move to the outside lanes as I am doing my recovery lap. Always be courteous to other runners.
Another rule of the track is to pass slower runners on the right. This is if you are running counterclockwise. If you are running to the left, then you should pass slower runners on the left. Again, always be courteous and aware of your surrounding runners.
Make sure that you take some water with you to the track. Some tracks may have a water fountain close by, but most do not. So, taking your water with you will ensure that you will have water if you need it during your workout and that you will afterwards.
Running on the track is good for runners for several reasons. Just make sure that you are following the rules of the track if you do use one.
