Working out on a track is getting more popular. Head over to the junior high or high school and check out the old gym class area you used to use. Training at a track will give you a change of scenery and bring in fun possibilities too.

Track Etiquette
There are rules on the track, and they are not hard to remember. They make a lot of sense.

1. Watch for school events and do not intrude on their time.
2. Picking lanes- warm up and cool down in the outside lanes. The inside lanes are the fast lanes.
3. Passing on the right! This is different than driving, on the track, the right is the passing zone. When you come up behind a runner and want to pass the proper thing to do is shout “on the right” or “track,” so the runners are aware.
4. Run Through- don’t stop short. Interval running needs to be done completely at your full speed and then slow the pace and move to the outside of the track. Stopping on the track can make it hard for other runners.

You Have Options
While at the track you have a variety of choices that you can do or even combine!

• Sprint Intervals – runners doing interval work can improve their speed by 5 percent.
• Use the Stairs – run those bleachers for a good cardio fix.
• Jog Time – Jogging the track eliminates uneven sidewalks or having to use the road.
• Switch It Up – You can run 5Ks or 10Ks and switching it up will work on shortening your recovery times.

Be Prepared
Be sure you have your water with you when you set out for the track. Some people use smart watches, smartphone apps, or fitness trackers to keep running stats. Be sure you have some pre-workout and post-workout options packed and ready.

Have fun on the track!