Today’s Friday Five Favorites is all about the TRACK.
Marathon training is about endurance, but speed training is still an important component of a successful plan. Historically, I have usually done my workouts on the same trails on which I do my long runs. But more recently, I have headed to a local track for my shorter speed sessions.
And guess what- I’m loving it!
There are so many reasons to love the track, here are just a few reasons the track rocks!
1. Flat and fast.
You don’t have to worry about stoplights or hills. You can go all-out with your paces. There are no excuses not to hit them. Flat and fast- nothing is flatter or faster than the track. Pressure is on!
2. Water breaks.
It’s easy to bring a water bottle and stop for breaks as you need them. You’ll keep passing by your water bottle again and again!
3. Easy on the Joints.
The track is soft and plush under your feet. Much easier on the body than concrete!
4. Distances are easy to ‘track!’
There will be none of the running up and down past your house to hit your exact mileage. You don’t have to worry about planning routes to get in the right distance. Nope- just keep running around the track to get your distance. You can also run by effort as you don’t have to look at your Garmin. You don’t even need a Garmin!
5. The Track Mindset!
Something about being on the track, you feel focused and ready to work. I didn’t participate in track growing up, but I still get into the ‘track’ mindset. It also feels shorter running a quarter mile on a track than on a sidewalk, for whatever reason (it’s all mental!) It feels GOOD to push yourself hard on the track.
BONUS Reason to Love the Track:
Grass to lie down in after you bust your butt on the track!
WHEW!
Let me know if you have any other reasons to add!
I need to find a local track now! you’ve made me want to go to a track and run 🙂 When I first started running almost 2 years ago, I ran around the track for 2 miles (and that was it for me..2 miles seemed like it was 20 miles back then). It was funny because I would be running around the track on one side and it’s hot and muggy but once you go around the curve, the other side is raining, and then the other curve has a rainbow. It happened to me like 2 or 3 times!… Read more »
That sounds so beautiful and very Hawaiian!
I didn’t know you were so new to running- so impressed how much you’ve accomplished!
Is that the Southwest track? I’ve thought about checking it out. I have worked out in the park next to the track in classes at The Fixx but haven’t done the track itself yet. Do you know if open access as long as no event or practice occurring?
I am not sure of the formal policy but it seems that as long as there’s no events going on, it’s okay!