This is Not Your High School Track Workout

The Unstill Life Half-Fast Walk & Run Club has made our seasonal return to Garfield track for Wednesday night workouts. We head to the track in the Fall mainly due to the growing dark. The rough sidewalks and pot-holed streets and traffic in our summer neighborhood routes are more treacherous. The track is well lit, soft on the joints and presents a set distance we use to play with pace and train methodically.

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It’s a different kind of workout, but there’s a lot to love about it. And while we embrace some aspects of traditional track workouts, this is NOT your high school track scene. Far from it! I asked our group what they love about our track sessions. Here are some of the things I heard from our regulars.

The format of the oval is great for intervals whether that’s going harder on the straight sides and easier on the curves, or splitting each lap into half hard, half easy, or alternating by full laps. 

Some people like using the measured distance (400m) to dial in their pace. If they have a goal pace for a 5k or other distance, I can help them precisely dial in that race pace for short segments alternating with rest. Even without a pace goal, people can practice consistent pacing by trying to finish their laps in precisely the same time, or push themselves by trying to go just a couple of seconds faster on each successive lap. It’s a great feeling to go harder for short bursts and literally see your fitness improve because you can hold that pace for longer periods. 

It’s not all about pacing, though. We do playful workouts just to mix it up and have fun moving. Some workouts feel like a game. In Fast Bunny Slow Bunny partners go in opposite directions and change paces when they cross paths, taking turns alternating hard and easy. I’ve been known to employ a large set of dice, or intersperse trivia and word games into the sets. 

One long-time track attendee said he loves it when we set up strength training stations at each corner of the track, so you can alternate 100m runs with strength exercises that are great for running, hiking, skiing, ultimate, soccer, and other active pursuits. 

Other track regulars noted the soft even surface of the track as a friendly feeling that’s great if you’re working through knee or hip injuries. 

There’s also a nice neighborhood vibe as we encounter couples, families and friend groups from the area coming to the track to exercise. 

This venue is so great for walkers and walk runners, too. Everyone can take on the workout at their own pace and level of intensity, and still be with other people. 

So, yeah! Lots of good fitness benefits at the track, and these crisp cool moonlit nights are great for running in circles. Come out with us!

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