BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - The Benefits of Track Running

Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about something that's sapping the motivation to run out of so many of us this month... the triple-digit heat index that shows no signs of going away in the next few days and is sure to continue to plague us throughout the summer. And face it. There's absolutely nothing you and I can do to change this weather pattern. What we CAN change though is at least one of our workouts, preferably the 'long run'.  

Last night we ran the 17.76 Merica on a track in support of One Sole purpose to buy shoes for school children. It was hot and humid, but we all had a good time. Too many friends came and went to tag them all, but the dumbest ones are in the pic. - Ed Green

Those were the words of Ed Green, one of the crazy Bass Pro Marathon pacers, who joined me and lots of other runners (many of them fellow BP pacers as well) for a night race Friday night to benefit the OneSolePurpose Pulaski County project. Which brings me to my point... with this heat, running at night is a great option to get in your long training run. However, this is usually best to do on a weekend and with friends as the "dumbest ones" Ed is referring to (that includes me) will attest to. And doing it on a track, believe it or not, is actually a lot of fun and has some benefits that you might not have considered. So keep your runs short and sweet during the week to avoid heat exhaustion and plan some night track runs with friends to run long. 

Benefits of Track Running:

1. You don't have to carry supplies. Let's face it. When it's hot, even wearing a hydration pack can have you sweating worse than normal. With a track, you can set up everything you need and access it every quarter mile. That means you'll have no need to carry water or food and can wear minimal clothing. As we were all talking about on our inaugural track run, this was actually quite freeing! We didn't even need headlamps as the track had a few dusk to dawn lights. For an added bonus, you can play music from a loudspeaker so you won't even have to carry your phone if you like to run with tunes. You can set it down for once and check your texts and/or messages periodically as you fly through your loops unhindered by extra clothing and gear. 

2. It's easy to hang with the crowd. Since everyone is doing laps, it's super easy to stop and rest, use the restroom, or change your clothes without having to worry about falling behind. You can simply wait until the group comes back by or you can run the opposite direction to meet them (yes that's allowed, see number 3). This is also a great time to invite your walker friends who might be intimidated to come to a group run. And on a side note... if you use a track that has a field in the middle, the kids can come and play while you run. How cool is that? And on another side note... those runners who want to come for just a lap or two can easily jump in and out and still feel like part of the gang. This is perhaps my favorite reason to plan group track events. 

3. You can be versatile. Wanna throw in some speed work? Take off for a sprint and then rejoin the group when you've cooled down. Wanna take a walk break? Slow down for a while and then let the group catch you as they come back around. Don't want to run as far or fast as the group? Go at your own pace and say "hi!" to your friends when your paths cross. And remember, you can change direction at any time--and you should often so that both sides of the body are worked equally. 

4. It's just fun. Believe it or not, running around the track was a lot of fun and made the time fly by. Just ask any of "the dumbest ones in the pic." They'll be sure to say that they can't wait to do it again. 

5.  Your body will appreciate the softer surface. Whether it’s a rubberized or dirt track, the surface is much easier on your muscles and joints than asphalt roads or concrete sidewalks. The softer surface and lack of inclines make it an especially good starting point for runners who are just coming back to running after an injury. The track just feels good on the feet. Let me repeat that... the track just feels good on the feet. 

6.. Running on a track is safer than running on roads. You don’t have to worry about oncoming cars or crossing busy intersections, so you can really focus on running hard if you’re doing a speed workout, or completely zone out if that’s your goal. And you can literally talk your head off without worrying about tripping on a crack in the sidewalk or running into a telephone pole or street sign (that happened to a friend, not me lol). 

7. It’s easy to measure your workouts. Like treadmill running, you can easily measure your distance and monitor your pace on a track, making it a great place for interval workouts. The formality and consistency of the track can also help you stay focused on your running form which can have you running better and faster, believe it or not. I was pleasantly surprised by this added bonus as I not only did the 17.76 challenge with "the dumbest ones" but did something even dumber... I stayed for 48 hours to complete the 4x4x48 Challenge and I found the track allowed me to really work on my form and my speed.

So there you have it friends. Although you might be tempted to stick to the treadmill for your weekly workouts or make them short and sweet outside due to the heat, change up at least one of your long runs to include a night track run this summer. Do it on a Friday or Saturday night when you won't feel rushed and can enjoy the coolness of the night, the softness of the terrain, the stars in the sky, and the company of friends. You’ll be so glad you did because life is really too short to skip moments like these. 

Happy Running!