How to get prepared for track?

Question

Alright, so I'm thinking of joining track when the season comes, but the thing is I'm not a really really good runner, what should I do to get prepared for track and improve on running?

Answer 1

well think of it this way.. every good runner has to start somewhere. go out for the team! you will improve as time goes on!

so you are prepared for the season, i suggest that you run at least 3 times a week. try running for 20 minuts and work your way up to 30. as soon as you reach 30 mintuts, try to add some quality into your run. meaning try to run faster in segments. example, run fast for 40 seconds, then recover (meaning jogg) for 1 minute. and you can make it up. and when you feel ready, run everyday. but make sure not to hurt yourself.

- at the end of your runs, do some excelleraters. meaning find a straight line to run on, start off slow and get faster gradually.

before track meets, about 3 nights before, start drinking lots of water, and eating carbohydrates. (pasta, rice, breads ect.)

good luck!  

Answer 2

One thing about track and field, you can choose an event that doesn't necessarily need a whole of running...like the shot put or discus.  All other events will require some amount of running and conditioning (such as the high jump, long jump, triple jump and pole vault).  However, with that said (and this may sound contradictory), you still need to run and lift weights to be in or get into shape.  Track and field is really a year round sport that requires staying in shape even in the off season.

Once you get into shape and focus on certain events, the track meets that you'll compete in will give you an idea as to what you need to concentrate on.  Also, watching other events can even spark an interest in doing that particular too.

Keep in mind, don't kill yourself and overdo it trying to get into shape.  There is a natural progression that takes place to be in "track" shape, which is a bit different than being "in" shape.  Rest is also a key component to your training regimen.

Good luck and glad to see your sparked interest in track!

Answer 3

What kind of distance are you planning on being good at? A sprint is 400m and under, more than that is a run.. If you will be doing long distance you need to improve your endurance and cardio.. Do lots of work on a running machine as you control the speed, and set yourself a target eg Run 1500m in 7 1/2 mins and stick to that. Before a long race (about 12 hours before) eat carbs and have a banana before your race

With sprinting you need to make sure you stretch before to avoid injury, and pump pump pump your arms.. Try finding a fast friend and race against them as that will give you something to aim for

However much you want to improve make sure you don't over exert yourself and make sure to get at least a day off every week

Answer 4

I personally am a varsity track runner for my school and the question for me to ask you is if you have any endurance what-so-ever. If not, sign up for Cross-Country and that will help you out ALOT for track.  Now to prepare for track you can either join a club track team in the off-season. They do cost a little $$$ but in the long run you have received some-what professional help and have experienced everything about track[[track meets, invitational, etc]] so you'll be ready for track when the actual season comes around. Now if you end up preparing for track on your own, you need to set-up a work-out schedule that you will stick to. You can fall off your work-out ever once in a while but don't make it a habit.

Your work-out should consist of a variety of stretches and warm-up exercises before actually doing anything[[it'll save you weeks or months of misery...personal experience]]. The main spots you wanna stretch are the muscles in your thighs, calfs, and ankles. Flexibility is a plus. If you drink alot of soda and junk food[[Hot Cheetos mainly]]...sadly...your gonna have to let that go or cut it down alot. Soda causes a thing called shin splints and they hurt like h**l. Junk food such as Hot chips will cause acid reflex while you are running.

So now that was said and done, the most you can do to prepare is to run or walk[[yes, walk]] long distances. This is the best thing you can do to prepare for track. The longer the distances you run maximizes the power you have. Track season usually starts in the winter so you will have to continuously work-out till the season starts. Soreness = Progress so expect alot of it. By time track starts, you will have power and endurance so all your coach has to work with you on is your form. Good luck in your future up-and-coming track season.