Track etiquette

Scott Alexander

Looking for a definitive list of what's cool and not cool at the track.

I've been running track at Southern Methodist University (SMU) lately, and have seen a lot of things I'd say aren't cool - but don't know for sure.

I've seen several folks running clockwise (counter clockwise is the norm) in lanes 1-4 (out of 8). I understand that's not kosher.

I know when you hear "track!" from behind, it's similar to "on your left" on the bike...it means MOVE OVER!

Obviously, stuff like lane 1 (inside) is for the faster folks, and 2, 3, 4, etc, is slower and slower, etc.

anything else?

Dave Tallo

Really interested to hear the responses. I have a catalog of violations from my local track ("Don't let your dog take a big ol' poop on the track"), and I want to see if I'm unreasonable with some of these.

Michael Byerts

Most issues stem from the same problem that happens in lap swimming -- lack of awareness of others. If you have a general sense of how many people you are sharing the space with, whether they are going faster or slower than you are, and where they are in relation to you, you avoid virtually all problems. I try to start my intervals in front of people who are going slower, and just after people who are going faster run by. And I don't stop right in front of people who are still running, which sometimes means moving wide in the last 100 meters of an interval.

rlh2000

I'm running on a new track in Chicago that surrounds a soccer field. People don't seem to realize that there is a track there when they are watching their kids play soccer. People just standing there, completely unaware, little kids running around, etc. Very annoying.

Paul Hough

Finally, something I can speak knowledgeably about!

1. If there are others doing a track workout, stay out of lane 1 except for your speedwork.
2. When in doubt stay out of lane 1. Really, just be aware of people doing speedwork in anaerobic agony. Give them the chance to hit their times.
3. Don't jog in lane 1 or 2 unless you are the only one there. If you are really slow, stay in lanes 5-8.
4. Track means get the F out of the lane...move RIGHT. If you follow rules 1 to 3 no one should be yelling "TRACK!" behind you.
5. If you complete an interval, step out of the lane immediately if there are others doing intervals on the track...especially if they are faster.
6. If you are socializing, please stay in lanes 5 - 8. Some tracks will put swing gates across lanes 1-4 to protect the synthetic surface during non-practice hours.
7. If you are a walker please find someplace else to go if the track is crowded with runners. You don't practice putt-putt on a regular course, and you don't walk on a real track...unless you are race walker!
8. Don't even get me started on the obliviot kids and parents using the infield!

I am no longer a mean, Type-A, testosterone filled 20 something young man, but once upon a time I trained on a dirt track that was occassionally frequented by social walkers typically 4 abreast in the flying wing formation. It had rained one night and as usual, they refused to move if I yelled track. In a couple of spots, there was a good puddle over lane 1 and parts of lane 2. The inside person would walk right to the edge of the water and the flying wing would take up lanes 2,3,4, & 5. On one repeat, I was coming by just as they were side by side with the puddle. Sweet...here was my chance as I splatted down Lane 1. I got them all and they got the message. Another hot weather trick that used to help clear the inside lanes would be to flick my hands back as I passed and the sweat dripping off me would rain backwards.

Just common courtesy folks. Slow swimmers don't go to Master's practice and jump in with the ex-collegiate guys like Rich, and slow runners/joggers don't get in Lane 1 when someone else is blitzing it.

Steve West

.... or you could do what I do.... run at the local HS track at night in the dark. I guarantee nobody will be in your way..... Only fools run in the dark!

MattAaronson

Thanks for this Paul. I am proximate to the new track Rachael mentioned but haven't used it yet, in part due to the fact I've never used a track before and am concerned about etiquette issues. Cheers!

rlh2000

@Matt- it seems to be very underutilized so most of the time you would likely be alone, especially now that soccer season is over. They don't seem to be consistently lighting it though and is quite dark, at least as of a month ago or so. I'm curious to see if they keep it plowed over the winter.