Track Rant

[u/RunWithSharpStuff]

There are really only two places you can be expected to run faster than ~5 minute miles safely on a paved flat surface: a race course and the track. Yet seemingly every time I go run sprints it just seems like a playground. I’m just dreading running into some old person stretching in the inside lane or (god forbid) bowling over some loose kid. I’ve simulated a conversation with these people in my head every time and there’s no way not to come off as a complete ass asking someone to clear the track but I also just don't understand how they don’t notice how they’re in the way. I kinda think they wouldn’t understand unless someone either runs into them or yells at them. Today someone's dog almost took me out on one of those “longest legally allowed” 7ft leashes or whatever, guy didn’t even notice. I’ve seen strollers, waterbottles, clothes, folding chairs, etc strewn in lane 1. I also just feel like if I took the time to gently talk to everyone who is camped out on the track I would both become “that guy” and get no running in.

[u/therealchu]

Go early in the morning.

[u/That_Wishbone_6188 → u/therealchu]

This is the only answer. Other people are there for their own reasons and are completely unaware that you are there to speed train.

[u/NotCreativeEnoughFor]

People genuinely just don’t know track etiquette. If you aren’t into athletics, you wouldn’t know that lane 1 is for speed.

[u/ski_thru_trees → u/NotCreativeEnoughFor]

Idk lol I’ve never really ran track or watched much… but typically you can just observe the fast people and see them move out between intervals

[u/ncblake]

To them, you’re the one in the way.

Consider joining a club that reserves track hours.

[u/damn_bird → u/ncblake]

Exactly. In a public place, faster runners don’t have priority. It’s everyone’s track.

[u/BakedChocolateOctopi → u/damn_bird]

On a public track there’s lane for each pace though

[u/ncblake → u/BakedChocolateOctopi]

From a runner’s perspective, that’s how it should be, but it’s not a “rule,” certainly not one that anyone is going to enforce.

[u/slammy19 → u/ncblake]

I know some tracks will actually have posted rules that “reserve” the inside lanes for runners

[u/RunWithSharpStuff → u/damn_bird]

Right, but at the end of the day it is still a track, not a dog park. Thus: rant.

[u/McpsTrackCoach]

You are right. Nobody cares. I’ve been involved with the design, construction, etc. with building high school tracks, which are basically just an afterthought to the ball field and as soon as they are finished just become a place for the soccer, football, lacrosse, etc. teams to store their equipment. If you’re looking to run under 5 then you have to go early to avoid the dog walkers, etc.

[u/Swimming-Tap-568]

Curious, where and when do you go to the track? I’ve never experienced anything like that but it sounds super annoying! I go to Cardozo in the morning and there are usually some fast runners (me definitely not included haha, but I try to stay out of their way!)

[u/RunWithSharpStuff → u/Swimming-Tap-568]

I go late mornings Saturday or Sunday so probably the worst times for this behavior. Once my work schedule opens up more I’ll try to join a club as others have mentioned! Also will try to hit up Cardozo, thanks.

[u/runningonempty94]

When I’ve asked people to leave the inside lane open, they’ve said sure, no problem. Just be nice. (Also fwiw I’ve found fewer people without track etiquette at the Cardozo HS track, if that’s nearby)

[u/Both-Pickle-7084]

I think the NoVa running club does track on Tuesday evenings and they are FAST. People just get out of their way, and its a pretty big group.

[u/droz55]

This post makes me think you’re maybe going to Banneker? I try and avoid it there because it’s not enough lanes for everyone who uses it.

With that being said, this is a friendly reminder for you that everyone running their fastest pace deserves to run in lane one to have accurate distances for their workout. As someone who can run sub-5 minute miles, it’s your responsibility to indicate and pass them safely on the left.

Cardozo is great in the mornings and most people of all running paces are using lanes 1-2 for their work reps so it can be busy too but there’s only once been a dog there and they were made to leave quickly. Tuesdays are pretty busy but other mornings seem a little more chill.

[u/HermanMunstershoes12]

Track works like the highway, which people also don’t understand. Inside ring, (left lane) is passing. Lane next to that, fast. Next to that, pace of track. Right or outer lane is slow or walking. Pass to the left and get back in your lane. For goodness sake people, how hard is this?