Grass Track Sessions
You don't have to be fast to benefit from moving faster!
Our Fitmums and Friends Grass Track sessions are a fun, friendly way to mix up your usual running or walking routine, improve your movement and learn more about how your body works.
Despite the name, you don't need to be a fast runner – or even a runner at all. Our sessions are suitable for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities, and everyone works at their own pace.
What is Grass Track?
Grass Track is a coached run/walk session delivered on a suitable grass area. Not everyone has an athletics track on their doorstep so we make these type of sessions accessible to as many people as we can.
Sessions give you the opportunity to work at a faster pace for short periods, followed by recovery. You might run or walk quickly for a short distance, slow down, recover and then go again.
The result? Short bursts of faster movement, plenty of recovery, lots of encouragement – and a chance to run or walk with someone you might not normally train alongside.
Why do faster-paced work?
Many people think that speed work is only for fast runners or people training for races. It isn't!
Adding short bursts of faster-paced activity into your routine can benefit everyone, whether you're a regular runner, a recreational walker, returning to activity or just looking to improve your fitness.
Working at different speeds can help you:
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Build strength and endurance
- Improve your ability to change pace
- Develop confidence in your movement
- Make your usual pace feel more comfortable
- Add variety to your exercise routine
- Challenge your body in a different way
- Have fun and enjoy being active with others
And because you work at your own pace, the person running fastest isn't necessarily getting the most benefit. The aim is to challenge yourself appropriately – whatever that looks like for you.
For some people, that might mean running fast. For others, it might mean jogging. For others, it might mean walking with purpose and picking up the pace. It's all about your effort, not someone else's speed.
Run with people you might not normally run with
One of the best things about Grass Track is that it brings people together who might not normally exercise alongside each other.
A runner who usually does six miles might find themselves working alongside someone who normally runs one or two. A walker might take part alongside a runner. And that's absolutely fine.
Because everyone works at their own pace, the session can be adapted to suit you. There's no pressure to keep up with anyone else and no expectation that everyone will cover the same distance.
It's a chance to meet different people, encourage each other and discover that you can share a session even when your usual activities are very different.
Warm-ups and movement drills
Our sessions start with a thorough warm-up to prepare your body for activity. We also include running and walking drills designed to help you improve your movement technique.
Drills can help with:
- Mobilising your joints
- Improving flexibility and range of movement
- Developing balance and co-ordination
- Improving running and walking technique
- Helping movement become more efficient
- Building strength and control
- Reducing the risk of injury
You don't have to be a competitive athlete to benefit from learning how to move more effectively.
Whether you're running a mile or six miles, walking around the block or training for a race, improving the way you move can help you feel stronger, more confident and more comfortable when you're active.
Coached and supportive
Our Grass Track sessions are delivered by trained volunteer coaches, who will explain the activities, demonstrate the drills and help you understand how to adapt each exercise to your own ability.
You don't need to worry about being the fastest person. You don't need to compare yourself with anyone else. You simply need to come along and be ready to move at a pace that challenges you.
Something different for everyone
Grass Track is a great way to add variety to your regular activity, whether you're a runner or walker. It's an opportunity to work on your fitness, technique and movement while having fun, meeting people and doing something a little different. So, if you've ever thought that speed work isn't for you, think again. You don't have to be fast. You just have to be willing to pick up the pace – whatever that pace means for you.
Grass Track sessions normally take place between April and July each year. You can see where sessions are taking place HERE ***(ADD LINK)****
If you want any more information please contact admin@fitmums.org.uk
Come and give Grass Track a go!