Why is it good to do track, hill and off road running?

Come and try these sessions as part of your run training. It is an ideal way to increase fitness, and most of all increase your speed. Have you thought to yourself you are doing plenty of run sessions at different distances but, why are my race times not improving? This is because you are not running in a manner where you run at a higher intensity and take time to recover between each rep. If you do this then track running helps your body manage discomfort, making your comfortable speed faster.  Cross country sessions are incredibly helpful in building strength - running on different surfaces and gradients, not only improves cardio-vascular fitness but helps strengthen ankles and leg muscles too.

Whether you are ‘fast’, ‘slow’, a ‘newbie’ or ‘experienced’ makes no difference, everybody is welcome and can benefit from these sessions. You will run as part of a group of similar ability athletes and you will only be asked to do what is right for you. Your form will improve, along with your aerobic endurance and the beauty of the track especially is that there are few external factors to get in your way, allowing you to just concentrate on the job at hand.  Running off road also gives the added benefit of being in nature - good for the soul!

Thanks to our volunteer Coaches we are going to be able to offer the following sessions this Autumn/Winter (more details in article below):

Track Sessions - these are at Costello stadium, Sunday mornings.

Off Road Sessions - these are on Beverley Westwood, Saturday lunchtime.

And remember every week Cottingham Fitmums and Friends hosts an additional session on a Monday which is either a hill session, or an interval type session on Priory Road.   

FAQ’s

Where are the sessions? 

Track - Costello Stadium, pay at the reception desk and walk straight forwards on the track area where the coach will meet you.

Off Road - Park opposite Beverley Race Course on the edge of the Westwood, your Coach will meet you there.

What ages are the sessions for? 

Athletes aged 16 or over.

Do I pay for parking? 

No, parking is FREE.  Costello - There is a large car park which is accessed from Anlaby Park Road North. Beverley Westwood - park on the side of the road/Westwood.

What should I wear? 

Anything you would normally run in, bring an extra layer or rain jacket. If it is a warm day, remember your sun cream and hat/glasses as required.

Do I need spikes? 

Track - No, running shoes are fine. Speak to the coach for advice on spikes if you would like to use them. Off Road - spikes are not necessary unless you already have them.  Off road training shoes can be helpful but not necessary unless the conditions are particularly wet/muddy.  

Will the session still be on if it rains? 

Yes, only lightning or ice would interrupt the session.

I am new to running, can I attend? 

Yes, all abilities are welcome.

I am a ‘slow’ runner, can I still attend? 

Yes, all abilities are welcome.

If I want to stop running halfway through, is that ok? 

Of course, you should only do what you are comfortable with.

How much will it cost? 

Track - The price of entry to the track at Costello on the day. No additional cost.

Off Road - No cost.

All our Coaches host these sessions as volunteers.

What else should I bring? 

Water is essential. Inhalers, epi pens or other medicines as required.

Is there a first aider on site? 

Your coach is fully FA trained and will have sufficient FA supplies at trackside/on the Westwood. The Costello staff will also have a first aider on site at all times.

I have questions relating to my training, who can I ask? 

Coaches are only to happy to discuss your training with you.  Your track coach is a specialist event group coach in sprints, hurdles, and endurance walking and running and will be able to answer any questions you might have.  

What are the other advantages of using the track over road running? 

It is safer because you will not have to worry about: traffic, dogs on long leads, road junctions, uneven paving, bicycles, electric scooters, low hanging branches and dog poop! Also, your group will be in close contact at all times providing encouragement and the track is a 400m oval, so there is no danger of getting lost!