Runners Avoid Grass

The Woden athletics grass track is in good condition, so it was a surprise to see few athletes venturing south-side last night for a rare opportunity to compete there. The best plan of action for any runner is to train and race on a variety of surfaces; the ideal running surface is soft and level such as on a gravel road, or on grass provided the grass isn't patchy and uneven. We rarely get to run or race on ideal surfaces, and because it is impossible to avoid less than ideal surfaces, we should do some training on each type. Care should be taken on concrete - at one extreme - and soft sand - at the other extreme - and little running done on each. Road camber means we should do some training on the left hand side of roads, whenever traffic loads and road width allow, as well as on the more common (safer) right hand side. Track curvature means we should often try running in reverse around athletic tracks to counteract the effect of increased load on the outer leg. Care should be taken running downhill not to over-stride and hurt the back, but practising downhill running is essential because we race down hills. The same goes for uphill running; being careful not to over-strain and damage the achilles and calves.

Gradual adaptation to any new training session and any new training surface is important. I am developing the habit of taking the training group through a reduced form of some of the harder training sessions the first time we do them. I am concerned that we make sure can cope with any new session before we put in our hardest effort.

Photos from Woden grass track. Click to enlarge.











1. Garry pretending to be an M90
2. Ewen's favourite lane is lane 6
3. Lined up for the 1500m
4. A giggle of geese
5. A new M60 ACT record for the 4x200m

Reminder - On-line entries for the Australian Masters Games in Geelong close today.