Running is my great passion! There’s nothing like the thrill of the race, the burning in the lungs and legs, and pushing yourself to the limits. But where can you run if you don’t live next to a track or any kind of green space?
I’ll tell you exactly where – INDOORS! Yes, that’s right – you can build your very own running track at home. You will also read some tips &useful advices on how to stagger your running intervals and make your running at home a much more interesting workout.
Build a running track at home and incorporate into your exercise routine. Health and fitness are important to most people, but it can be hard to motivate yourself to go out when the weather is bad. Running on a treadmill can be boring and it’s not the same as running in the great outdoors.
Table of Contents
Get a site plan
Your site plan is often referred to as your floor plan. It is a map or drawing of the building and will help you to see how the building will look once it is built. To get a site plan, you can hire a professional to draw it up for you or you can use a software program that will allow you to create the plan on your own. Do some research about the different options for creating your site plan before you start. This way, you will have an idea of what you need to do in order to get the plan.
Plan the exact shape of your track
Plan the exact shape of your track. Make sure you get it approved before you start construction. There should be a slight curve for the straightaways and a bend on both ends. The inside lane should be about 45 feet wide, with about 5 feet for each of the two outer lanes. This will give you enough room to move around if you want to pass someone or avoid a puddle.
The track should be made from the same material as your running shoes, this will absorb shock and make it easier on your body and knees. The proper running surface would be polyurethane athletic track surface, which can last up to 12 years without need for repair or resurfacing. If that is not an option then asphalt or concrete will work fine as well.
Build a practice starting block structure
The starting block structure should be about 10 feet long, with the structure divided into three sections. Each section should be about 3 feet long. The middle section is used for the starting position, and the sections on either side are used to launch from.
Place a 2×6 piece of wood in each of the outer two sections. Nail them down so they are perpendicular to the ground, and so that they are slightly short of touching each other — the middle section should be about 1 inch wider than the outer sections.
Measure a distance of 5 feet behind this structure and place a wooden pole in the ground at that mark.
Place one more wooden pole at a distance of 1 foot behind this pole. This will serve as your starting line
Build a set of hurdles with PVC pipe and duct tape
Track and field can be a fun way to get your kids active and outside, but if you don’t have a local track and field club or team, this can be tough. Rather than have your children miss out on all the benefits of track and field, build a home training course for them.
With a little planning and some inexpensive supplies, you can build a running track at home in as little as one day. You can add hurdles, high jump stands and other equipment to increase the number of activities you can do on the track.
Create javelin, discus, and shot put areas
There are many possible uses for backyard tracks, all of which can help build a stronger, healthier body. If you’re unable to run on the local track, your own backyard track provides an alternative place to exercise and train. In addition to running, you can add other areas so the whole family can practice javelin, discus and shot put throws.
You’ll want to make sure that you create a safe surface that’s relatively level before you get started. A paved driveway is probably the easiest way to create a running track in your backyard. The most important thing is to make sure there are no potholes or cracks in the pavement where someone could trip and fall. To ensure a safe surface, it’s best to start with a fresh layer of asphalt or concrete that’s been poured by an asphalt company.
You also need to be able to measure distances accurately so you know how far you’ve run each day or during any given workout. The easiest way to do this is by using a tape measure and marking the distance somewhere on the track with spray paint.
Create a high jump area with PVC pipe and duct tape
Track and field is a great sport for both competition and recreation. One of the most popular track events is the running race. Races can be run on outdoor tracks or on indoor tracks. To run a race you need to have a running track with start and finish lines, lanes, hurdles and more. But what if you don’t have access to a track? You can build your own at home!
Here’s how:
Create a high jump area with PVC pipe and duct tape. The high jump event requires participants to leap over bars that are raised higher as they progress through the event. Use PVC pipe, connectors and duct tape to create a simple structure that will allow you to practice this event without having access to an actual track.
Create pole vaulting lanes as needed
Figure out the purpose of the track. Is it for training purposes or competition? What type of athletes will use it and what events will take place there? These questions will help determine the level of quality needed in the design. Also consider how many lanes are needed, how wide they should be, and whether space for discus or javelin throwers is necessary.
Determine how much space there is to work with and create an oval layout that meets the needs of the athletes but fits within the available space. Most tracks are 400 meters long with an equal distance between each lane (the inside lane being slightly shorter) and two straightaways of 100 meters each. However, some tracks are 440 yards long (402 meters) while others are 300 to 333 meters long.
Place all field event areas within the oval area if possible to keep them close to running lanes so athletes don’t have to go too far to compete in both types of events.
Pour concrete for the throw line for javelin and discus events
The first step is to prepare the base. To do this, excavate a layer of grass and topsoil to a depth of about 6 inches. The ground should be fairly level, but it’s OK if the area is slightly sloped. Fill this area with gravel, then add a 2-inch thick layer of sand on top of the gravel. Compress the sand by rolling it with a heavy roller.
The second step is to install the marking lines using spray paint or chalk powder. Measure out a 40-yard long rectangle for the jumps and sprints or a 400-meter oval for middle distance events. Next, measure out the throwing areas for javelin and discus. Finally, mark off an 8-foot diameter circle for shotput events.
The third step is to install a surface over the track. For middle distance events, install an all-weather track surface such as tartan or synthetic turf that can be used year round in any climate condition. For jumping and throwing events, install a concrete or asphalt surface that will allow athletes to get good traction when doing their events
Conclusion
Building a track can be a rewarding process, but it does come with an element of risk. If you’re thinking of doing it yourself, please use these instructions as a guide to help you get started. By following the instructions and tips below, we hope you’ll be able to build your own running track in your backyard that can be enjoyed for years to come!