Consistent pace with variable duration

Session aim/goal

This session will work on your overall fitness and running endurance. It will also have the added benefit of working on your running ABCs (agility, balance and coordination) - specifically switch backs.

Target energy system

You will be training your lactic and aerobic energy systems.

Session warm up

Complete your own warm up to get ready for the session. Include some exercises to slowly raise your heart rate appropriate for your level of fitness and the session you're about to follow. Include some dynamic movement to gently increase the range of body movement. Use this time to think about the session, to prepare your mind for exercise and set your intention.

Main session

Mark yourself a distance which takes around 1 minute to jog/easy run.

• Your first rep is this distance once;
• If it is warm, take a standing recovery for about half the time you were just running. If it is cold, you might want to take a walk recovery of one rep;
• Rep two is to run this distance twice, including a controlled switch back/turn at the halfway point;
• Rest for about half of the time you were just running;
• Rep three (you guessed it) is three times this distance with two turns;
• Rest for about half of the time you were just running;
• Go back to just one rep.

Continue with this pattern for around 30 minutes.

For pace on this one do what feels right for your training this week, but pay attention to your agility/balance/coordination and technique on the switch back.

Session cool down

Gently bring your heart rate back down. If you wish, include some gentle stretching.

Reflection

During the cool down take a few moments to think about how the session went.

• Did you enjoy it?
• Did you learn anything interesting about your running?
• Have you ever lost places/time on a switch back?
• Do you have a technique for tackling tight turns/corners?
• Did you use different techniques during this session?

Track sessions are at the Manchester Regional Arena. We will start with a few warm up laps and dynamic stretches at 6:45pm, before going in to the main session.

Entry is discounted to £3.20 for running club members, and there is a further discount to £2.85 for those who live in the Manchester City Council area.

Better UK app

You can download the Better UK app to book and pay for track sessions in advance.

Set up the Better UK app

• Select National Squash Centre & Regional Arena as your home venue.

If you are using the app for the first time you will need to create an account with Better UK to make a booking.

Set up Manchester Resident pricing

• From the app home page, scroll down and select Buy membership in the bottom right.
• On Choose Your Membership select Pay & Play from the drop down list.
• Select payment type of Single Payment.
• Scroll down the list and select Better Adult Resident (cost £0.00).
• Enter all the details and checkout at zero cost.

The account created can now be used to book track at the discounted rate.

Booking a track session

• Book other activities
• Athletics
• Athletics Outdoor (17:00 - 20:00)