Runners on an indoor track
Ah, the “Track Hack.” For anyone who’s spent a winter running indoors, the term likely conjures a familiar feeling, and probably a cough. It’s that distinct, dry cough that seems to emerge from the depths of your lungs after pushing your limits inside. While it might hit hardest after an 800-meter race, this indoor track cough doesn’t discriminate. Whether you’re tackling a two-mile distance, powering through a 400-meter sprint, or even just finishing your warm-up, the track hack can find you. It’s a widespread phenomenon amongst indoor track athletes, almost an initiation, and something you begrudgingly grow accustomed to. Especially for newcomers, the track hack can be a rude awakening. Imagine arriving fresh to your first indoor season, perhaps never even having seen an indoor track before, like a runner I recently met from California. Suddenly, you’re not just adjusting to indoor training, but also to the charming reality of the track hack.
Beyond the cough, indoor track presents a unique set of challenges, starting with the sheer number of laps required. We are fortunate to train and compete on some excellent 200-meter indoor tracks in our region, such as those at Proviso West, York, and North Central. Even on these premier facilities, a single mile still demands eight laps. Many athletes find their hips and shins protesting against the constant strain of tight turns. While the opportunity to race indoors, sheltered from icy winter conditions, is invaluable, those smaller circuits can leave you longing for the spacious freedom of a 400-meter outdoor track.
An unusually small indoor track
And then there are the tracks even smaller than 200 meters. While space and budget constraints are understandable, and a 160-meter track is certainly better than no track at all, the increased lap count only amplifies the challenges.
The truly unique experiences come with tracks of unconventional dimensions, like the one at Glenbard East. If memory serves, it’s somewhere around 179 meters. While their fieldhouse is impressive and the people are incredibly welcoming, the track itself is, to put it mildly, unique. It seems as though the architects prioritized maximizing track size within the available floor plan, perhaps without consulting track and field experts about standard track dimensions. The track’s edge runs right against the wall, and the long jump runway intrudes onto the track itself, necessitating that jumping events be completed beforehand. And the lap counting? Don’t even get started. Running a 3200-meter race there last year meant trying to keep track of approximately 17 and 7/8 laps. Truthfully, I lost count somewhere around the halfway mark, but in a strange way, it might have been beneficial. I simply kept pushing, fueled by the illusion that the finish line was closer than it actually was. Ultimately, I ended up clocking a surprisingly fast time. That unexpected outcome made the race enjoyable, despite the dizzying number of laps.
Despite these slightly irritating aspects of indoor track, it’s all worthwhile for the chance to compete and hone race readiness before the outdoor season arrives. And let’s not overlook the distinctive charms of indoor track, elements you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Limited space indoors, coupled with often-frigid or slippery outdoor conditions, frequently confines warm-ups to school hallways. While some might dislike this, I personally find a certain appeal in exploring the different school layouts. I’ve even developed favorite warm-up spots in various schools we visit.
Another indoor track exclusive is the dilemma of whether to run the 4×400-meter relay or cheer for it. Both are incredible experiences. Running in an indoor 4×400, surrounded by the roaring support of all teams lining the track, is unparalleled. During my freshman year, at my first co-ed meet, the energy from the fans during the 4×400 was so intense it was almost difficult to run straight! Conversely, being part of that cheering crowd, leading chants and raising the roof, is equally exhilarating.
Teammates cheering during an indoor track meet
Recently, at our first meet at Proviso West, I had the thrill of running the 4×400 while my teammates’ chants of my nickname echoed as I ran by. Last weekend was a whirlwind with a co-ed meet Friday night at St. Charles East followed by a Saturday morning meet at Downer’s Grove North. Huge shout-out to all my teammates who are likely feeling sore and exhausted after that back-to-back effort. You all were amazing! And a special shout-out to my teammate Morgan Balog for discovering her doppelganger at the St. Charles meet and capturing the moment with a photo.
So, fellow indoor track enthusiasts, embrace the quirks, the tight turns, the lap counts, and yes, even the track hack. Hack on, my friends.
