Just about the time that most runners have had enough of racing in cold weather, indoor track and field season begins. As winter approaches, track fans head indoors for more comfortable running. The indoor track offers shelter from the cold and a safe environment to train and race. Whether your goal is to improve your mile time or prepare for a spring 10K participating in a few indoor meets will put you in the right direction.

Most indoor competition tracks are 200 meters around, though some tracks are as short as 145 meters and as long as 307 meters. An indoor four to six lane track is either flat the entire surface or banked at the curves. The short-sprints are performed on an eight-lane surface in the middle of the track or in the final straightaway. Field events generally take place on the infield or just to the outside of the oval. Track surfaces vary from wood to soft urethane, to technical patented rubber surfaces that allow track spikes.

A competitor should be equipped with the proper shoe in order to achieve the most favorable performance. Track spikes are not permitted on soft urethane surfaces; waffle-bottomed racing flats are the best choice. Technical patented rubber tracks do permit 1/4 inch track spikes. Consult with your local technical running store to assure that you are bringing the proper racing shoe to the meet.

Be sure to hydrate well and bring along fluids to indoor competitions since most facilities are heated to 60 to 70 degrees. Indoor air is generally dry from heating units, which can leave you coughing and sneezing after an event. Competition attire should resemble that worn during warm weather races. Be prepared to bundle-up and go outside since you will not be allowed to warm-up or warm-down on the indoor track during competition.

The indoor events are the same as the outdoor events with a few additions: 55 meters, 55 meter hurdles, 300 meters, 500 meters, 600 meters, 800 meter race walk, 1000 meters, and 4 x 200 meter relay. Events that are not included indoors are; 100 meters, 110 meter hurdles, heptathlon, decathlon, and javelin.

Racing on the indoor oval requires more focus than outdoor racing. Time your moves strategically to allow yourself the least amount of additional racing distance. Running wide around a group of runners on the curve can prove costly to your final time. The centrifugal force of curve running during a sprint can be quite a challenge and may require practice. Do keep count of your laps by making a quick glance at the lap-counter during distance races; it is easy to lose track in a 25-lap race.

The Potomac Valley Track Club and D.C. Road Runners will hold indoor track meets this winter at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington, Virginia. In addition, there will be a series of all-comers track meets held by Maryland- National Capital Park and Planning Commission at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Maryland.


View a George Banker photo gallery of Alisa Harvey in action over the years.

Information about these events can be found on the race calendar.