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Track Basics

Need running shoes and/or spikes?  Charlotte Running Company is locally owned and employ some of our athletes.  They are offering a special discount to our team. Mention the flyer and that you are with Charlotte Catholic. Athletes should consider at least 1 pair of running shoes for training each session. For racing, an athlete should consider spikes. 

Throughout the season, we will learn and re-enforce each of the topics below.

Track Practice 101

  • 400m, 200m mark, 2 laps 800m, 3 laps 1200m, 4 laps 1600m, splits usually tied to each lap

  • turns 1, 2, 3, 4

  • front stretch / back stretch

  • lane 1 etiquette 

  • take turns leading laps (distance events)

  • staying in lanes (for events in lanes)

  • field events

Track Meet 101 

You should arrive at the meet at least 1 hour before your first event. 

Once you arrive:

  1. Check in with your coach.
  2. Find the check in table for your event.
  3. Get together with the other CCHS athletes competing in your events.

Warm-ups - Captain lead dynamic warm up as a group.

You are strongly encouraged to stay the whole meet to cheer on and support you teammates.  Unless you meet one of the following criteria:

  1. You are competing in field events only
  2. You have talked to your coach about an obligation you have
  3. An injury that needs urgent attention.

Other Considerations when at a meet:

  • water, snacks, sunscreen, shade

  • warmth, blankets

  • snacks, t-shirts for sale

  • cash / apps for spectators

  • std rolling schedule, 1st call, 2nd call to check in, order of events, heats

  • warming up, checking in

  • bathrooms

  • waterfall start, lanes, break lines, blocks

  • shortest distance around the track is the inside lane one, ideally pass on straight

  • no pushing or blocking or profanity

  • if fall, get up and go, it happens and is not the end of the race

  • no stepping over rail / inside lines

  • kick / run thru line, never dive

  • splits

  • exchange zones

  • stay out of infield except when check in, no phones in infield

  • clock, lap counter, bell lap

  • conf, reg, state formats

  • team scoring

  • nc milesplit, athletic.net

  • warm-up, warm down, strides