For the first time in 2020 I ran on the track yesterday. I had done some speed work previously, but it had been on the treadmill and there are definitely differences. It was a pretty standard workout of mine for early in the season – 300 hard/200 easy x 10.

For me, the biggest benefit to running on the track is I am able to listen and respond better to my body when I am running on the track as opposed to the treadmill. I am not predisposing myself to a set pace, but rather running according to how my body feels. My main objective is to get my legs and body used to running at a faster clip, especially this early in the season.

On the treadmill, I have a set pace which may be just right, but more likely too fast or slow. Most likely it will not be correct for every rep. That being said, having the predefined pace can be beneficial if you are really trying to nail a certain pace which may come later in the season or if you are focusing in on a shorter distance race where speed is more important (speed is important at every distance but more important the shorter you go…obviously).

Whether you do it on a track or the treadmill, it is important to get some speed work in as it pays benefits in your running. Plus, it is kind of fun to run fast, for me especially on a track.