Running in a gymnasium allows you to train in a controlled environment, away from the hazards of ice, sun and traffic. However, training indoors poses its own challenges. The scenery is boring; the room may be too hot or cold. No easy way exists to tell how many loops around the room you must complete to run a mile. With a little preparation, though, running indoors can be as engaging, comfortable and precise as running outside.
Step 1
Check the temperature in the gymnasium before you begin using it as a training track. Determine whether you need warm clothes or cool clothes to run comfortably. Don't assume that the temperature indoors will be similar to the temperature outdoors.
Step 2
Place a piece of masking tape on the floor to mark the starting point of a loop. Set a measuring wheel on top of it, with the white mark on the wheel even with the tape. Follow the instructions that came with the wheel to reset its counter to zero.
Step 3
Roll the wheel around the perimeter of the gym. Don't measure too close to the wall; try to match the track you follow when you run. Push the wheel all the way around the gym until you return to your starting mark.
Step 4
Look at the wheel's indicator to see how many meters one loop is. Multiply that number by 0.000621 to get the equivalent distance in miles. This number should be a decimal.
Step 5
Divide the number 1 by the decimal to determine how many circuits are equivalent to one mile. For example, if the circuit was equal to 0.1 miles, divide 1 by 0.1 to determine that 10 circuits equal one mile.
Step 6
Run the necessary number of circuits around the gym. Match the track you measured as closely as you can.
Step 7
Wear comfortable running shoes while you train. Stretch before and after you run to warm up and cool down safely. Stretching minimizes your risk of injury. Stash a water bottle against the wall beside the track; drink from it when you pass it to stay hydrated.
Step 8
Listen to a portable music device while you run. This helps alleviate the boredom of a repetitive view. Unlike when you're training on the streets, you don't need to be able to hear approaching traffic; wearing earbuds and listening to music while you run indoors is safe.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your gym teacher about marking a track on the floor of the gym with masking tape. This would allow you and other runners to run more accurate miles.
Things You'll Need
- Masking tape
- Measuring wheel
- Calculator
- Water bottle
- Portable music device
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