Coach Nick Hunt / Indoor track guide
Parent's guide
Indoor track in Indiana.
A plain-English guide for families of middle school and high school distance runners: what indoor track is, when the season runs, and how to make the most of it.
In this guide
- What is indoor track?
- When is the indoor track season in Indiana?
- Can middle school runners do indoor track?
- Which events should a distance runner race indoors?
- How many indoor meets should a runner do?
- How should a runner train in the winter?
- How do indoor track meets work?
- Does indoor track help with spring track?
- How do I find a coach for indoor track in Indiana?
What is indoor track?
Indoor track is a winter track and field season held inside fieldhouses, usually on a 200-meter oval. For distance runners it means racing events like the 800 meters, the mile or 1600 meters, and the 3000 or 3200 meters between the end of cross country and the start of spring track.
When is the indoor track season in Indiana?
Most runners start winter training in December. Indoor meets for youth and high school runners generally run from January through early March, and the season leads straight into the spring high school track season.
Can middle school runners do indoor track?
Yes. Many indoor meets have youth or open sections, so middle school runners can race even if their school does not have an indoor team. Runners usually enter through a club or as unattached athletes, depending on the meet.
Which events should a distance runner race indoors?
Most distance runners focus on the 800 meters, the mile or 1600 meters, and the 3000 or 3200 meters. A good indoor season often includes one race slightly shorter than the runner's best event to work on speed, and one at their main distance.
How many indoor meets should a runner do?
Fewer, well-chosen meets usually work better than racing every weekend. A few races spread through January and February gives time to train between them and lets each race have a clear goal.
How should a runner train in the winter?
Keep the easy running consistent, add one or two focused workouts each week, and include short strides and basic strength work. On icy or very cold days, a treadmill or indoor track keeps training on schedule. A coach adjusts the plan around school, weather, and meets.
How do indoor track meets work?
Families register online before the entry deadline and pay an entry fee. Runners are usually placed in heats based on entered times, so it helps to enter an accurate recent time. Plan to arrive early to check in, warm up, and find your heat.
Does indoor track help with spring track?
Yes. Runners who train and race through the winter start the spring season fitter and more comfortable racing on the track, instead of starting from scratch in March.
How do I find a coach for indoor track in Indiana?
Look for a coach who builds a plan around your runner, helps choose meets, and stays in contact through the season. Coach Nick Hunt offers personal coaching for middle school and high school runners anywhere in Indiana, with plans in Final Surge, texts and calls as needed, workout check-ins, and meet planning.
Still have a question?
Ask Coach Hunt.
Send your question and I'll reply by email, usually within a day.