Which lane should slow people walk? Track etiquette.

2014-01-20T16:30:54-05:00

My answer the outside. So why do slow walkers insist on walking the inside lane on the track at just about every Army Post and Air Force Base I have visited. If you "politely" ask them to move to the outside lane, they squeal something like "I can't run". I have been on profile before due to a jump injury but I walked the outside lane.  Seems obvious that someone moving fast in one direction will have the hardest time stopping and changing direction. Tracks are for running and it is not a crosswalk, so give way walkers to the runners. Disclaimer: I do not politely ask. I hope people just read this so they know to respect the fast lane.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 20 at 2014 4:55 PM

2014-01-20T16:55:49-05:00

I agree, walkers need to use the outside lane. Here at Peterson AFB, folks are good at following this rule.

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Jan 20 at 2014 5:08 PM

2014-01-20T17:08:23-05:00

The track here seems to attract walkers and runners alike pretty much wherever.

If I'm walking on a track, I try to pay attention to where other people are and move out of the way of people moving faster than me.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 21 at 2014 10:39 AM

2014-01-21T10:39:31-05:00

Yes, slow walkers should stay in the outside lane. They have no reason for being on the inside. Save the inside lanes for people running hard. I have nothing against people who are on walking profile, so long as it's a legit profile from a doctor and not malingering. But that's another discussion for another time, and I don't want to break open Pandora's Box here in this thread.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 21 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-01-21T10:48:10-05:00

This is track etiquette 101 it's like asking which direction should I run??? The three inside lanes are reserved for faster runners and those who are doing speed workouts. Walkers should use the far outside lane. Everyone else who are not so fast the lanes in between. Don't forget to pass on the right

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2014 11:08 AM

2014-01-21T11:08:23-05:00

I agree, walkers should stay in the out side lane. If your in a race on a track runners are staggered because the inside lane is faster. It's common courtesy and America in general is failing on "simple" common courtesies. I feel that the generation for looking out for the other guy is fading. It's an all about "me" generation.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 21 at 2014 1:02 PM

2014-01-21T13:02:16-05:00

In my experience, and stated in the unpublished, but should be known to all, Track Etiquette 101, runners to the inside and walkers to the outside. I've actually seen signs posted at tracks that state "walkers will use outside two lanes."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 12:32 PM

2014-01-22T12:32:39-05:00

Outside lanes (6 lane track should have lanes 5 and 6 designated for walkers. Lane 1 to 4 for Runners. The problem relies on a lack of consideration of others. I enforce that walkers stay in lanes 5 and 6 everytime we are doing PRT on the track. Worst part is when you get people walking and having normal converstaion. You are required to get a work out with the walk, not just walk and chill while taking over three lanes with your walking partners. Granted Soldiers have legitimate injuries that prevent them from running, still it does not give you a right to take over a track. Stay in the outer lanes!

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 27 at 2014 5:19 PM

2014-05-27T17:19:31-04:00

It's always been the outside lane(s)which are lanes 7-8. Leave the inside ones for running. I always said if you are just walking for many reasons find a trail, sidewalk, or use the roads. A PT profile for walking doesn't limit the person to only walk on the track. What I dislike is when when there are 4-5 walking abreast cover 4-5 lanes or when the runner's workout/ sprint interval is done, he/she slows down and walks in lane 1.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2014 7:51 AM

2014-10-20T07:51:53-04:00

I hate that, I have lost at least 30 seconds on a APFT because of those people. If you would have seen me from above it looked like i was making "S" patterns on the track. Now I just go through them if they don't move. "Oh, I'm sorry.. I wasn't paying attention" they move to the outside eventually.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Dec 16 at 2014 4:42 PM

2014-12-16T16:42:32-05:00

Regular pt session or during an APFT? Regular pt if I was doing it on a track, I always went outside, APFT I go inside and move aside when runners overtake me...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 10:04 AM

2014-12-18T10:04:50-05:00

just like driving your car. if you are going to go less than the speed limit you need to be in the slow lane on the right.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 18 at 2014 10:07 AM

2014-12-18T10:07:16-05:00

I know every track I have been (AF) at has a sign that says walkers on the outside lanes.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Feb 19 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-02-19T10:10:00-05:00

Etiquette on track running is walkers and slower runners move to the outside lanes to keep the inside lanes clear for faster runners. But, unfortunately, many people do not understand this simple rule. Even if there are signs posted to this effect, it's like they can't even read. I have run into this issue when I'd ride my bike on the bike path at the Virginia Beach boardwalk. Signs are posted everywhere, "Do Not Walk on the Bike Path" sure enough, some idiot takes it upon themselves to walk down the bike path, and then gets upset because they almost get run down by someone on a bike or yelled at for walking on the bike path

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2018 3:38 PM

2018-02-15T15:38:22-05:00

Track follows the rules of the road, left lanes or inside are the "fast" lanes and you never cross the track with out looking both ways twice!!