All articles

Everything on The Backstraight Manual, organised by topic.

Middle Distance

• 800m Intervals: What 8 x 800 Actually Means — 800m intervals are repeated 800-metre runs separated by recovery periods; the distance alone does not specify their intensity or purpose.
• 800m Race Strategy: Run Both Laps With a Plan — A sound 800m race strategy is to accelerate cleanly, settle before the break, hold useful space through the middle, and reach the final 200 metres with…
• How to Build an 800m Training Week Without Guesswork — Build an 800m week around one speed or mechanics session, one event-specific or aerobic-power session, mostly easy work, optional longer easy running,…

Sprint Mechanics

• Sprint Form for Beginners: Five Cues That Hold Up — Beginner sprint form improves when you use a few phase-appropriate cues: push the ground back during acceleration, rise gradually instead of popping…

Training Foundations

• Track Warm-Up Routine: From Easy Motion to Fast Running — A useful track warm-up moves from general to specific: 5–10 minutes of easy movement, dynamic mobility for the joints and ranges the event needs,…
• Youth Strength Training for Track: A Safe Framework — Youth track athletes can use resistance training when it is properly designed, technically taught, and supervised.