How to become a Masters sprinter

Did you run sprints or participate in fast team sports in school? Now that you're thirty years of age or better, do you miss competing at 100, 200 and 400 meters? Or perhaps you always wanted to be a sprinter but never had the chance? USA Track and Field (USATF) offers Masters sprint competitions for female and male athletes age thirty and up at local, state, regional, national and world-level indoor and outdoor track meets. Competition is by five-year age groups, starting with 30 to 34; there is no upper age limit. Fulfill some basic requirements, then get fit, get back up to speed, sign up for a meet and you can be in the blocks again, ready to go for gold.

Things You'll Need

  • Be a least 30 years of age
  • Possess athletic ability
  • Be capable of strenuous physical exercise
  • Membership in USA Track and Field
  • Sprint spike shoes
  • Running clothes
  • Local all-weather practice track
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Instructions

  1. Get Ready

    • 1
      It's been a while...

      Check with your doctor to make sure you're healthy enough to train for and compete in this physically-demanding sport.

    • 2

      Familiarize yourself with the Masters track and field program at the USATF Masters website and the Masters culture on masterstrack.com, a privately-maintained blog.

    • 3

      Join USATF. Membership is required for entry to Masters track meets. It costs $30 per year and includes discounts on running gear and a subscription to USATF's magazine, "Fast Forward".

    Get Set

    • 4
      Weapons of choice

      On the USATF Masters web site meet calendar, find track meets in your area, state and region. Choose a local USATF-sanctioned all-comers meet that takes place far enough in the future to allow you to train up to it.

    • 5

      Buy racing flats or cross-training shoes for your workouts and a pair of quality sprint shoes for races; assorted lengths of ceramic pyramid or steel needle spikes and a spike tool; lightweight racing shorts and shirt; a warm-up suit; a stop-watch; a container for electrolyte drinks, and a sturdy bag to carry it all in.

    • 6

      Develop your personalized training program, using one of the many expert guides available for that purpose, and get it started. Alternatively, join a local track club or get a private coach who caters to Masters sprinters. If you need to brush up on speed technique, check out the local franchise of Velocity Sports or similar coach-based sports speed training outfit.

    Go!

    • 7
      Take one home!

      Sign up for your chosen meet online or download a registration form and events schedule. Sign-ups at the event site are rarely permitted. The USATF meet calendar contains meet organizers' contact information and links. Calculate entry fees, complete and sign the form and waivers and send in with payment before the deadline.

    • 8

      Get to the meet at least two hours before your first race. Check in to get your heat/lane assignments. Get oriented, meet and greet fellow competitors. Perform a good warm-up before your first event.

    • 9

      After the meet, register your times at www.mastersrankings.com, the Masters track results database. This will let you gauge where you rank nationally in your age group and monitor progress as your "track record" grows.