Get involved
Do you want to get a little fitter or have you got a burning competitive streak? Got your sights set on your next school sports day or do you dream of taking part in the Commonwealth Games when they come to Glasgow in 2014? Well, it's easy to get involved in athletics wherever you live in Scotland.
Athletics - lots of different things to try!
The thing about athletics is that it covers lots of different sports and events. It's often referred to as 'Track and Field' - the track events are the sprints, hurdles middle and long distance running events, while the field events are generally the throwing and jumping disciplines; the long jump, high jump, javelin and shot put.
As there are so many different things to try it can be difficult deciding what you want to do. You might have something in mind already that you've seen that looks like fun or you might feel that there's something in particular that you'd be good at, there may even be a big event coming up in your area that you want to take part in.
One way is to go along to your local athletics club. Most clubs are very welcoming and are usually on the lookout for new members. To find the nearest club to where you live go to Young Scot WOW and search for athletics clubs in your area. Alternatively, you can go to the Scottish Athletics website as they also have a list of all the Athletics clubs in Scotland. You could also ask your school's Active School's Coordinator - he or she will know lots of places you can go to get started in athletics.
Jogging
Of course you don't need to go to a club to run. Lots of people jog just to stay fit and all you need is a decent pair of trainers and somewhere to run to! Jogging is also a good way to get into shape if you don't feel you're quite ready to join a competitive running club. Make sure you don't try and do too much too soon - start off with small distances and build yourself up gradually.
Run safely
If you're running on your own it's very important that you choose somewhere safe to run - especially at night - make sure that you jog somewhere that's well lit, with plenty of people around and that someone knows where you are at all times. It's also a good idea that you wear something bright or reflective so that traffic can see where you are.
Competing
If you want to dedicate your life to running faster, jumping higher or throwing further than everyone else in the world then you're going to need a lot of help. Becoming a successful athlete is the combination of a lot of different things. You of course need natural ability but it also requires great coaching, time, determination and even financial support to become the best. Fortunately there are lots of people out there willing to help! Athletics clubs across the country have lots of excellent coaches that would love to train you up into the next star of track and field and there is also funding available to help ease the financial burden that young people often feel when constantly travelling across the country to compete in various events.
Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games are coming to Glasgow 2014 and, like the Olympics in 2012, many of the events will be athletics. In Glasgow most of the events will take place at Hampden stadium which will be specially converted for the occasion. The marathon course will take place across the city. Different nations are stronger in different areas of track and field events; you might even get to see current 100m world record holder Usain Bolt compete for Jamaica - or maybe you'll witness the next big star!
For more information check out the Glasgow 2014 website.
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