As a runner, having a space you can call your own to exercise and unwind is essential. A backyard is the perfect place to create a private oasis to keep fit, relax, and escape daily stresses. With a few simple steps, you can transform your backyard into a running haven that suits your needs.
Firstly, consider converting your backyard into a small track. It’s an excellent way to keep track of your mileage, timings, and progress while avoiding the hassles of commuting. To do this, you can place rocks or chalk to create a boundary that acts as a track perimeter. Alternatively, if you have more space, consider installing a small fence, which serves the dual purpose of providing privacy and an enclosed track. The track is only as good as its upkeep. You want to avoid tripping over rocks, unkempt grass, or leaves on your morning run. Investing in regular maintenance of your track and backyard will ensure you can enjoy it all year round.
Having your track could help to save you costs by joining a running club; it can reduce wear and tear on your body by having an improved space to run, and it may also improve safety by giving you a better place to run at all hours of the day. How do you maintain your dream running escape? Thankfully, there are several different services that you can rely on to keep your outdoor space pristine. From lawnmowers to gardeners and landscape architects, the possibilities are endless. The following article will explore the various services available and how to choose one that complements your new backyard hangout.
Consider Installing a Suitable Surface
When creating the perfect running track in your backyard, your chosen surface is arguably the most vital aspect. Having a suitable surface provides comfort and promotes your safety, which is essential for your health. Several options are available for backyard tracks, such as natural grass, turf, concrete, and asphalt. While natural grass and turf may offer comfort, they can be challenging to maintain, especially during extreme weather conditions. Concrete, on the other hand, tends to be too complicated and may cause joint pains. That leaves us with asphalt, considered one of the best surfaces for running tracks. Asphalt provides an excellent surface for running, whether hot, cold, or rainy. It’s durable and low-maintenance, so you won’t have to worry much about its upkeep. Moreover, an asphalt running surface installed by asphalt contractors can last for years, even decades, with proper installation.
Hiring a professional asphalt contractor or a hardscaping contractor professionals will ensure you get the best surface for your backyard. These professionals are trained to evaluate your space to determine the suitable material and installation process to achieve the best results. They can provide expert recommendations to guarantee your comfort and safety while running. Your backyard offers the perfect sanctuary to keep fit and unwind after a long day at work. With a good running surface, you can enjoy the benefits of running while minimizing the risks associated with outdoor exercises. So, don’t hesitate to call a professional asphalt or hardscaping contractor to help you create the ultimate running experience in your backyard hangout, just as you would have on a real track.
Add Accents Such as Marks for Jogging Laps
Once you have installed the perfect surface for your backyard running track, consider adding some marks or stripes to help you track your progress. Asphalt striping is an excellent option for creating dividing lines and marking distances along your track, which can improve the running experience.
Having dividing lines within your running track can be particularly useful if you run with other people or pets. With the lines, you can create lanes that ensure everyone can run collectively, irrespective of their pace, which is particularly essential when you have multiple runners using the track. You can also add starting and finishing lines to give your workout structure and make it easier to measure your progress. Asphalt striping also allows you to mark distances along your track. By accurately measuring distances, you can better plan your workouts and adjust your running pace accordingly. Knowing the space and time it takes you to run each lap can help you track your progress toward your fitness goals, all from the comfort of your backyard hangout.
While adding marks to your track may sound like a simple task, hiring professionals who specialize in asphalt striping is best to ensure a clean, clear, and long-lasting marking. Asphalt striping professionals have the necessary equipment and expertise to provide an accurate striping job, which can enhance your backyard track’s longevity and prevent the need for frequent touch-ups. You may need to call a professional to come back to measure and paint your track once a year, but this will ensure you can accurately track your distances, stay in line, and keep your backyard hangout looking great.
Ensure the Space Is Cleared
A clean backyard is essential for your running sanctuary. It ensures that there are no obstacles or hazards that could impede your exercise routine or cause damage to the equipment if you use any. Therefore, it’s necessary to maintain a clean environment throughout the year, especially during the intense weather seasons.
One way to keep your backyard clean is by hiring local landscaping services. These professionals can help you keep your yard tidy by removing garbage and leaves that may have blown through your yard or other debris. They will schedule routine cleaning services to ensure your yard remains relatively clean throughout the month, ensuring nothing accumulates and forms piles. You can have them come in once a week to clean out your backyard hangout and keep it safe for running. Rather than spending excessive time clearing out your backyard before each run, you can get a professional to maintain the upkeep, trim back the weeds and keep your track clean to run on.
Another approach is to get local dumpster rentals for waste disposal. You may have a considerable amount of debris when doing major yard or house projects like redoing the flooring, roofing, or landscape remodeling. This debris can include grass clippings, branches, stones, and any other materials generated from the project. Dumpster rentals can help you dispose of this waste, saving you the time and energy of taking multiple trips to the dump or worrying about where to dispose of such materials. Renting a dumpster is convenient, and you can choose the size based on your needs while staying within your budget.
Ensure the Space Is Safe
Having a backyard hangout for running requires attention to detail on more than just the visible factors, such as the running track and landscape. It’s also essential to keep your running space safe from potential safety hazards like pests, insects, and other unwanted critters.
One way to ensure your safety is by trying to find pest control services. These professionals can help you identify the type of pests or insects around your backyard and provide a solution that ensures your safety. They can apply pesticides and other pest repellents to your backyard to prevent infestations. They also serve as a safety measure to protect yourself, your family, your pets, and the environment from harmful toxins. You won’t have to worry about the potential for a wasp nest or fighting off pests as you are running if you regularly call on pest control services.
Suppose you have older lawn furniture and items you would like removed from your yard to free up space for running. In that case, you will need residential movers to help you transport your equipment to be out of the way in your backyard hangout. Professional residential moving companies have the equipment and expertise to transport your belongings safely and efficiently, ensuring your equipment arrives at a storage location so it can be stored in a basement out of the way. You can rent a storage locker and free up space in your backyard to accommodate the total area of your track. This way, your backyard hangout can be clear of items you don’t need.
Plan to Upkeep the Land Properly
Creating the perfect backyard hangout for running is a significant investment, so proper maintenance and preparation are essential to ensure its longevity. Landscape maintenance services can help you keep your backyard track in top shape, reducing the risk of damages that could require expensive repairs.
An experienced landscape maintenance contractor can help you with tree pruning, weeding, lawn care, and pest control to keep your backyard running track in the best possible condition. Regular maintenance ensures that your backyard stays healthy, promoting a crucial aspect of running; clean and clear air. It also keeps the track area clear, which can prevent injuries. Additionally, consider hiring waterproofing services if you live in an area with frequent rainfall or high soil moisture levels. Waterproofing services can help you protect your backyard running track from flooding during heavy rains, which causes significant damage to the track’s infrastructure.
These services involve the application of waterproofing sealants to the track and surrounding areas to prevent moisture and water from penetrating the surface. Waterproofing prevents water damage, mud, and other debris from collecting on your way, ensuring you can continue using it even after heavy rains. A professional should also do proper grading for your backyard and a look at the drainage system for your backyard hangout. This can ensure that you have an excellent area to install the track where it won’t settle improperly, crack or flood. Working with a contractor will provide the area drains well and can sit up high on a suitable base where it can last for the maximum amount of time and be a safety feature in your yard.
Add Finishing Touches That Make the Most Sense to You
Now that you have created the perfect backyard running the sanctuary, it’s time to consider adding some finishing touches and luxuries to make it an even better space for your exercise routine. These touches will make the running area the best backyard hangout.
One essential addition is a sprinkler hose system. Running in the heat is no easy task, but cooling off with a quick water spray can make a big difference in your comfort level. With a sprinkler or hose system, you can control the amount of water and when it is released, ensuring you have the perfect amount of water to cool off during your runs. Apart from the luxury of a cool-off, it can cool down the asphalt on the track for more comfortable conditions as well as keep your plants and grass well-watered.
Another luxury to consider is a sound system. Music can be highly motivating during runs, and having a good plan can enhance your experience. You can either invest in portable speakers or install a permanent system around your backyard for full sound coverage. Proper lighting is crucial for running at night or during low-light conditions. Solar-powered lights, string lights, or motion-activated lights around the track can provide adequate lighting, improving visibility and creating a cozy atmosphere. The right lighting system allows you to run more efficiently and safely at night.
Comfortable seating is also essential for your backyard hangout space. Investing in a good seating area, such as garden benches or patio chairs, can allow you to rest or relax after your workouts or give your family or friends an excellent spot to watch you run. Lastly, consider adding decorative features such as statues, plants, or other garden ornaments that can enhance the aesthetics and enjoyment of your backyard running a sanctuary. These are the features that can truly make your backyard hangout different than anyone else’s.
Adding finishing touches and luxuries to your backyard running space can make it an even better oasis for your exercise routine. From sprinkler or hose systems to sound systems, lighting, and comfortable seating, these features can maximize your enjoyment and motivation during your workouts. So, don’t hesitate to invest in these additions and make your backyard running sanctuary the perfect place for your physical and mental well-being.