Pick Your Loop: Continuous Running on Three Routes

Continuous running where each runner picks a short, medium or long loop every lap based on how they feel. It builds self-regulation of effort over a long period.

How to play

1. Show the three color-coded loops that start from the same point: short (about 100 m), medium (about 200 m) and long (about 300 m) (3 min).
2. First 6-minute block: pick a loop every lap. Passing the base, grab a clothespin of that loop's color and clip it to your shirt (7 min).
3. Active break walking: each student looks at their clothespins and thinks about whether they chose by fatigue, friends or plan (2 min).
4. Second 8-minute block with a personal goal: match the first block for two more minutes by choosing loops more wisely (9 min).
5. Walk and return clothespins to the box while discussing which mix worked (4 min).

Rules

• Always run the same direction and pass on the outside.
• Walking is allowed; stopping completely isn't, unless you feel unwell.
• The clothespins are for you: no rankings, no public counting.
• Where loops cross, the runner already on the inside has the right of way.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: loops are laid out on smooth ground and they choose by feel the same way.
• Asthma: choose the short loop early on and keep the inhaler at the base.
• Students who compare themselves a lot: run the first block with a partner of similar pace.

Learning goals

• Keep up continuous aerobic activity for 14 minutes.
• Choose workload based on how you feel.
• Reflect on why you made your choices.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 18
• pinnies: 3
• clothespins: 90

Teacher tip

Put the clothespin box at the shared start and make the loop colors very clear. No clothespins? Use hair ties or chalk tally marks on the ground.

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