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What is masters athletics?

Athletics is the sport you probably tried at school and watched at the Olympics. It is running races, throwing objects as far as you can, and jumping over things.

An athletic competition is usually divided into events, such as the 100 metre sprint, discus and high jump. Compete in multiple individual events or specialise in just one or two. Some competition days offer only one type of event, such as cross country or marathon, where everyone runs the same race.

The masters part separates competition into five-year age groups, so you compete against athletes the same age as you.

And the best part, Masters Athletics meets do not require a qualifying standard at any level. If you want to attend a National or World Championship, come with us!

Choosing a discipline

Athletics for adults is different to what you might have experienced growing up. There is rarely a general club program where you must do all the events. As an adult you can specialise straight away.

So if you only want to train for the 100m sprint, or do the throws, that is all you have to do. Just select your program or coach accordingly.

(No one is going to make you run the 1500m, we promise.)

Health check

If you have any medical conditions or injuries, we recommend visiting your doctor, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist before starting a new sport or fitness program.

If you do not have a GP, a check-up every 1 to 2 years is recommended for most adults, with frequency increasing as we age. Starting a new sport is as good a time as any to find a practice that will look after you for the years to come.

For athletes, it is especially important to keep up with screening programs for skin checks, cardiovascular health and osteoporosis. A sports podiatrist can help with foot and ankle concerns.

General fitness

Many of our beginners are not coming from the gym or retiring from elite sport. You can ease into your event, with all movement scalable to meet you where you are.

Strength and conditioning programs are an excellent complement to athletics, but you do not have to lift weights or do additional cardio if you do not want to. The events themselves build capacity.

Even someone already very fit, trying athletics for the first time or after some time away, will need to work up to full capacity. It takes time for muscle, tendon and bone to adapt. Going straight to 100% with explosive movements often leads to injury.

Finding a way to train or learn a new event

There are many ways into athletics, even for a complete beginner. Resources vary by location and by your interests, so some initial light research might be required. If you need assistance finding local facilities or groups, QMA is happy to help. Please check the listings on our website or reach out by email.

Some excellent options for those starting out include:

• Come and try days (see our calendar, social media, or sign up for our newsletter)
• QMA winter training, Sundays at QSAC, Brisbane
• QMA sprint training, Wednesdays and Saturdays at QSAC, Brisbane
• Find a coach
• Use an online program or app, for example Couch to 5K for those new to running
• Self-coaching through books and videos
• Joining or starting a local group of enthusiasts
• Rock up to any QMA competition in Brisbane or the regions, no experience required. Email us beforehand and we will find someone to show you around.

What to bring to a training session

There is no need to buy special equipment before you get started if you can join a coach or a session. Spikes, a uniform, or anything specific to your event can all come later, if you decide to invest in good quality gear.

Recommended basics for your first training session:

• Basic running shoes or cross trainers
• Clothes you can move in that will keep you cool
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Light snacks for long sessions
• Gym towel

Entry fees may need to be paid directly to the facility. Check with the coach or group.

What to expect at a training session

Before starting, a coach or facilitator will usually have a brief chat to discuss your training history and any injuries or medical concerns. That gives you time to ask about session times, fees, and any goals you have. Coaches are also very happy to discuss their program before you join up if you contact them, usually by email.

At the session there will often be a warm-up, movement drills, some event-specific practice, and a cool-down.

Training groups for non-elite adults are low pressure, and you can take your early sessions as easily as you need to. You might even find the coach is slowing you down. Trust them, they do not want you to get injured.

The first session is about getting a feel for the environment, the people, and whether the events suit you. Some groups are more structured or performance orientated than others. You can try different groups or coaches to find a good fit.

Competition

You can honestly come to a QMA meet as soon as you feel ready, or even before. QMA events do not require a qualifying standard.

See our calendar for upcoming events, or have a look through the Learn menu to discover how the competitions work.

Who you'll meet

A wide variety of people from all walks of life and all ages.

Some of us love to compete, and train hard to make that goal time or distance. Others are here for fitness, travel, or just for a good time. We all start from different places.

Most of us were never professional athletes, and a lot of us did not do athletics as a kid. Some of us did not start running or jumping or throwing until after we got our first professional job, or had kids, or retired.

When you join a training group or come to a competition for the first time, you'll meet other beginners in your position. If they are not a beginner, they will remember what it is like to start something new. No one will judge you for not knowing how everything works first go, second go, or hundredth go.

We love big, vibrant competitions, so we are always looking for ways to make newcomers feel welcome. We want to share this great sport with as many people as possible. Community is built through shared goals and shared struggle.

(And we promise struggle. This sport is made up of technical events that take time to master. There are highs and lows, but overall progression is extremely satisfying. Training builds resilience alongside improved physical and mental health.)