X Tables
Athletics Maths

Athletics training plans maths challenge

A child-friendly sports challenge using training plans to practise time with real examples.

Quick answer

You can use maths to plan and track your athletics training by working out how long each session takes, how much time you spend on different activities, and how to improve your performance over time.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use time calculations to plan and track your athletics training sessions. Success signs:
  • You can tell the time to the minute on an analogue and digital clock
  • You can add and subtract time to plan your training
  • You can work out how long a training session lasts
  • You can compare different training plans to see which is best

Why this matters

When you train for athletics, you need to know how long your sessions take, when to start and finish, and how to improve your times. Maths helps you plan your training, track your progress, and become a better athlete. Whether you're timing yourself running, planning your warm-up, or working out how much time you spend on each activity, time is a very important part of athletics training.

How it works

Time in athletics training helps you plan your sessions, measure your progress, and make sure you're training at the right pace. Here's how to use time in your training:
  1. First, you need to know how to read the time on a clock. This means understanding hours, minutes, and how to tell time to the minute.
  2. Next, you use addition and subtraction to work out how long sessions last. For example, if you start at 3:15 and finish at 3:45, you can calculate that you trained for 30 minutes.
  3. Then, you can compare different training plans to see which one works best for you.
  4. Finally, you can use time to track how your performance improves over time.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you're planning a training session for running and jumping. Here are some real-life examples of how you use time in athletics training: Example 1: Planning a 30-minute session
  • Warm-up: 5 minutes
  • Running: 15 minutes
  • Jumping: 7 minutes
  • Cool-down: 3 minutes
To check if this adds up to 30 minutes: 5 + 15 + 7 + 3 = 30 minutes Example 2: Calculating how long a race took If you start running at 10:20 and finish at 10:45, you can calculate how long your race took: 10:45 - 10:20 = 25 minutes Example 3: Comparing two training plans Plan A: 30 minutes of training Plan B: 40 minutes of training Plan A might be better if you're short on time, but Plan B might be better if you want more practice.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Race Training Challenge You are preparing for a school athletics day. You have two weeks to train for your 100-metre race. Your coach gives you a training plan, but you need to work out how much time you spend on each activity and whether you have enough time to practice. Here's your challenge:
  1. Start time: 4:00 p.m.
  2. Warm-up: 10 minutes
  3. Practice running: 15 minutes
  4. Break: 5 minutes
  5. Practice jumping: 10 minutes
  6. Cool-down: 5 minutes
What time will you finish your training session? Step-by-step: 1st time: Start at 4:00 p.m. 2nd time: Warm-up ends at 4:10 p.m. 3rd time: Running ends at 4:25 p.m. 4th time: Break ends at 4:30 p.m. 5th time: Jumping ends at 4:40 p.m. 6th time: Cool-down ends at 4:45 p.m. You finish training at 4:45 p.m. Challenge: How long would your training session be if you added 5 more minutes of practice running?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting that there are 60 minutes in an hour.
    Why it happens: Children often confuse minutes and hours.
    Fix: Use a clock or timer to help you see that 60 minutes = 1 hour.
  • Mistake: Adding time incorrectly by counting minutes instead of using a clock.
    Why it happens: Children may not understand how time works on a clock face.
    Fix: Use a real clock or draw a clock to help you add time correctly.
  • Mistake: Not checking if the total time makes sense.
    Why it happens: Children might add numbers without thinking about the real situation.
    Fix: Always double-check your answer by counting backwards or using a timer.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child with athletics training maths by:
  • Using a real clock to show how time works
  • Practising adding and subtracting time with your child
  • Creating simple training plans together
  • Using a timer to help your child track how long they spend on each activity
  • Encouraging your child to explain how they worked out the time
In 5-10 minutes, you can:
  1. Set up a simple training plan together
  2. Practice telling time to the minute
  3. Use a timer to measure short activities
  4. Work out how long a session lasts
Don't worry if your child makes mistakes. Time is a tricky concept, and it's normal for children to need extra practice.

Practice questions

  1. If a training session starts at 2:15 p.m. and ends at 2:40 p.m., how long did it last?
  2. You warm up for 8 minutes, run for 12 minutes, and cool down for 5 minutes. How long is your session?
  3. Plan A takes 25 minutes. Plan B takes 30 minutes. Which plan is shorter?
  4. Start time: 3:30 p.m. Warm-up: 5 minutes. What time does warm-up end?
  5. Running: 10 minutes, jumping: 8 minutes, break: 3 minutes. What is the total time?
Answers:
  1. 25 minutes
  2. 25 minutes
  3. Plan A is shorter
  4. 3:35 p.m.
  5. 21 minutes

FAQ

How do I know what time my training session ends?

You can add the time of each activity to your start time. For example, if you start at 3:15 p.m. and do 10 minutes of warm-up, your warm-up ends at 3:25 p.m.

Why is it important to plan my training time?

Planning your time helps you make the most of your training. It makes sure you don't spend too much or too little time on each activity, and it helps you get better at athletics.

Can I use maths to improve my race times?

Yes! You can use time to compare your performance and see how much faster you get. For example, if you ran a race in 30 seconds last week and 28 seconds this week, you're getting faster!

How can I practice time maths at home?

You can use a timer, a clock, or even play games where you add and subtract time. Try timing yourself doing different activities like jumping, running, or reading.

What if I get confused with time?

It's okay to get confused! You can use a clock, draw a timeline, or ask a parent or teacher for help. Practice makes progress.