how can i get my apple watch to track activity other than walking

On your watch press the Digital Crown and then tap the little green circle that looks a man running. You should then be a able to select any lone of these workout types:

Workout types on Apple Watch - Apple Support

or see:

Start a workout on Apple Watch - Apple Support

No workout and activity are 2 separate apps on the watch.

In the workout app there is about 78 different workout types.

Did you click on the links I gave above,they explain it all.

Here is another link;

Close Your Rings

Start here;

Work out with your Watch

Workout types on Watch

Go to workout

Tap the workout you’d like to do.