I'm doing the 400s on saturday... i was wondering what should i do? Sprint all? Sprint half run half?

Question

I'm doing the 400s on saturday... i was wondering what should i do? Sprint all? Sprint half run half?

What would you do?

Answer 1

I recomend, unless you think you are a really good runner, do not sprint at first. Run at a steady pace first then in the middle speed it up a little and when its close to the end, spilll your guts out and just sprint like crazy all the way. trust me it works because i ran the 440 snd i finished first. So, good luck and remember, dont look back at your oponents!

Answer 2

The ideal race pattern will be one of smooth deceleration if you have dispersed your energies properly, with as little tightening up at the finish as possible.
Hopefully your coach has already taught you a race strategy through all your practices so it has now becomes natural and you're not thinking of all this while raciing or you'll be spending most of the race breaking it done step by step instead of running the race and winning.
If not try this strategy
Try to cover the first 50 meters at near top speed, at this point you should relax the actions of the upper body while still trying to maintain your leg speed,thoughts should be of trying to settle into the rhythm of the race and to get a feel for your competition,
you should also begin thinking about the next big effort you will make,
which will be at the 200 meter mark, where you will make a determined effort to increase the actions of your arms and to begin driving and lifting your knees,
trying to resume more of a sprinting action, a controlled pickup, one that should allow you to come off the final curve even or ahead of your opponents.
During the final 100 meters of the race, you should stay relaxed while fighting the effects of fatigue.
One of the best ways to do this is by thinking of proper running technique and good form which you were taught then concentrating on this.

Answer 3

When I run the 400 I sprint the first 100, do a fast stride on the back stretch for bout 150m, then go balls to the wall the rest of the way. That works for me

Answer 4

If you can sprint it all the way, do so. If not get out fast, running about 85-90% speed. Maintain a good fast pace. As you start your last 200meters, increase your speed to a sprint on the final 100 meters and sprint as fast as you can to the finish line. Use your arms and good form to help drive your power. Good luck.

Answer 5

If you have trained for this event it is a sprint. That does nto mean you run 100 meter speed for the entire distance. The first 60 meters is an acceleration up to your top running speed for this race. Power the curve, when you come off the first curve, relax and stretch out. Do not try to run harder, relax. Keep your stride length and turnover going. When you come into the second curve you need ot power up. It is harder to maintain your speed on a curve. As you come off the curve for the finish straight relax. Keep your arms moving, do not allow your stride to shorten, Remember that you are now running as fast as you can run. Do not try to run harder, it will only slow you down. If someone is ahead of you do not try to catch them. When you try to run harder at this point yo will tighten up and slow down. They will probably come back to you if you just maintain your stride. The race is broken down into sections: the acceleration phase, the stride where you are maintaining your speed, but not trying to run faster, the drive through the second curve, and the last 100 to the finish. It takes years to learn this race. Good luck.

Answer 6

Give it 75% for the first 100-150 meters, 90% for the middle 150 meters, and 'go for broke' in the last 100m. Most runners jump out too fast in the 400m and then they run out of gas...these are the runners that you'll be passing if you hold back in the first 100m. Best of luck!

- Mike

Answer 7

Just hump the curves man and the straightaways will be a breeze.