im a mile runner, and i've gotten my time down to 6:04, but at the end of a race i just dont have the energy to kick, even if im neck and neck with an opponent, and it's really annoying. i know im racing the other 3 laps well cause im super tired by the end of the race, but other people i race against just kick it in their last lap.
i've tried to run on my toes to get some extra speed in that last hundred, but after the greater part of the mile i ususally can't keep it up for long enough.
what can i do to get better at this? i practice every day, and im considering if i should use ankle weights that i have, would they help me with anything?
Thanks a bunch!
2007-03-24 11:54:20 · 8 answers · asked by Runningtom 2 in Sports ➔ Running
Okay, first things first. Skip the ankle weights. That's a formula for disaster -- Injury City.
Next, your focus needs to be on energy conservation. You don't have a kick because the "tank is empty." You must learn to save energy when and where possible.
-Focus on fluid, smooth form.
-Drafting behind someone is a great tactic. Let someone else lead, and take on the extra wind resistance. Hang back.
-Continue your training. Some of this will improve as you round into form.
-Plan your race. If you want to reserve some energy for a kick, plan to do so. Plan your lap times, and run smarter not harder.
-Focus on flexibility. Your overall form will really benefit from flexibility, and it helps you stay injury free.
You will improve over time. Learn from each race. Good luck!
2007-03-26 09:45:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Truthfully, you just need to keep running. Train hard an improvement will come. Not having energy left at the end of a mile shows that you are running hard, and you probably can't do much better than that. Doing more speedwork could potentially help you but if you don't have it in you in that last 100 then you don't have it- that's that.
Also, there are different types of runners. I have a friend who won the state cross country meet this fall. She is the type of runner who needs to pace herself throughout the race and shes just, by nature, not a "kicker." There is another runner in town who has one hell of a kick, and when they race my friend has to be very careful not to slow down during the race because if that other girl gets to close behind then she'll smoke my friend with her kick. So the moral of this story: you need to learn what kind of runner you are, and plan your races accordingly. If you are not one who has a good kick, then be sure to pace yourself throughout the race. It sounds to my like your a lot like my friend. In my opinion, it is more difficult to be that type of runner because you have to race intelligently, not like some over-competitive wild animal. But don't forget- that friend I told you about won herself a state title last November.
BUT there is something that comes into the equation. Competitiveness. Thats where a lot of the good kickers get it. They feel the competition and are able to dig deep and profit from the intensity of the moment. It comes down to how much you really want to beat the guy next you. Maybe that person is in better shape but if they don't want it with a passion then none of that matters.
Hope this helps! Good look with your running.
2007-03-24 20:56:37 · answer #2 · answered by Sir Drew M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a lot of kick left for the end of the race you did not run the rest of the race fast enough. Think about trying to pace yourself. Run an even pace throughout the race. If you run a 6:00 mile then you are running 1:15 laps. Practice running at faster than race pace. How about doing 1:10 laps? That would give you a 5:40 mile. I don't think you can get that much of an improvement in your time immediately. Just think about running even from the first lap. Most young runners go out too fast in the first 200, or 400, then slow down in the middle of the race and try to kick in the last 100 to 200 meters. You are much better off running your race pace from the very first of the race. Do not worry about the others who start out in a sprint they will come back to you.
2007-03-24 19:16:13 · answer #3 · answered by lestermount 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
when u are doing work outs at the end of a hard worker pick it a lot and that should help. you just need to pratice picking up at the end when u are tried. Also pump ur arms at the end of the race that sometimes works for me. and lean when u get close the the finshen line if ur are neck and neck u could out lean the person. hope these tips were helpful
2007-03-26 21:56:31 · answer #4 · answered by katiebmine 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pace your self, do not go at different speeds thorough out the race, go at one speed, a faster speed than you are used to. At the end just sprint and look ahead.
2007-03-24 20:31:15 · answer #5 · answered by Cutie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats what running is all bout, long distance, at the end you've got to give it your all, run for your life!!! Dont worry with expereicnes liek that you'll only get better!
The next Steve prefontaine watch out! thats you!
2007-03-25 04:29:49 · answer #6 · answered by garnes d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try driving your knees up and using your arms.
2007-03-24 19:21:40 · answer #7 · answered by hot g 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
mile runner, that does not exist.
2007-03-24 18:58:20 · answer #8 · answered by fddd s 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋