What is the best strategy for the 400m sprint?

I have never raced a 400 in an actual track meet, but my coach did time me in at a 50.06 during a practice after the state meet already took place my sophomore year. I didn't really know what I was doing, so do you have any tips? When should I take a slow pace? When should I go all out? What about dealing with competitiors?
 

hanna

Member
Honestly, you've kinda just gotta run your ass off. Run it about 80% as fast as you can go for the first 300 meters, and in the last 100, give it your all. It's a short race, so you can afford to use all the energy you have, and there isn't much negotiating with competitors. Either you pass 'em or you don't.
 

Darrianbby

New member
Well you have to spring the last 100m like give it your all, no matter how much it hurts. Unless your not wanting to do that, then don't do the sport.
Running can be a lot harder than people think. But if you pace yourself well enough through the first 300m and sprint your heart out on the last 100m then you'll be fine. You sound like you know what your doing with a time like that.
 

Emily1

Active member
the first 6 seconds of the race u can run as hard as u can and it wont affect u or ware u out too early so go out hard...sprint the curves stride (fast) the straightaways and then accelerate in the last 100 meters with all u have left
 

LaneyA

New member
Start off at a good speed so you get out fast and ahead. Then toward the back stretch you should slow a bit but not much and you should take big strides. Then once you get around the corner you just kick it in. Good Luck. :)
 
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