3200 race tactics

High School Running Distance

8 years ago 05/18/2015 3:54pm EDT

I am racing the 3200 tonight at 7:20pm, it is a very competitive race. I think if everything goes well i should place 8th or better. I would like to run sub 10:30, with my PR being 10:44 off of a very tactical race, 2-3 weeks ago. I know if I run my best I can go under 10:30

My question is, should I go out rather easy and run either even or negative split, or should I go out hard and let myself slow the last laps? My PRs have been off of negative splits so far this year but I really dont know what I should do?

Thanks for helping

8 years ago 05/18/2015 4:21pm EDT

re: TDodd22

8 years ago 05/18/2015 7:16pm EDT

re: TDodd22

negative split anything over 1 mile

8 years ago 05/19/2015 8:09am EDT

re: TDodd22

Do not go out hard. How many races are lost because people go out too hard? "Let myself slow the last laps" could easily end up as "I just ran a 5:50 mile and completely ruined my race."

I think, given your ability, you are better off being as even as possible. 80-second laps gets you to 10:40. You already know you can do that. Shave just one second off each lap, and you're at 10:32. Throw in a good 400 at the end, and you'll beat your goal.

Just pay attention in laps 5-6. That's where a lot of 3200s are lost. People start slowing down subconciously. Concentrate on breathing and leg turnover. Make sure your coach is yelling split times at you.

8 years ago 05/19/2015 8:19am EDT

re: TDodd22

Well? How did it go?

8 years ago 05/20/2015 10:46am EDT

re: jkdnfg7834

I raced it for place rather than time. My race tactics were great. I was seeded 10th, and finished 4th! I ran a PR, but I could have ran quicker. I started the race (400m) in 10th then slowly progressed all the way up to 4th by the end. I beat a kid who has been beating me all year by 37 seconds and another by 33. Top 3 got podium so I wish I could have got that but I am still happy with 4th. I beat a 4:49 miler, and finished 8 seconds behind a kid who ran 15:07 for 3 miles in XC. My time was 10:37, first mile was 5:15-16

8 years ago 05/20/2015 1:44pm EDT

re: TDodd22

Congrats, that is great. Stay healthy, gradually increase your volume, run as many days as possible, and use your tactics again and again!

8 years ago 05/20/2015 5:26pm EDT

re: Replicate!

I have my last meet of the year tomorrow! I'm really gonna push for sub 10:30

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