Running the tangents in track races where field cuts over on back straight

You're now to the point Pythagorous was 10000 years ago.

Brianruns10 wrote:

So in races where the field merges on the straightaway, like the 800m or 1500m, at the pro and elite level, so often the runners cut over as soon as they legally can, which to me doesn't make sense because you're running more distance than than if you ran the tangent and gradually moved in on the diagonal and reach lane 1 by the start of the back turn. But of course, I am no elite, and so at that level, is it strategically more important at those distances to secure to good spot in the pack as fast as possible, rather than save distance by running the tangent?

I'd say it is done to get to the front and control the race.

Fogrunr wrote:

Brianruns10 wrote:

So in races where the field merges on the straightaway, like the 800m or 1500m, at the pro and elite level, so often the runners cut over as soon as they legally can, which to me doesn't make sense because you're running more distance than than if you ran the tangent and gradually moved in on the diagonal and reach lane 1 by the start of the back turn. But of course, I am no elite, and so at that level, is it strategically more important at those distances to secure to good spot in the pack as fast as possible, rather than save distance by running the tangent?

I'd say it is done to get to the front and control the race.

Except one person gets to (maybe) control the race, and everyone else doesn't. As a concept it only makes sense if you succeed at it, and most don't.

The tangent thing doesn't sound like a bad idea, especially if you're concerned about getting boxed in or having to do any extended running on the outside in later laps.

Breakfast In Bed wrote:

Fogrunr wrote:

I'd say it is done to get to the front and control the race.

Except one person gets to (maybe) control the race, and everyone else doesn't. As a concept it only makes sense if you succeed at it, and most don't.

The tangent thing doesn't sound like a bad idea, especially if you're concerned about getting boxed in or having to do any extended running on the outside in later laps.

It's not just about controlling the race. Everyone wants to get a spot on the rail before the second bend starts, and the longer you spend out in lane 5 or 6 the greater risk someone else will slide in and take your spot forcing you to move back.

Also when you're running I just don't think 1 meter of lateral movement is "equal" to 1 meter of forward movement. You aren't really slowing down by leaning left or right while your momentum is forwards, at least not nearly as much as you would be by running wide on a bend imo.

The tradeoff of a good rail spot is that you risk getting boxed in when you want to make a move.

Sometimes, being outside of the rail-line isn't so bad, even if it means an extra meter or so you've got to run each lap.

Strategy isn't as one dimensional as "get a good rail spot in lane 1".

I think the best way to do it is to run parallel on the outside in lane 4 or 5 and let the field spread out a little then cut in. If it's a fast pace there should be plenty of space to ease in but if it's slow you can go right to the front and either keep pushing or slow up and let someone else lead. I have no proof just trying to visualize it.

We had a strategy in cross where there was a hairpin turn after 600 meters. Our coach told us to stay outside and let the field bunch up trying to negotiate the turn as close as they could while we just ran extra distance outside and kept our speed instead of having to slow down.