400m is easy, its only hard the last 120m. But ALL races are hard the last 120m, why would 400m be worse? I've done it all, if you're going for a pb the last 120m will always be as painful in any distance 400m and up. Basically the same thing with 800m only that the hurt starts a bit before, but that happens in all races 1500m+ too, so why do everyone think 800m is worse?
When you run the 800m enough, the 400m isn't so bad.
I assume OP means people who run "both". because 400 is not in the same startosphere as 800 or above. Having said that, I know a lot of folks who run 800 but would rather die than run 5k on grass!
There's a breed of 800 guys who come from the sprint side and I can't relate to them. But coming from the 800/1500 side you're probably running cross country in the fall and getting your butt kicked.
But let me tell you once you step foot on the track after months of being miles behind these endurance dudes it feels amazing to run fast, be fast, and just let loose.
And even if you're an 800 guy coming from the endurance side you'll still run plenty of 400s. Always fun when you can snipe one of the 400 specialists.
Nothing like the last 100 of a 400 if you’re going all out.
Yeah, but it's over in 13 seconds.
You could put your hand over an open flame for 13 seconds if you had to.
It's not over in 13 seconds. Don't you remember seeing Wayde vnk getting hauled away on a stretcher? He used to be nearly hospitalized after a big effort.
i always thought the intermediate hurdlers and the 800m had the hardest time. try jumping that last hurdle as your legs start to tighten.
i ran 400m and it wasn't that bad. but i was also a wing mid or wing defender, used to having to track back on defense all day against someone trying to run by you over and over, then flip around and try and create something, accurately executed, as your legs tire over a game. maybe your calf cramps a little as you are trying to stay goal side. you go down and he scores, so you tough it out.
i think i suffered more at the 400m when i took it out faster early but i rebooted my approach after running some XC and watching a 46-48s upperclassman who would groove the whole lap at a smooth pace. along those lines i could see where the people describing it from a mid-distance perspective might see it more that way than someone stepping up from a 200 and used to running a race where they, phases aside, are generally hammering it the whole way. yeah you try that in a 4 -- or go do the stagger or gap in a relay too quick -- you will be paid back when you circle back around. you will be confused why your leg muscles don't work right anymore.
along those lines i found fascinating when they were discussing kersee and mclaughlin and 200m split times. and it was like coach says run this first 200 a second slower to try and finish with a more even split and faster overall time. eg 24-25 instead of 23-27. i did try and run a more even race as i got older but i never thought of it like XC split times where you pay for a too-fast first mile in a mathematical sense.
There's a breed of 800 guys who come from the sprint side and I can't relate to them. But coming from the 800/1500 side you're probably running cross country in the fall and getting your butt kicked.
But let me tell you once you step foot on the track after months of being miles behind these endurance dudes it feels amazing to run fast, be fast, and just let loose.
And even if you're an 800 guy coming from the endurance side you'll still run plenty of 400s. Always fun when you can snipe one of the 400 specialists.
Exactly what I have been telling my kids about XC (which they dont love)
400/800 is fun. You are in pain for only 20-60sec.
I think the boring thing about being a 400/800 runner is you're not seeing as much nice scenery on your runs. You have to spend a lot more time on the track running around and around and around. Easy runs aren't as long. Your races are on a track. Road running/marathoning you spend more time out in cool places seeing better things.
And then the racing opportunities, there are a lot more racing opportunities on the roads. There aren't very meaningful track races, especially after college. If you're a competitive runner the only thing you have to look forward is the US championships, or diamond leagues and world championships if you're reeeeaaally good, but very few people are at that level.