400 Meters - Track & Field

1. . Athletes start out fast in this race, running with long strides, but they must make sure that they don't surpass 90% of their maximum speed, or they will run out of energy before the end of the race. The runners are staggered to start the race, to compensate for the extra distance of the runners at the outside track. The runners start the race going into the first curve, so that they will end the race, straightaway at the end.
2. . The runner increases his speed to maximum velocity towards the end of the first straightaway. The runner must try to stay at near max speed into the second curve. It is important for runner to try to keep his speed constant, and to not let up.
3. The . When the runner hits the curve near maximum speed, they lean into the curve as they go around the bend. The outside lane runner gains about 0.15 seconds over the inside lane runner due to the centrifugal force.
4. The . After the first 300 meter, the runner experiences an inevitable drop in speed. The challenge is for the runner to maintain a very high speed running all the way through the last straightaway. For an athlete to have a successful run, they must run near the same velocity in 0-100 meters, 100-200 meters, 200-300 meters, and 300-400 meters. The runner should still maintain a speed near maximum at the finish line.