Sprinting or distance running? Should I move down in distance?

Question

How do people choose an event? Do you just do it by experimenting? What are common traits that sprinters have and some that distance runners have? Would a muscular person who was good at lifting make a better sprinter? I sort of have a long torso, big thighs and shorter lower legs with big calves.

I'm a junior and I run the 800m but I seem to get worse as the distance increases above 200m. My best in the 800m is 2:07 and my best in the 200m is 23.4 and 400m is 55.2. I don't think my lungs are as good as those of the distance runners'. Do most sprinters feel the same way? I'm 5'11.5" 170-175 lbs. My best 5k cross country is 20 flat in my third season. I sort of like doing the shorter distances and lifting weights. Should I move down in distance?

Answer 1

Looks like you should drop down.. 23.4 is a respectable time.. and far better than your other times. You would probably make a good 200/400 guy..

You have good speed, a 23 with no speed work is very good.. and decent endurance if you can do 5ks... I'll assume your 400 time is slow because you don't know how to run the race yet. A 23.4 should be running in the 51s or even 50s.

Answer 2

People usually choose an event by how good they are at it or by how much they enjoy it regardless of performance level.  Sprinters and distance runners both need to eat healthy to do well in their events.  Muscular people are perfect for sprint events like the 200.  Yes, sprinters do get winded after running a few miles at a significant pace.  You seem to me to be an awesome 200/400/800 runner based on your times.  Believe me, you don't want to get into distance because long distance events are soooooooooooo boring and monotonous (10k=25 god d*mn laps on the track!).  Based on your 200 time, you'd probably run around 11.2 for the 100 and a sub-5 40 for sure.   So my advice is, move down if you want and avoid distance unless you're really interested in it.