Track meet tomorrow. 4 x 1600m?

Question

I'm a new runner on the track team at my school. I just started running this year, and I have a big meet tomorrow where i'm running the 4 x1600 relay. I've run the mile race before, but not as a relay, and the longer distances aren't my forte. I'm really worried about how I'll do. Does anyone have and advice/strategies/things to keep in mind for running this race?

Answer 1

just try and run with the pack and pace your self. Depending which leg of the race you are, you will have teammates to back you up. If your the 1st or 2nd and you dont do so well you will have 2 or 3 others to pick up your slack. Just do your best

Answer 2

The 4X1600 is one of the most obscure relays you will ever run.  It is, however very fun.  If you are worried about the distance, go out conservatively for the first half and close the last half-mile as fast as you can.  Also, remember, this is actually the longest race that will be contested in High School track.  That being said, there is plenty of time to make up ground if you find yourself a bit behind.  Run your race.  Don't race for results, race for effort and with effort results will come.  My highschool coach always wanted me to win my heats and help my 4X800 relays win, and sometimes we did, and other times, it just didnt happen.  Realize that coaches always have higher expectations that they should and just relax.  I began running my freshman year in high school and am now a freshman on a NCAA D1 team and I still feel as worried when I come to the line as i did for that first race 5 years ago.

Answer 3

to run this race, patience is the key. even if you are in last when you get the baton handed off to you, dont worry! there will be plenty of time for you to make up ground. dont feel pressured to get out in front of the pack early. the best strategy is to "sit and kick," as my coach calls it. stay in the middle of the pack and once you hit the 3rd lap, start to pick it up a bit. once you hit the last lap, i guaranteed you'll have much more of a kick than the runners that went in front of the pack early.

good luck!!! =)

Answer 4

I am a freshman in high school. I was on the varisty track team this year, and I had a blast. Running the 4x400/1600 m relay always made me nervous! But when you run it, just sprint the first 100/200, ease up a little bit and relax your arms on the curve (duck if there's wind), and get your final kick on the last 100m. I was always afraid that I wouldn't do too great, but when I hear the crowd cheering, it pumps me up! It also helps whe people tell me someone is right behind me. I hate running 400m before, but after, I realize the adrenaline rush it gave me and it feels good!  GOOD LUCK!