1-Mile Run and Lap 3 Considerations

By: Lance Winslow
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:26:22
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

For those superstar athletes in track and field who dare to go the distance the mile run is the most competitive and most difficult race from a tactics standpoint and an endurance standpoint. It is a battle of wills and strength of character in a competitive setting challenging the athletes desire to win over their threshold of pain. Still interested? The mile run is not for the weak, it is for the true athlete.

When running the mile run it is imperative to keep your quarterly splits right at or under 60 seconds a lap. In sprinters terms this is 85% pace for the quarter mile; 1-lap. In the mile you still have three more to go and so you can see why this race is not for the weak or the pretenders, because everyone can see who has the right stuff as the race goes on. It separates the men from the boys rather quickly. And all the talking in the world cannot replace performance.

For the first two-laps the 60-second laps, well you can do this due to adrenaline and excitement and on the forth lap if you can endure the pain and have a decent kick you can also make it happen, although you will pay for it for the next week of training.

The problem comes on lap 3 and it tests your will. At this point having just sprinted two laps you are still okay, but the pain has been there for a while and it is getting worse. Your muscles ache and the competition is either going to destroy you or you and they will live to fight another lap.

Lap three is the easiest to fall off pace or slip into a “Comfort Zone” although it would be more of a pain zone either way, along with the agony of defeat as other runners tear deep into who you thought you were or had convinced yourself of. It is by far the hardest thing in the world to endure that pain, look your worst fears in the eyes and keep on going. Most people just cannot do it. If you are most people, you can stop reading now.

Glad to see you really are willing to go the distance now. You must dig deep and pull to stay in the race and that last lap will take whatever you thought you had left and more as you are running on guts alone and shear will. If you really want to know how tough you are then you will train for the mile run and compete at the top level. Until you do you are just a regular runner and that is fine, but if you indeed want to know all there is about human competition, human spirit and human will; then you will join those who know and become a Miler.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Running category

  • Base Building for Runners - By: Bidz dela Cruz
    This can happen: after three years of long runs, races and lots of speed work, you find out that you are getting fed up with doing a session 'because it was on the schedule', or because everyone else was doing it. If you already have two disappointing marathons, try considering base-building. It will open up a whole new lease of life for you. Then you will know why you are doing each run, and if you're an inquisitive type, this will give you more pleasure and motivation
  • What Happened to the Fastest Man Under Any Conditions? - By: Bidz dela Cruz
    Last August 16, in Beijing, we saw a massive upset in the semifinal heat of the 100-meter sprint when one of the pre-race favorites, Tyson Gay, failed to qualify by 0.02 seconds. It was supposed to be the scene for the biggest race of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the sprint to see who will be crowned the world's fastest man.
  • Running And Back Pain: Check Your Technique For A Likely Cause - By: Roy Palmer
    Running and back pain are mentioned in the same sentence more often than they really should be. Running is an excellent activity for staying in shape and for many it provides a lifetime of enjoyment, challenges and purpose. For others it’s either a short-lived activity or a stop-start routine due to injury.
  • The Best Way to Develop a Treadmill Exercise Plan - By: Mark J Emslie
    A treadmill is a good investment to make but you want to be sure that you have the right treadmill exercise plan for you. Early treadmills were made almost entirely of wood and whilst today’s machines now offer a vast array of features to keep you occupied, let's not forget that walking or running on a treadmill is still a very effective way to workout.Developing your Treadmill Exercise PlanWhen developing your treadmill exercise plan, do not forget the fun factor.
  • Speed Training - Maximum Velocity Running - By: Patrick Beith
    Training speed is more then just working on acceleration and trying to sprint as fast as possible. You must actually coach your athletes how to run and stay relaxed, especially when they are running at top speed.Maximum Velocity is another way of saying running at full speed.
  • Why You Should Run - By: Daniel Watson
    Too many people have the misconception that running has to be hard work. This tiny detail prevents many people from taking up the sport and leading a much better, healthier life. Afterall, we would all like to lose a bit of flab and live a little longer and running can help you do this.
  • Top 10 Greatest Sprint Races in History - By: Alex Ray
    1. Atlanta 1996. Men's 100-meter Olympic final. It was the most exciting 10 seconds in sports history.
  • Match Your Running Shoes To Your Foot Type - By: Peter Somerville
    Choosing a running shoe that is engineered for your particular type of foot can help you avoid some common running injuries. It can also make running more enjoyable and let you get more mileage out of your shoes.Shoe manufacturers are aware that, anatomically, feet usually fall into one of three categories.
  • Weight Loss - Why Do Runners Stay so Slim? - By: David Snape
    I see them almost everyday. They appear at the park where I meditate. Runners, joggers, or whatever designator you want to give them, they are there.
  • Running for Beginners: Start with the Right Kit to Increase Your Chances of Success - By: Roy Palmer
    It would be so easy to put on a pair of your old trainers and kit you used to wear at the gym and shoot straight off for a run. However, you would be following in the footsteps of many a failed runner before you! You will increase your chances of successfully becoming a regular runner if you make a commitment by spending your hard earned cash on specialist running gear.