400 METERS Kid's Tip by Shizuka RACING Run a fast 400 meters For the 400 meters you will need endurance because this distance is too far to do at a full sprint for the entire race. You will need greater speed for at least 200 meters of the race, preferably the last 200 meters. So you will need to learn how change strides. The first 200 meters use a long stride - an endurance stride, and the last 200 meters a shorter stride - a sprinter's stride. This must been done without having to think about it. It would be good if you learn to run a negative spilt. A negative split means that the second half of the run is faster that the first half. For example you could run the first 200 meters in 30 seconds and the second half 200 meters in 28 seconds. You must pace yourself like a middle distance runner. If you run at a faster pace at the 300 meter mark when it counts the most, you will run out of energy, then stronger runners will begin their sprint to the finish. Shizuka, 2nd from left LINKS: Shizuka's Column EDITOR'S NOTE Shizuka will be sending us her best tips. If you would also like to contribute tips, send to KR, PO Box 209, Fiskdale, MA 01518 goodrow@infionline.net Privacy Policy of Kids Running