How to stay ahead of the competition in track and field events

How to stay ahead of the competition in track and field events

AW
Published: 17th September, 2024
Updated: 1st February, 2025
BY Athletics Weekly
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Track and field is a super tough and highly demanding sport that requires a lot of focus and training. Even the slightest mistake during the preparation process can lead to failure at the events. Because of that, only a few highly disciplined athletes make it on top.

These athletes follow specific strategies and approaches that help them stay ahead of their competitors. In this article, we'll discuss how to get an advantage over the opposition in track and field events.

Pacing Strategies Are as Important as Betting Strategies at New Betting Sites in UK

Every track and field athlete develops their own unique way of performing. Some of them get it right, but others fail to recognise the unsuccessful strategies.

Among them are the pacing strategies, which runners use to get their best performance in an event. These pacing strategies differ depending on the running distance and the style of the races.

For instance, in a 400m, many runners use the threshold pacing strategy. It requires putting in a lot of effort for a longer period of time. It's key not to go 100% from the start. Instead, a runner should start with 75% and go 100% at the last 100m.

Knowing these strategies can even help you notice the best athletes at the track and field events. The more you analyse the better you’ll understand their form. This can even help you predict the winners of an event. You might even end up placing bets at the new betting sites in UK.

Below we’ll reveal and briefly describe some of the most common track and field strategies.

Even Spit

This is a strategy that requires the racer to attempt to achieve an identical split in every lap of the race. Here, the runner gives their best to manage an even pace throughout the entire race. This is an optimal strategy that many runners use during long-distance events.

Positive Spit

With positive splitting, a runner tries to complete the first half of a race much quicker than the second half. The runner starts with a faster pace than usual, which will eventually lead to a slower end. Many see this as a sprinting tactic while others look at it as an overambitious early pace.

Negative Spit

Negative splitting is a pacing strategy that's the opposite of positive splitting. As such, it requires completing the second part of the race faster than the first half. The racer starts the race slowly and gradually increases its pace as the race progresses. This strategy is responsible for many world records in distance events.

Sit and Kick

The sit-and-kick strategy requires the runner not to take the lead or go very fast at the beginning of the race. They must do this right until the last laps of the race where they need to spring by the other racers. Many runners incorporate this strategy, which can lead to slower first laps and much faster last laps.

Diet and Nutrition

To gain advantages and stay ahead of the competition, you must follow a strict diet plan. This applies to the meals you intake before the events, in between the events, and post-events. You must also follow your diet weeks even months prior to your track and field event.

It's crucial to pick foods that don't cause any issues in your digestive system. Also, make sure to include carbohydrates that give a lot of energy, high-quality protein foods, and healthy fats.

The day before the event, you must intake nutrient-rich foods that aren’t unnecessarily depleting your energy. On the day of the event, you must eat a well-balanced meal. Pick foods that will give you a lot of energy such as eggs, nut butter toast, or oatmeal with nuts.

Before the start of the event, you should take a snack that will fill your glycogen stores. If your digestive system doesn't agree with breakfast or pre-event snacks, then you shouldn't force it.

Those who compete in several events must always restore their glycogen stored between the events. They must also stay hydrated and replenish their electrolytes.

Finally, after the event ends, you must focus on recovery. Eating carbohydrates is a top priority, but you must also eat foods rich in protein and fats. These foods will help you replenish your energy stores, heal up your muscles, and provide the essential nutrients your body needs.

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