Track & Field

What do you like the most about running the 400?

The Thrill of Competing in the 400-Meter Race

What I like most about running the 400? Don't like it too much. No, I'm just kidding. But I like just to compete. I think that's the most thing I would say. I like to compete in the 400. But the 400 meters in the US, it's a lot of depth and a lot of guys who are really, really extremely great runners in the 400 meters. And for myself, just to be out there in that field, in that competitive spirit with those guys, that's one of the things I like the most. I just like to compete at the end of the day. And it's nothing that I don't dislike about it or anything. But probably just the feel of it. I don't know. It's kind of weird. I like to feel the lactic and the pain afterwards and stuff like that. But most importantly, I just like to compete and just go after it. And it's knowing that the work that I put in, that I'm going to see the results. Because the 400 meters nowadays, it's becoming like a real sprint. And guys are really attacking it. And it's really fun to be a part of. It's really fun to watch and see all those other guys running pretty well in it too as well. So I'm excited about it. And I just enjoy doing it.

I like to compete in the 400 meter race, as there is a lot of depth and great runners. It's fun to see all the other guys running well and to feel the lactic pain afterwards.

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What I like most about running the 400 meters is the opportunity to compete. The depth of talent in the US for this event is impressive, and being able to compete alongside those exceptional runners is a highlight for me. At the end of the day, I simply enjoy the competitive spirit of the sport. There's nothing that I particularly dislike about running the 400 meters. I appreciate the unique feeling it brings, such as experiencing lactic acid buildup and post-race soreness. Above all, I find satisfaction in knowing that my hard work will yield results. The 400 meters has evolved into a true sprinting event nowadays, with athletes pushing their limits. It's exciting to be part of and witness the success of other athletes in this discipline. Overall, I genuinely enjoy engaging in this event and embracing the thrill of competition.

What’s the hardest part of a 400m race?

The Hardest Part of a 400m Race: Finishing Strong

I would say the hardest part of the 400, it would probably be the finish. Because as you see and you watch the race, a lot of us 400 meter runs, we get into a really good rhythm. Early on in the race, between 250 to 300, that's where the race really start to kick in at. And so a lot of the time, that usually what the hardest and most difficult part be at, and just trying to finish that part. Because a lot of us can get to 250, 300 about at the same pace, same speed. But it's about that last 100 meters to see who really have that grit and that gut to finish pretty at an efficient level. So I always think that the last part of the 400, the last 100 meters, last 120, last 110 is always the hardest part, just to try to finish at a very efficient rate.

The hardest part of a 400m race is the last 100-110 meters, as it takes a lot of grit and determination to finish with proper form and efficiency.

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The hardest part of a 400m race is typically the finish. During the race, runners often find a good rhythm and hit their stride between 250 to 300 meters. However, it is during the final 100 meters that the race becomes truly challenging. This is where runners need to dig deep and showcase their determination and grit to finish strong. While many athletes can maintain a similar pace up to 250 or 300 meters, it is the last portion of the race, around the last 100-120 meters, that separates those who can maintain an efficient level of performance. Therefore, I believe that the last stretch of the 400m race is usually the hardest part for runners.

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Vernon Larnard Norwood is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the 400 meters. Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was a multiple time NJCAA national champion for South Plains College and four-time NCAA national champion for LSU Tigers. At the 2015 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Norwood finished 3rd to secure a spot for the US at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics for the 400 meters and 4x400 relay. At the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships, he won Gold in the 4x400 meters.