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Running the 2 Mile Race
What's the 2 mile? Why run the 2 mile? Doesn't it hurt? For most people these questions are about as in depth as most people will think about this event. For those that are crazy enough to attempt to race this 8 lap track event you will find that there is no magic bullet. The key to the race is physical endurance, mental strength, and the ability to race the final 2 laps at full speed. To break it down, it is best to examine the race in three parts.
The First 2 Laps (800 Meters) The gun goes off and the emotion is high. Each runner is jostling for position around the first turn. Keep calm and let the others fight for position. The best place to be is the outside of lane 1 where you are in the driver's seat without the danger of being boxed in. Also be careful of the pace, almost everyone runs the first 2 laps too fast. At 800 meters the race usually changes from a scramble for position into either side by side pairs or a strung out pack.
The Mid Race (800 Meters to 2400 Meters) Here the key is to stay relaxed and in good position. Some runners may try to push the pace at some point or make an early move to win the race early. Maintain contact with the leaders! You won't be able to make up more than 20 meters so don't fall behind if you would like to win the race. Use the pack to make your race easier. Tuck in behind a good runner, just make sure that you don't fall asleep and miss a move by the front runner.
Here Come The Kickers (2400 to 3200 Meters) Lap 7 & 8 in the 2 mile are either exhilarating or heart breaking. This all depends on your kick. If you know you have a great sprint and your competitors seem tired wait for the final 200 meters and let it loose. If you know everyone around you is fast you might want to grind the kick out of them. Start your move with either 1 or 2 laps to go. Make it a strange place, maybe during a turn or halfway down a straightaway. The objective is to catch them by surprise, so move quickly and never look back. As soon as you have 30 meters on your competition you've won it but if you make a move and then die off your competitors will be licking their lips. Remember to push through the line because every second count.
What's the 2 mile? Why run the 2 mile? Doesn't it hurt? For most people these questions are about as in depth as most people will think about this event. For those that are crazy enough to attempt to race this 8 lap track event you will find that there is no magic bullet. The key to the race is physical endurance, mental strength, and the ability to race the final 2 laps at full speed. To break it down, it is best to examine the race in three parts.
The First 2 Laps (800 Meters) The gun goes off and the emotion is high. Each runner is jostling for position around the first turn. Keep calm and let the others fight for position. The best place to be is the outside of lane 1 where you are in the driver's seat without the danger of being boxed in. Also be careful of the pace, almost everyone runs the first 2 laps too fast. At 800 meters the race usually changes from a scramble for position into either side by side pairs or a strung out pack.
The Mid Race (800 Meters to 2400 Meters) Here the key is to stay relaxed and in good position. Some runners may try to push the pace at some point or make an early move to win the race early. Maintain contact with the leaders! You won't be able to make up more than 20 meters so don't fall behind if you would like to win the race. Use the pack to make your race easier. Tuck in behind a good runner, just make sure that you don't fall asleep and miss a move by the front runner.
Here Come The Kickers (2400 to 3200 Meters) Lap 7 & 8 in the 2 mile are either exhilarating or heart breaking. This all depends on your kick. If you know you have a great sprint and your competitors seem tired wait for the final 200 meters and let it loose. If you know everyone around you is fast you might want to grind the kick out of them. Start your move with either 1 or 2 laps to go. Make it a strange place, maybe during a turn or halfway down a straightaway. The objective is to catch them by surprise, so move quickly and never look back. As soon as you have 30 meters on your competition you've won it but if you make a move and then die off your competitors will be licking their lips. Remember to push through the line because every second count.
Guide created: 06/07/06 (updated 12/03/08)
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