Ask any track coach what the hardest event is in track, and most will say the 400m. They’ve seen athletes flying through the first curve with speed, and confidence, only to hit the backstretch where the real run begins. The 400 meter is not only just a sprint, but also a fight. This fight is written on any athlete’s face who finishes the race.
By the final 100m, your legs break down, your breathing is labored, and your heart is racing. Your vision is blurry, and you feel like you’re going to collapse.
Looking around; coaches, teammates, family members watch with intensity.
Then you cross the finish line.
What makes the 400 meter so unique, that it’s not a sprint, nor a distant run- it’s a mix of both. It looks easy from the bleachers, but for a runner it’s the hardest race they run. Athletes describe the 400m as a mix of speed and pain colliding together. Coaches say the run demands a good mindset, good form, and a good attitude while running the race, and 400-meter track coach, Coach Stacey Williams can agree.
“It’s the hardest race because you’re required to sprint the entire way, but it’s physically impossible. So, like the last 150m it’s all out, you know, [it’s the] mental capacity about you finishing,” TWHS Coach Williams said.
Physically impossible. Yet, it’s one of the most triumphant events in track.
“It’s all mindset. A lot of the kids I’ve coached are really good at it. They have the mindset that they’re going to ‘punish’ the race.” Coach Williams said.
Mindset. Not speed. Not form. However, when mindset and practice come together, it can be a winning formula.
“Training for the 400m is not fun, [but you have] to practice for the 400m, because once you’re in the race, [then] you know you’re prepared for it.” Coach Williams said.
While training for the 400m is important, having the right trainer is important too, especially with such a hard event. Coaches must bring not only knowledge, but also enthusiasm. TWHS teacher, Mrs. McMillian, speaks highly of Coach Williams, “[he] is super devoted to his players. He’s very passionate about it. And he’s very engaged with his players,” McMillan, a teacher at The Woodlands Highschool said.
Passionate, and engaged. Coach Williams really understands the 400m, and his team.
Coach Williams advice to anyone who wants to do the 400m is simple, “Just do it. It may be hard, but in the end it’s a great win knowing you did the hardest event on track successfully.” Even though the 400m is hard, it’s worth it in the end just like Williams said.
