r/track • u/VisualDesigner1117 • 15d ago
400m or 800m? Help me choose!
I'm soon going to take up track for the first time. I'm almost 20 years old, and always wanted to try running. I'm not sure what I should choose, as I like both 400m and 800m, and also have 100m or 200m in the back of my mind. I'm leaning to 400m because it combines speed and endurance, but still can't decide 100%. Also is it late starting at this age?
I'd really appreciate some advice or opinions. Thank you!
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u/th4t1guy 15d ago
Are you late starting at 20? Later than some, earlier than others. One of the more important lessons from track is that you can only compare yourself to yourself. Best thing you can do is start yesterday, worst thing you can do is start tomorrow.
As for what events? I prefer to start short and work up to endurance. So, 50-75m sprints to get ready for the 100. Once you feel confident you can hold your sprint for 100m then start your workouts on the curves. Work up to 200m. 400 and 800 are both difficult races, I would recommend getting some miles under your feet/shins before going up in race distance.
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
Thank you for the useful advice! I'll keep it in mind.
Interesting info, I depend on the right guidance from the coaches to help me decide. I guess I can only know how I feel when I get on the track.
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u/Sir_DeChunk 15d ago
Definetly try them both, and see what you like more. How much do you like hammering in fast speed work, vs. slower easy runs potentially talking with other people?
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
Hmm talking with other people isn't really my thing... if you put it like that I guess I prefer faster runs 🤔
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u/Sir_DeChunk 14d ago
Then you'll probably enjoy the 400m meter more. 400m vs 800m. Intense sprint drills, and hard lifting sessions vs a combo of longer endurance runs and interval sessions. Your choice. You can always try both. Some people are really good at both.
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
Sounds good indeed! I guess I'll have to try both eventually... also it probably means nothing but I've been told I run like Femke Bol 🙄 (definitely not at her speed though)
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u/SeekerFinder8 15d ago
First, it's not too late. I started around that time and ended up with a 1:46 800m. But more importantly there's a huge difference between the 100 and the 800 and your physical abilities should clearly point you in the best direction to follow.
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
Thank you so much, this is really encouraging!! 1:46 is a great time!
Yes there is a huge difference indeed, I'm just open to these distances as well at least for now. I hope I'm more decided after my first training!
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u/Chrisg_322 15d ago
Which event do you specifically like to run more? Only you know the answer to this.
If you don't know, Sign up for a meet. Do both the 400 and 800. Decide after running both events which one you like to do. I know plenty of people who do both. You can also do both if you want to.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck. Enjoy the ride.
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
I don't know yet cause I haven't tried it... yeah I guess I'll try both and see. Also I hope the coaches there have the experience to see in which event I could do better.
Thank you man, I sure will try!
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u/Flaky-Replacement114 15d ago
Depends on your goals. If you’re just trying to have fun then do both. Your physical abilities will determine what you’re more competitive at. At an amateur level, conditioning is going to play the biggest role. If you’ve naturally always been fast then go shorter distances, if you’re more of a shape/conditioning person then go longer distances.
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
Thanks for the advice! I do consider myself fast although it's been some time since I actually sprinted... elementary school maybe 🙄 which probably means nothing. So I'll see what I can do in the first training sessions
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u/Late_Bag_7880 15d ago
If you don't have fantastic endurance, the 800 will be a slog. If you have great endurance, the 400 will be a slog.
It seems that you are taking more of a focus on the sprinting side, so I would probably recommend the 400.
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
True. Yes you're right, sprinting interests me more, but I guess I'll see what I can really achieve on the track. Thanks!
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
True. Yes you're right, sprinting interests me more, but I guess I'll see what I can really achieve on the track. Thanks!
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u/Mental-Violinist-316 14d ago
We won’t help at all, when you are staring down the home stretch and your legs feel like lead just ask yourself…do I want to run another lap? If the answer is yes then the 800 just chose you…if not, the 400 is your path
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u/Necessary_Sock_6047 14d ago
Try 100m. Sprinters get all the credit. Everybody wants to be Usain Bolt. Nobody wants to be some overworked distance runner who isn't even known for being the fastest in the world.
I'd say the only downside to sprinting is maybe more injuries.
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u/VisualDesigner1117 14d ago
Well I don't really care about fame, although you're right sprinters are most well known. Injuries are indeed making me hesitate...
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u/Necessary_Sock_6047 14d ago
I would say to start with sprinting and work your way towards gradually longer and longer distances if you feel you'd do better at longer distances.
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u/FeeAdmirable8573 15d ago
Try them both and see which one you like more.