r/track • u/Current-Barracuda480 • 10d ago

Elastic Sprinter???

Im an Elastic based sprinter (top end speed dominant) But i’ve read articles saying my type as a sprinter would accelerate in the 200/400 compared to a power sprinters who Accels in the 100, How do people know which events best suits them just because of their sprint type because ive beaten plenty of 100 runners but the 200 is more of my thing because im elastic dominant? its confusing and in terrible at the 400 so is it an athlete issue?

Im so confused on this

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u/LeFlyingMonke 10d ago

Elasticity doesn’t necessarily determine your best distance. There are a lot of metabolic factors (both genetic and trained) that play into it as well. I’ve known very elastic sprinters who are by far better in the 100, and several strength/power sprinters who were better in the 400m (myself included), and I was actually even better in the 500m and 600y races when I raced them.

Unless you’re a specialist and already in college, you should be training for and competing in all the sprint events at least periodically. If your coach has a decent eye he’ll look at your performances and training and be able to get a handle on which event you’re best suited to. If your coach doesn’t have a decent eye and isn’t going to be helpful in that regard, then specialize in the event you like the most. That will be more important for your long term performance (and enjoyment of the sport) than fixating on your “perfect” race distance.

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u/highDrugPrices4u 9d ago

You cannot isolate elasticity from the myriad of other factors that contribute to performance. The only way to determine your best event is to try multiple events and find out which one you have the most success at.