I have a very peculiar problem. For some reason, I run much better on the curve than on the straightaway. I’ve never run an open 100 faster than 11.7h. When I ran the 1st leg of the short relay, however, my split was never slower than 11.6h, mostly 11.3-4, with one 11.2. I recently ran the 3rd leg of the 4x100 against the state runner up in the 200 last year, and with my 24.0 200 speed, smoked him on the curve. My coaches say I look like I’ve never run a 100 when I do them on the straightaway, but that I look like low 11 when I’m on the curve. What are possible explanations for this? Is this simply a concentration issue, or is there something I can do about this training-wise?
I think this is a pretty common problem. I’ve had it, and know who knows how many athletes that have this same situation. In particular it seems that the athletes that get tight in 100’s then excel in relay situations. It’s probably due to lack of experience or whatever other reason makes people tighten up. I’ve run incredible curves on 200’s many times, splitting much better then for example a 100 I ran the previous day. Of course, it might also have to do with a natural condition or comfort running the curve! I feel much smoother and relaxed on the curve always, much more then over a straight 100m. But the bottom line I think is that most of us “curve and relay runners” are so because we tighten up or screw up somewhere along the way in the 100, technically or mentally.