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How to Run a Faster 1500 Meter

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The 1500 is 3 and 3/4 laps on a 400 meter track, or almost one mile. If run correctly, it can be one of the most fun track races.


  1. 1
    First, make sure you are in good shape. If you aren't already on it, then join your school's track team. Those workouts will get you in good shape.
  2. 2
    Once you're in shape and have a track meet coming up, it's time to start preparing for the race.
  3. 3
    Figure out what time you want to be running. If you haven't ran a 1500 before, either double your 800 time, subtract 20 or so seconds from your mile time, or cut in half and subtract 40 seconds from your 3000 time. These are just approximate times though, as every person is different.
  4. 4
    Figure out your split times. Look on a race pace guide to find out where you want to be at at 400, 800, and 1200 meters.
  5. 5
    A couple nights before, visualize yourself running the race. Imagine yourself running quickly but easily, with good form and breathing. Also picture yourself running the split times that you wanted to.
  6. 6
    The night before, eat a healthy dinner and drink a lot of water.
  7. 7
    When you get to the starting line, just try to stay clam. Tell yourself that you are prepared for this race.
  8. 8
    In the first 400 meters, go out in a fast but controllable pace.
  9. 9
    After 400 meters almost everyone slows down. Make sure you add in a surge there—you can also try to sprint up to catch the next person. Make sure you do this even though it might seem to soon, but if you don't you'll run a far slower race.
  10. 10
    Once you've ran 800 meters, you're really almost done. It helps to just concentrate on running 100 meters, then you just have a lap and a half left.
  11. 11
    You can start your kick now. Concentrate on just catching up to the person in front of you, and passing them.
  12. 12
    When you've finished with the third lap, you just have 300 meters left. If you aren't already, you should be sprinting by now. Block out all the pain, and remind yourself that everybody else is just as tired as you are.
  13. 13
    With 100 meters left, give it everything you've got. Future careers are made and broken here, and you don't want to ever be saying "What if?" about the race.

Community Q&A

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  • What is the best diet when running this race?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Your best bet is a lot of protein (meat, fish, etc.) and carbohydrates (grains, bread, etc.) while you are training and just before running a race. Protein builds muscle and carbohydrates help with endurance.
  • Is being a pacemaker helpful in 1500m?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Try to set a new pace per lap so that you don't get too tired or if you think that you can push yourself in the next lap then go faster for that lap. But try not to slow down too much as once you slow down you won't want to go faster again.
  • What can I do to come in first place?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Practice, practice, practice. Find out the times of the best runners you'll be competing against and try to break their records.
  • What is the best diet to practice for a run?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Eat green leafy vegetables, eggs for proteins, and potatoes for fats. Drinks lots of vegetable and fruit juices, and avoid sodas and junk foods. You should eat at least 5 times a day.
  • Should I run a 5,000 meter for practice?
    wikiHow Contributor
    For a 1500 meter race, try running shorter distances.They are an initial part of the training and help in the final stages of the race.You should try running longer at slow pace once a week and take rest the next day.
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Categories: Running

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Español: correr más rápido la carrera de los 1,500 metros

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