Kinematics on the Track

This is a picture of me running the 1500m at Punahou for a JV meet this past track season. YAY! (However, I did not come in first. [insert sad face here].) Anyway, this has to do with our lovely kinematics unit because when I run (or as a matter of fact, when ANYONE runs), we use velocity, speed and acceleration! Speed is just a part of velocity, which is a vector, and my velocity during this particular race was 30m/s (JUST JOKING. I wish.) But seriously, velocity is important because that's what makes or breaks your time. You could use the VAT equation (V=Vo+AT) to determine your final velocity based on your initial velocity (normally zero) once you have your time and acceleration. And acceleration is what lets you go past that Punahou pack (except for Elli, who's too much of a speed star) so you can come in 4th or 5th and still look beautiful for your team. So, if you want to go running with me later, join track! :) You'll be a living example of physics in motion AND you'll have nice legs.