It's also that short distances are more accurately judged than long ones (ditto endurance over short distances). There are often sprints to the finish in runnin

It's also that short distances are more accurately judged than long ones (ditto endurance over short distances). There are often sprints to the finish in running races when there's a final surge of adrenaline, when you realise you can sustain an increased pace all the way to the end.