As with any athletic endeavor, the most important factor is if you chose your parents/grandparents/ancestors correctly. Hard work will only get you so far. Same for equipment upgrades. Sprints and distance are 2 different animals anyway. Just be the best you can be, but don't beat yourself up. Enjoy yourself and the process/activity. Otherwise, you might be a one and doner that becomes a spectator. Last place in the activity is still better than watching from the sidelines.