800 Meters?

Question

I usually run 1500m, but recently I've really been wanting to switch and do 800 instead. So seeing as I'm used to running nearly double this, does anyone have any tips on how to win an 800 m race? Obviously I won't try and compete yet, but how can I practice in say, the next month? And what are the basics on running this distance? I heard you sprint for the first 100m, slow down for the next 500, then just sprint again for the last 200. The problem is, I'm not good at sprinting! So what can I do?

Answer 1

I can help you WIN!!  

you need to decide What time you want to run,,,, set goals at where you want to END,,, its summer, so you have 8 months to figure it out,,,, lets say by the end of Track season you want to be at a 2:20 half,, (thats only an illustrative TIME, I dont know where your at???  so my below suggested training is base on that time)

you need to set your workout to running TIMED 200s timed 400s and timed 600s .

bleow is an Example of a Workout that will get you to ATTAIN whatever goal you want!!

DIVIDE the above 3 sprints by 2:20 (or whatever you want your END SEASON time to be)

35 second 200s (run 6 of these at the EXACT time)

1:10 400s  (run 3 of these at the EXACT time)

1:45 600s  (run 2 of these at the EXACT time)

once that is completed, then go Down and run the 400s, then the 200s

thats a GREAT workout, and you will train your body to MOVE at a 2.20 PACE

  the above distances and times you will need to adjust them  to your workout.  but utilize these  techniques and your body will recognize what pace you need to be at!!

You will be Smokin your whole team with this workout technique

gl

b

Answer 2

A fast top speed is useful for the 8, but your experience and conditioning from the 15 should help you a good deal. Compensate by still running a fast(not sprinting) first 100m, continuing a quick pace down the next 200m, then slowing down for 200m, then giving it almost everything for 200m. At that point you'll be dead tired and feel like going anymore is impossible, but hopefully you'll be in the top 3 positions. Use adrenaline to push you through the last 100m, keeping enough distance between you and whoever is behind.

Answer 3

I used to just run the 1600, kind of like you, in winter track. But in spring, my coach decided to try me out in the 800 and I've been running it since. The difference between the mile (or 1500) and the 800 is unbelievable, but you've got to remember that it's STILL two laps, even if it seems like a lot less, and starting out too fast will result in an embarrassing and h**l-like race. You really want to start the first 100-150 meters quickly, and try not to get boxed in, because the 800 is too quick of a race to have time to make up for what you lose in the beginning. Keep a steady pace for the rest of the first lap and then pick it up for the second lap. The first half/three quarters of this lap is going to be much faster and the last 100/150 is going to be insane. You should be going faster than you thought you were possibly capable of. Like, this is a race where the kick reaches it's full potential, because it's short enough that you'll have built up some sprint speed during training, but it's still longer than the 400, so you've paced yourself more. Once you've finished, if you've run a good race, you should legitimately not be able to walk in a straight line.

Answer 4

Well the 800 strategy can vary widely when it comes to tactics. The 800 is run mostly between 1500 runners and 400 runners. 400 runners will rely on their speed to win the race whereas a distance runner like you will rely on your anarobic system or your endurance. Lets say your going to run a 2:26. Since you can't rely on yourself to turn over a 30 second 200 at the end you must either put out negative splits for your 200 (37, 36, 36, 35 depending on your speed) or put out all even splits. (36, 36, 36, 36) Now obviously a watch is needed for this or your could ditch it and just race it by feel. I would recommend the watch until you can race by feel and lose the watch. The 800 is a tough race so don't kill yourself in the first 400. Remember to do whatever you feel most comfortable doing.

Answer 5

i do the 800 so here are some tips:

your first steady speed for the 1st 400 meters

then speed up the next 200 meters

then the last 200 give it all you got and do a full out sprint

^^^ this will make you win trust me :)

for workouts try running the mile

and doing some of the workouts that you have been doing if you have been running the 1500 the 800 should be a peice of cake

best of luck:)