How's my 800M time, and how can I shave 9 more seconds from it?

Question

Hi. I'm a 14 year old guy, and I run the 800M and 1600M in track (8th grade). My 800M time is 2:26, and I want to break 2:18, because it's the school record. I have a month to do it, because that's when my last meet is. I've had two track meets this year, and I've improved by 12 seconds, 2:38 to 2:26. However, I knew I could do better than I had in the first meet, because I had energy left and such. I've two questions: One: do you think my 800M time is good, at least compared to some good times that kids get at 14 years old? Two: do you think I could shave 9 seconds in a little less than a month?

Answer 1

run with a dog chasing you lol

Maybe use leg weights or heavy shoes so when you run with out them you are lighter and swift.

Answer 2

I have been running for 8 years now and would recommend the following:

I would strengthen the core: calves, quads, hams, back and abdominal (the "six pack" muscles along with the obleks), chest and arms. But when strengthening these muscles, I would focus more on the muscle endurance not the muscle bulk. For more advice for this, I would consult with a personal trainer. For the running part, I would stay flexible as it helps/contributes to your balance (so do the muscles in your core) but also helps prevent some injuries like pulled muscles and shin splints. Also, I would try to make up a schedule where you can run for X amount of days and try to have a long run. I would start off slowly, running about 2-3 miles per run for the first week and increase my mileage per week. Make sure you have the following: a good diet, hydration, sleep, a good sense on how to take care of your body, and sleep. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

It deffidently is possible to shave 9 seconds off in a month. Training is important but I bet with out training, you could shave 9 seconds off right now. You just need to push yourself that much harder. For a 14 year old this is pretty good. Have your couch yell out your splits and try and get 1:08 on the first lap and 1:09 the 2nd lap.

Hope this helps :)

ps- if you dont get 1:08 on your first lap. you have to make up for it on the second lap.

Answer 4

What are your splits?

Answer 5

Hey I am in the same scenario. I am a junior in high school and my best is a 2:27. I would like to get below 2:20 by sectionals (Thursday). But anyways for a 14 year old it is good,but not great. I know for being 17 mine hardly would qualify for good). As I was saying a freshman that is still 14 on our high school track team ran a 800 in 2:29.  ? # 2.... I do think you could shave 9 seconds off in a month, since I want to do it by Thursday. Anyways good luck, and hope you break the record.

Answer 6

Your 800 time is pretty good for an 8th grader.  Just keep training hard for your race.  I would reccomend working on core muscles, endurance at a high pace (try doing intervals) and prepare before a race well (drink alot of water, eat well and warmup good).  I recently shaved 18 seconds off of my mile time in one meet, so i think if you prepare well, you can make it.

Answer 7

You have a nice 800m time considering your age:) With diligence and desire, you can definitely lose some seconds in under a month. Following the below guidelines will help you shave seconds off future times:)

Preparation outside practice:

You need to combine strength training with cardio to see optimum results in your performance. Do pushups, crunches, lifts, etc.; you can find variations of such strength exercises online. Variety is beneficial; it will truly challenge your body and take it to limits it has never reached.

800m on race day:

Everyone paces oneself differently. If you're allowed to cut in right after the gun goes off, make sure you get a good start; don't let anyone elbow you in an attempt to push you back. If anything, elbow others:) Start out at a fast jog, and take it up a notch after the 200 mark. After your first 400, just hang in there; try not to slow down. When you come to your last straightaway, give it all you've got left. There's no one way to run for everybody; each person has his/her strengths and weaknesses. Try not to let yourself get psyched out. One saying I like to run through my head is "Pain is weakness leaving the body". It's a saying by the Marines, and it's great to think about when you're feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted during a race. Good luck!:)