How many seconds can you improve wearing track spikes ?

Question

the last time i ran the 800m, i got 2:33 wearing regular running shoes. if i were to get a pair of spikes, how many seconds would I be able to improve?

Answer 1

spikes are only meant to help you keep balance. This way  you can run without fear you will fall over or lose balance. Too sharp spikes make them dig in the track and makes it harder to move, therefore slower.

Answer 2

Your time will improve a little bit (a couple seconds maybe) but if you really want to improve an 800 time you just gotta work at it.  And when your on that 2nd lap it will be painful; just suck it up and push through the pain (it will be over soon enough).  Hope that helps!

Answer 3

We think spikes allow you to run the 400 about 2 seconds faster.

Since that is a sprint and the 800 is a slower dash I am not sure what the time difference would be.

The shoes are lighter, allow you to run the curves better without slipping, so there is a time difference.

If you mean by regular shoes the big training shoes, not racing flats, then you time will be much better.

Answer 4

I've found spikes don't do much for my race.  They get me in the mood to race, which does a lot though.  They're lighter, so you don't have any extra weight on your foot.  the spikes on bottom give you a little better grip, so you won't slip on the track, and your foot won't slide backwards at all.  However, in all reality, they don't make the difference between a winning race and a last-place finish.  They're nice to have, but in the end, they'll only shave a few seconds off.  it might get you to 2:30, but they're awkward the first time you put them on, and for the first 1- or 200 of a race, so it takes getting used to.

~Abab

Answer 5

they say normally it knocks off about 2-4 seconds...but i think its mostly on the start. and considering the 800 is a pretty long race it might not make that much difference!!

it makes a wayyy bigger difference in things like the 100m dash!

ps..remember dont train to much in spikes they can give you shin splints!