I'm running the 800m race in a couple days, how do i prepare?

Question

ok, im a highschool girl running the 4x800 in a few days in my first really big meet. ive trained really hard (this is my first year), and i finally broke 2:32 (my goal) last meet and got 2:31. i like to go out fast(72), because if i try to conserve energy the first lap i still cant kick it second lap, so i start off really strong and just bare with the pain for the rest. i still cant completely kick it at the end. im getting good sleep, and drinking a lot of water. what foods should i be eating (more specific than carbs)? anything i else i should do to prepare? any running strategies left to try?

i also get anxious hours before the race, but 10 minutes before i lose all excitement, and i almost feel lazy. how can i feel more energetic right before the race, and have a better mental state--like"i can do this, i want to do this". instead of feeling slugglish and slow. thanks for your help :)

Answer 1

hey im an 8th grade boy and ive done track for  2 years. im a long distance runner, but ive only ran the 800 twice. i always do the mile. but anyways i ran the 800 in 2:19. you should eat spaghetti, pasta, ravioli, etc. drink plenty of water or gatorade and just think that youre gonna do great in the 800. i personally dont like to go out fast. i used to go out fast in the mile but i dont start out fast in any of my events (besides the 1600 relay). i say pace yourself, try getting the first lap in about 72 seconds (since youre a girl) and then pick it up in the second lap. concetrate and listen to music before your race. try listening to uptempo songs and not slow songs that make you wanna go to bed, or listen to whatever you feel comfortable listening to. i get away from my friends about 10 minutes before my event starts and it helps me to concetrate and get my head in the game. also get enough sleep. hope this info helped

Answer 2

Fruits with every meal that you eat is key, protien is good for the 800 I eat a lot of peanut butter sandwhiches, As far was preparing if your getting good sleep drinking a lot of water and doing the basics then your fine if anything come up with a race plan and stick with it.  A tip I would give you is instead of kicking pick up the pace when there is 250m to go and if your going to kick, kick when you have at the 100m of course because thats where everyone kicks and if someone starts their kick before you more than likely its going to be hard to catch them.  The reason I say pick it up at the 250 is because good 800 runners kick at the 300, but if your going out fast your going to be more tired than anyone else so you start at the 250 and make sure your in the front but the time you hit the 100.  And before your race dont think about anything but your plan, if you think to much your going to think about negative things.  And if your feeling sluggish and suggest using powergel 30mins before your race IT WORKS I USE IT ALL THE TIME. You can buy it at jewels it speeds muscles to the leg and wakes you up.  If you not a big fan of powergel then just make sure you are warming up WELL.

good luck 2:31 is a good time I hope you can break it.

Answer 3

Go out in a 72-75 first lap. Pick up the effort at the end of the first lap. Keep picking it up every 100m after that. Sprint the last 150m. Maybe eat eggs and toast for breakfast. Eat a big breakfast if your meet is in the afternoon. Have a sandwich for lunch. Have part of a power bar an hour or so before your race. Warm up when you normally do or 30-45 minutes before your race. Stretch, do a few strides and any other exercises you do before a race. Be careful not to do too many or you will have fatigue during the race. Before the race just think "I trained hard for this." Think about all the effort you put into the season and how you can run a great race. If you start feeling lazy, think about something that motivates you, such as how you can't let your teammates down or disappoint your coach. Wish your opponents luck(Karma!) and do what you know you can do. Update me on how you did! Good luck!

Answer 4

When I got my pr in the 800, my first lap was 76 seconds, and my second lap was 78. I got a 2:34. I think maybe going out at  74 second lap and then pick it up the last lap. That works for me when I run the 800.

You should eat fruit, an energy bar, granola bar, bananas, and bagels. Also drink plenty of juice and gatorade!

You should do stride outs, stretch, listen to music or talk with your team mates before you run. That always helps me!

Good luck! Hope you get your PR!

Answer 5

1.  Memorize your splits

2.  Strive for totally consistent splits

3.  Get lots of rest the night before the night before your meet

Regarding your "anxious to lackadaisical" mood swing, you should talk to your coach.  Sounds like a preparation thing that your coach can best help you with.

Good Luck