1:59.99
old man sub 2 800, where to race? 6/13/2012 1:49PM Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I'm thinking about trying to run a few 800s this summer. I've got no chance to ever touch most of my old PRs, but I haven't run a 800 since my junior year in high school. I ran 1:58 back then, I probably split a little faster in some 4x800, but let's not make this any harder than it needs to be.

I'm now over 30 and can run about 17 minutes for 5k, but I don't really have the time or inclination to run high mileage to get better at the longer stuff. So I'd like to run some recreational 800s or maybe some 1500s. My question is where can I go to race a 1:58 or so? Are there any old man open meets or anything like that?
Mush
RE: old man sub 2 800, where to race? 6/13/2012 2:48PM - in reply to 1:59.99 Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
17 minutes is a long way off 2:00, even if you dont do much mileage. Good Luck
BostonRunner2
RE: old man sub 2 800, where to race? 6/13/2012 2:55PM - in reply to 1:59.99 Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
There are tons of open meets, both indoors and out. It depends on where you live. Most states have an arm of the USATF where they have regional meets. If you are in New England, Northern CA, Southern CA, and Oregon, I know there are tons of open meets.

What you are trying to do will be challenging. I am over 40 now and the last few years I have run 4:40 flat with some dedicated work to do even that. But that is a long way off of my PR and not as fast as a 2:00 800. I haven't even attempted the 800 because I don't think I can generate that footspeed any more (my PR was close to yours in college).

So to run 2:00, you will have to have very dedicated training and probably will need a few seasons as you won't get there in your first season, IMHO.
mellow seeds
RE: old man sub 2 800, where to race? 6/13/2012 3:13PM - in reply to Mush Reply | Return to Index | Report Post

Mush wrote:

17 minutes is a long way off 2:00, even if you dont do much mileage. Good Luck


Depends what kind of runner you are. My 5k pr in high school was 17:50 and I ran under 2 for the 8.