Curious what people think an athlete is capable of over 800 who ran a session of 8 x 400 with 2 mins rest, in joggers on a decent quality dirt trail in a park.
Times were 64-61-62-63-65-62-62-56, would be I guess 1-2 seconds faster on a track. Average time was 62, so I guess would be 60-61 on a track.
Background 17yo, ran 4-8 till 3 years ago, has trained as a sprinter (2-4) runner since with low volume (concentrating on speed development). 200 PR is 21.60, 400 48.1 (could probably go a bit faster in good conditions). We're taking 400 more seriously now and starting the longer work (600-1km pace) we've deliberately avoided.
Chances of sub-2? He's going to do this type of session for some aerobic work once a week for a few weeks then try an 800 for fun (if an 800 can be fun). He did run 2.01 when he was 14 - he did train more like a 4-8 runner then, but low mileage (8-10 miles a week).