Racing a sprinter in the 800 - any advice?

Congrats on the PR and major props to the 400 runner for hanging. I'm thinking that with some training this 400 runner may turn into a very good 800m runner, perhaps around 1:50 or so.

Gotcha...and yes he is an idiot

Khell800 wrote:

Well, to be honest I think the challenge is a bit unfair. There's no way a 200/400-sprinter @ 49-50s can run anywhere near 1:55, especially not in his first attempt.

I started out in the 400m myself. I tried my first 800 (off of 400m training) when I was at 51s in the 400, and I only managed 2:07 that time.

So basically, I think you will win no matter how you structure your race.

To make it a bit more interesting, why not make it a 600m race?

______________________

Boo friggin hoo.

Sprinters are 75% talent, and less than 25% is actual hard work.

Run your race. Run the 1:55. The sprinter does not know how to pace - NO SPRINTER knows how to pace. The sprinter will be sooooo full of lactic acid by the 500m mark, that it will seem like you are passing him while he is jogging - which he will be by the 600 m mark.

Somebody's having trouble keeping up....

runner1234 wrote:

Run your race. Run the 1:55. The sprinter does not know how to pace - NO SPRINTER knows how to pace. The sprinter will be sooooo full of lactic acid by the 500m mark, that it will seem like you are passing him while he is jogging - which he will be by the 600 m mark.

Congrats to you both! You for winning and getting a PR, him for making it a good contest!

Videos?

I agree with this tactic.

I did this in college 24 years ago. My first 800 my freshman year was against the Olympic 400 Silver medalist in 2004 (:44.?). Being a Miler, I thought that I was toast. He went out in :25 jogging the first 200m, while I just hung back. I decided to go by him after 300m, when he was totally relaxing. He never came with me, while I thought that I had to get as far ahead as possible.

Anyways, won in 1:48.8 (Huge PR) while he ran 1:55. Make him hurt the whole second lap and its yours!

Good times!