notan800guy wrote:
A huge variable here is the rest interval. Also, we need to be clear on whether we are talking about current 800m pace or the pace you are hoping to run for the opening 200m of an 800m 4 months from now (big difference there. For a guy aiming for 2:00 in May, it might be the difference between 31 point and 28 flat). I'd say that, at this time of year, running 8x200m at your current 800m pace with a good recovery (say 200m walk/jog) should not be too difficult, and is a good way to stay in touch with some kind of speed over the winter. I'd be more likely to cut it down to about 5x200m and do it after an easy distance run.
People have mentioned 2 min rest, which is on the longer side but reasonable. 30 s rest would be tough.
The 800 pace should always be your goal pace. That's what your are training for, right?
Having a slow 800 PR obviously makes workout easier to achieve.
Someone who runs a 3:00 800m could hit their 800 pace for 8X200 easier than someone who runs 2:00 or 1:50, especially if their 400m abilities are more closely aligned.
Conversely, the distance runner may do this easier because of their endurance and that they may not have a fats 800 PR.