600 TT = 800m race fitness?

1:25 600m ≥ 2:00 800m

I'd definitely say "maybe." :-) Are you more of a 400-800 guy or an 800-1600 guy? Are you doing the 600 TT solo or with some other runners? I'd say if you're doing it solo and are an 800-1600 guy, then a 1:30 600m puts you in the range of 2:00 in a race because of adrenaline, competition, etc. But otherwise it's a stretch.

John A wrote:

Will a 600m TT be a good predictor for an 800m race? Thinking of doing one a couple weeks out from an indoor meet. If not, what would someone suggest? Ex: Does a 1:30 600m TT indicate 2:00 800m in a race?

Solo. Definitely an 8/16 guy, my goal at the upcoming meet is sub-2:05 so I would probably shoot for 1:33 in the TT

We end with a 600 TT end of each fall and Coach says it’s +30s for estimate. Last year I ran 1:24 and then 1:55 indoors - prob 1:54 or faster outdoors. So I’d say that - get basic speed for your 600 and then endurance to close for the 800.

Run 600 Time trial, rest 30 seconds, run 200, add times together.

2x 600 @ 95% (no kicking) w/ full recovery (10 minutes minimum jog between) is another good indicator, but it's a really tough workout.

Hi JA,

It’s a good workout / test / distance. I would not be comfortable concluding that a solo 1:30 will equal 2 minutes. Maybe the atmosphere of the race will propel you to that performance, or even faster. Maybe not.

There are a few variables that others have mentioned. I would add to those variables, “How experienced are you, how good is your training, and what is your genetic ceiling at this distance?” The less experienced athlete, with a faster genetic ceiling, is going to see quicker improvement.

I would be comfortable thinking that 2:02 - 2:05 is the ability level - and that is not meant as an insult. Once you do this test 3-4 times at similar points in a season I would then be comfortable dialing it in closer to a faster number.

The 800 is a great event and the last 120 meters can turn the tide from a great performance to mediocre. I know that statement is obvious and can apply to any event, but I think it especially applies to the 800.

Finally, optimistic time trialists can also suck some of the joy out of accomplishments. Maybe a 2:04 would be awesome for you. But, if you have convinced yourself that you are in 1:59 shape you may end up foolishly disappointed. Celebrate each PR / milestone as an accomplishment and build toward the next.

Rob - CTC

sheltered wrote:

Run 600 Time trial, rest 30 seconds, run 200, add times together.

this always worked as an estimate for me. example: ran 1:24/26 and PRd at 1:50.7 five days later

I ran a 1:33 on a Saturday morning and then that Tuesday night ran a 2:07. Both were nicely paced and well done efforts, leaving little on the table. At the time I wouldn't have called myself a 4/8 or an 8/16 guy. My fitness was pretty specific in the 6/8 range but at age 32 it worked. All this is to say if you go 1:33 I doubt you're going sub 2:05 unless you are really an endurance monster.