I've had 5 time trials between 2:00.5 and 2:01. Should I just try to come through 600 in an even 1:30 and then kick?
I've had 5 time trials between 2:00.5 and 2:01. Should I just try to come through 600 in an even 1:30 and then kick?
The pressure of breaking 2 is a lot worse than the actual effort. You’re definitely overqualified, so there’s not much more to do than just relax and race. Get in a good race, go out in 58 flat and just race.
If you can’t find a race, just close your eyes and go for it. Ignore splits and time and you’ll surprise yourself by the end. My first time breaking 2, I was running blind on a relay, ended up splitting 1:58.
Remember, you can’t control time, but you can control effort. Good luck!
You certainly have the speed and stamina to run well under 2:00. Sounds like your training may not be addressing the needs for the 800. Are you doing quality sessions that focus on speed endurance (the ability to maintain your goal 800 speed)?
Race-wise, most athletes run their best 800s using positive splits, running the first 400
2-4 seconds faster than the second lap. If you've not tried this yet, that's what I'd recommend. Commit to sub 2:00 by going through the 400 in 57-58 seconds, and 600 in 1:27-1:28. Then compete!