Is this training smart for the 800m run?

I’ve come to realize the aerobic mileage and workouts don’t translate directly to the 800m race as much as they translate to having the proper fitness to do the workouts that will directly impact your 800m race if that makes any sense.

Improving things like your lactate threshold and Vo2max (the work you are doing now) let’s you run more reps with less rest in practice. When you can crank 40-41 second 300s off of short rest like it’s nobodies business, you know you’re in good 800m shape, and it’s super stimulating to put up 1800-2400m of 800m pace work. You need have very well developed aerobic endurance and the ability to move lactate or you’ll fall apart pretty quick.

Im sure Seb Coe going out and running 15 miles a day during base did almost nothing for his ability to run 2 laps, but it let him put up ridiculous workouts like 20x200m in 25-26 off of 1:00-2:00 rest later on in the season and that type of work is BIG for your middle distance fitness, and not something that a 15 mpw 400/800 guy will be able to pull off.

do you think will sumner ran a bunch of easy miles? ... they're useless for the 800m

Sumner runs a 44 second 400m, OP does not.

thank you CopperRunner... another thing is ive noticed the benefit of the weight and fat I've shredded because of the mileage. I still have the same muscle mass (atleast in lower body) and I just feel denser and more compact. Im just scared of dropping the mileage and not feeling this lean in racing season. and youre right, my workouts certainly have improved...

There are a lot of different ways to train for the 800 depending on your strengths. One of the best Letsrun threads of all time is about 800m training. Give that a read, maybe someone can post the link.

Aerobic base is also great for keeping the weight off during the off-season.

I wouldn’t stress about it, intensity also keeps you super lean. As long as you’re not feasting on donuts and pizza everyday, you aren’t gonna get fat moving down to 30-35 mpw when your workouts are likely gonna look like 150s @400m pace, 200-300m reps @800m pace, and 400-800m reps at Mile - 3k pace. This type of stuff CRANKS your metabolism.

You’ll also be able to focus on your diet more for those late winter - spring months. At least for me, once i’m racing and running those hard workouts, the mental instinct to prioritize recovery and make sure i’m eating healthily really kicks in.

Exactly, even 2 runners one with a 45 open 400m and the other with 45 400m split may train very differently

Listen to your coach.

Good luck!

CopperRunner gave good advice OP. A lot of good 800 runners run mileage like this. I would just confirm with your coach that the plan is to back off in season. Trust in the 49/1:47 & knock out the sessions.

I def will continue to listen to my coach, my thing with easy mileage is he always says "get in what you need". after CopperRunner's advice and others, I think maintaining my mileage in the 50s is what I need atleast to build up for indoors. thanks all