I am a 400/800 runner currently in my senior year of HS. I currently plan on walking on to a D1 school (Big Ten). I have been recruited by smaller D1 schools as well as D2 & D3 but am pretty much set on going to this school for academic & other reasons.
Up until this year I was strictly a 100/200/400 guy with the 400 as my best event. I can sprint but not at a D1 level.
Sprint PRs - all times FAT
60m (this year) - 7.36
100m (junior year) - 11.40
200m (this year) - 22.68
400m (junior year) - 49.85
At the advice of my coach I'm focusing my training on the 400/800 as if I choose to pursue high-level running in college a move up to the 800 is inevitable and I accept that. I have pretty good speed endurance and in my first ever 800 race this year ran 1:59. By the end of the season I expect 1:56 or better and will continue training throughout the summer.
But my question is are colleges accepting of walk-ons that are solely 400/800 runners? The vast majority of 800 guys I see also run the 1500 or even XC.
If I were to run an all-out mile in good conditions I would struggle to break 5 minutes. Maybe 4:52ish. I am not a distance runner at all and will never be one.
By the end of the season I expect sub/low 49 and 1:56, which I see as solid times.
But most 400 guys I see are also blazing fast 200 or 100 guys, so where does this leave a 4/8 guy like me? especially trying to walk on to a high-tier program.
I am not dead-set on running in college, especially considering experiences of friends and relatives who have told me (warned me) numerous times of what it is like to run D1. I want to try it and plan on contacting the coach. I would just appreciate some input.