I have a friend who ran a 1:58 800 off of a months traning, as a 16 year old. He also finished a marathon as a 11 year old, with no training (but he did walk the last few miles). I would say he is the most naturally talented person I've met. He likes training, but never gets it done in the off season. He doesnt think it would make that much of a difference. I'm wondering what you all think he could imrpove to after a few monthes of training, a year of training, or indefinately? To me it seems like he could go on to break four minutes in the mile, if he put in the work. He would be willing to train if he believed that, but he doesn't think he he'll ever be able to go faster than 3:50 or so in the 1500. Is he right? Can you measure someone's ultimate potential off of out-of-shape times? For people who have broken 4 in the mile, how fast were they when they ran off of regular fitness?