So last weekend I ran an 800, and I negative split 60 58 for a time of 1:58.12. I have heard the advice that when running an 800, you want your first lap to be 2 to 3 seconds faster than your second. My other PR's are 4:19 for 1600 and 9:30 for 3200.
sorry, forgot to include the question, what could I have run had I gone out in 56-57? My coach said somewhere between 1:56 and 1:57.
you'd be surprised how little could change
if you go out in 56, you could easily die and run 1:58 again.
what's your 400 PR (open)? I'd suggest going out in 58 next time. if you're lucky you'll run 1:57low
Need to know what sort of 400 shape you're in.
Some runners do their PRs in even races, or even negative split ones - though usually less of a negative split than that. I certainly think you could go 58-59 for a 1.57.
Remember going too hard in the 1st lap can cause you to blow out in the 2nd. It's amazing how much a fresh runner can make up in the last 200 over a tiring one.
Have a look at last year's World Youth 800 final. You can find it on yourube or on the iaaf website or youtube section. The Kenyan (who was supposedly 17, yeah right) took them through in a suicidal 48. Several tried to follow (also of dubious age). The Russian and Brit held right back and made up 20m on the field in the last 250 (came 2nd and 3rd - I think it was the race where the Brit lost 2nd because he leaned back at the line just as the Russian lunged).