Racing 800m with DOMS - impact/risk?

800m isn't even a mile. Don't be a pansy.

You've just done some 80m accelerations and this is the best chance of running a good time?

Captain Oblivious wrote:

You've just done some 80m accelerations and this is the best chance of running a good time?

That's right. I've done a 3k, a couple of 1500s, a mile and a few 800s so far this year but nothing below 200 reps in training before yesterday.

I'm a masters athlete new to track running and my 800 time is stronger than the others, which is why I'm keen to maximise the opportunity that a paced race would provide.

Ideally, I'm looking for confirmation that it's possible to still run a good time with DOMS. Actually, any experiences of running with DOMS (including negative ones!) in a race would be useful to hear.

Thanks!

If your 800 is the stronger one, why wait until the last minute and go into your best opportunity unprepared?

You should be fine by Friday anyway. Or at least sound enough to warm-up so that the DOMS is hidden while you race.

had DOMS prior to an 8K..ended up running a time that let me walk on a d1 squad..

nothing is impossible

Captain Oblivious wrote:

If your 800 is the stronger one, why wait until the last minute and go into your best opportunity unprepared?

You should be fine by Friday anyway. Or at least sound enough to warm-up so that the DOMS is hidden while you race.

I'm training in a combined 800/1500 group and we're sort of working towards August as the end of our season. I still have a few 800s left so I'll definitely be doing more sharpening workouts but others will be league/championship and very mixed ability so possibly not as good an opportunity as Friday.

Thanks for the reassurance!

HighMilerMileage wrote:

had DOMS prior to an 8K..ended up running a time that let me walk on a d1 squad..

nothing is impossible

Thanks!!

I'd suggest using The Stick or a foam roller on the sore areas today. Take ibuprofen today and tonight to reduce the inflammation. Use a topical liniment to increase blood flow to the area. Tomorrow, warm up well before the race. Use The Stick to work on any sore spots and apply liniment. I would not suggest ibuprofen before the race. You should be fine.