Long term plan for boy I coach: Work on 800-mile speed while still in HS or get him ready for long distances?

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9 years ago 01/24/2016 5:23pm EST

I've got a high school boy I coach and I think he could be at least moderately talented. Me and him talked and he wants to be set up for a good college career, if possible. He doesn't have great natural basic speed, and in the past he's focused on the 2 mile. This was before he talked to me about his plans, and now this has raised a question for me. To set him up for a college career in 5k/10k/XC, should he train for the 800 and mile and improve speed there, or run the 2 mile to prepare him for longer races?

Bonus information:

His 5k time in XC was much better than the mile and 800 time trials he put up shortly after the season

His 800 PR used to be much worse than his mile and 2 mile PR, but now is on par with his mile and 2 mile, though his 5k remains better

Has poor speed in 100-400

May have to run 4x800 regardless because the head coach (I'm an assistant) wants help getting the points at meets

9 years ago 01/24/2016 6:07pm EST

re: coachmcdude

coachmcdude wrote:
I've got a high school boy I coach and I think he could be at least moderately talented. Me and him talked and he wants to be set up for a good college career, if possible. He doesn't have great natural basic speed, and in the past he's focused on the 2 mile. This was before he talked to me about his plans, and now this has raised a question for me. To set him up for a college career in 5k/10k/XC, should he train for the 800 and mile and improve speed there, or run the 2 mile to prepare him for longer races?
Bonus information:
His 5k time in XC was much better than the mile and 800 time trials he put up shortly after the season
His 800 PR used to be much worse than his mile and 2 mile PR, but now is on par with his mile and 2 mile, though his 5k remains better
Has poor speed in 100-400
May have to run 4x800 regardless because the head coach (I'm an assistant) wants help getting the points at meets

"Me and him talked" ... really?? Your English teacher would be embarrassed.

9 years ago 01/24/2016 6:50pm EST

re: coachmcdude

coachmcdude wrote:
I've got a high school boy I coach and I think he could be at least moderately talented. Me and him talked and he wants to be set up for a good college career, if possible. He doesn't have great natural basic speed, and in the past he's focused on the 2 mile. This was before he talked to me about his plans, and now this has raised a question for me. To set him up for a college career in 5k/10k/XC, should he train for the 800 and mile and improve speed there, or run the 2 mile to prepare him for longer races?
Bonus information:
His 5k time in XC was much better than the mile and 800 time trials he put up shortly after the season
His 800 PR used to be much worse than his mile and 2 mile PR, but now is on par with his mile and 2 mile, though his 5k remains better
Has poor speed in 100-400
May have to run 4x800 regardless because the head coach (I'm an assistant) wants help getting the points at meets

Train for the mile. Have him race 800m often, 2 mile some, and see which event is is his best shot for state meet. Racing 800 (or 4 x 800) regularly should help him with his end of race speed.

In the meantime, you might see what you can do to help him improve his basic speed; get him physically stronger, run hills, do some actual sprinting, etc.

He will get setup for college by running plenty of easy mileage over the summer.

9 years ago 01/24/2016 7:00pm EST

re: Vitamix

*he and I

Sorry, I wrote this very quickly on my phone

9 years ago 01/24/2016 7:01pm EST

re: Sostenes L'Archeveque

Yes, we have worked on his speed. I've got him lifting weights 3 times a week and sprints once every week or two.

9 years ago 01/24/2016 7:45pm EST

re: OklahomaGuy

Sorry, this is the real OklahomaGuy. I let someone borrow my computer to post and I guess when they replied they didn't remember to sign out of my stuff.

9 years ago 01/24/2016 8:11pm EST

re: coachmcdude

Keep him in the 800 and set him up for the 5k. It may seem odd but these distances compliment each other. Do more 800 work and he will bloom in the 5k.

9 years ago 01/24/2016 8:17pm EST

re: coachmcdude

Well you didn't post times... Which tells me, along with the statement that he has no speed, he really isn't good enough to run in college.

So give us his PRs if you want serious responses.

9 years ago 01/24/2016 8:18pm EST

re: OklahomaGuy

OklahomaGuy wrote:
Yes, we have worked on his speed. I've got him lifting weights 3 times a week and sprints once every week or two.

Have him focus on the 2 mile since that's his best event obviously. Running the mile and 800 can be backups to the 2 mile. Stop with the weights as it's too easy to overdo them and be harmful to running.

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