Need 800 race advice

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7 years ago 04/29/2018 12:55am EDT

I am competing in a big meet and am seeded 2nd. My competition runs a 55:31 400 a 2:08 800 and a 5:24 1600. I run a 58 400, a 2:12 800 and a 5:06 1600. This is the first time so far this season I am able to race against someone with a faster 800 time than I have so I’m excited to hopefully Pr. However, what’s the smartest way to run the race? Should I just stay behind her the entire way and hang in as much as I can and see where sheer will can get me. I have never run a race where I have run so hard that I couldn’t feel my legs or almost collapsed at the finish line as I have seen others do so maybe this should be the race where I can see what my body is capable of? Or do I run a safe first lap at 1:06 and then just try and close the gap? Or any other advice? My coach just always says go out there and win. Thanks for any advice you can give me!

7 years ago 04/29/2018 1:17am EDT

re: 800raceadvice

it depends on how fast she runs. Your advantage is going to be , if she runs too fast the first lap, youll have a chance to pass and win. its better to do this on a straightaway than curve, but also better to do this when you have some momentum (youre moving faster than her). but dont go out in 1:06 because then if she also goes at a safe pace she wins. Go faster than that but not faster than 1:03 and if you can draft some of the race, leading up to a chance to pass you may get a pr and win. If she throws down 2:06 there is not much you can do with a 58 second 400, so make sure you show up sharp and fresh, do some strides before the race if youre used to doing that, or if you arent just add some faster running into your warmup. Its realistic to win this one in 2:09 by letting her outpace herself, if she doesnt do that outpace her the second lap.

7 years ago 04/29/2018 1:24am EDT

re: hitmonlee

hitmonlee wrote:
it depends on how fast she runs. Your advantage is going to be , if she runs too fast the first lap, youll have a chance to pass and win. its better to do this on a straightaway than curve, but also better to do this when you have some momentum (youre moving faster than her). but dont go out in 1:06 because then if she also goes at a safe pace she wins. Go faster than that but not faster than 1:03 and if you can draft some of the race, leading up to a chance to pass you may get a pr and win. If she throws down 2:06 there is not much you can do with a 58 second 400, so make sure you show up sharp and fresh, do some strides before the race if youre used to doing that, or if you arent just add some faster running into your warmup. Its realistic to win this one in 2:09 by letting her outpace herself, if she doesnt do that outpace her the second lap.

Thank you for your advice! It sounds like something I can do. I appreciate it!

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Need 800 race advice

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