My prospects in athletics

As long as you stop smoking now and lay off the booze a bit, I'm sure you'll be fine. You're still young and obviously have a bit of talent.

If your goal is only to break 2 min for 800, there's no need to run 50mpw. I ran 1:53 as an 18 year old off about 20 mpw, but I could barely break 10 min for 2 miles at the time. Hard intervals (Anywhere from 100-1000m) and plyometrics go a long way when training for the 800. On the other hand, if you just want to get generally fit and run some good times over a variety of distances then go for it.

I think they key is to find a group where you can train hard and have fun. Good luck

Thanks, glad to hear I haven't ruined everything completely by smoking.

If i run too many miles per week is there a risk I'll lose my speed? Genuinely no idea how it all works, I'm a total newbie at training schedules etc. As a teen, I'd just show up to training, run what I was told and take no notice of the reasons why we were doing what we were.

yeeeeeet wrote:

Thanks, glad to hear I haven't ruined everything completely by smoking.

If i run too many miles per week is there a risk I'll lose my speed? Genuinely no idea how it all works, I'm a total newbie at training schedules etc. As a teen, I'd just show up to training, run what I was told and take no notice of the reasons why we were doing what we were.

Bill Rodgers was a chain smoker. He quit and won 4 straight Boston Marathons and 4 straight New York Marathons.

Obviously your lungs are not ruined!

It would be a good idea to join a club so that you do get some regular long runs in. It's important to do some regular

5-8 milers even if you are an 800 guy. With your talent you might not have to run high mileage, but it does depend

on the person. Some people thrive on doing regular 12 mile runs, fartlek, and tempo runs along with speed endurance.

Also do not neglect the speed development! At 22 you can still get faster and that is important in the 800. Talk to a good sprint coach about speed development. Many distance guys (especially on LRC) do not have a clue as to what it takes to develop speed. Doing "strides," does not really develop speed. It might sharpen speed back to a previous level but they do not make you improve that talent much if any.