TrackCoach wrote:
1) ...there are basic physiological reasons why the 1st half of an 800m is always faster than the 2nd.
You May Call Me Mr. 800 wrote:
1) No, there are not. Running one half or the other faster is a result of a decision as to how to run it, not a result of "basic physiological reasons".
Yes, yes there are. TrackCoach is right. There may be tactical reasons to run even or negative split at times, but physiologically a slight positive split is optimal. The fastest performances have shown this repeatedly. This is different from most other race distances. It has to do with how the 800 is uniquely reliant on both anaerobic and aerobic systems.
TrackCoach wrote:
2) ... There is no mystery to why athletes like Jock and Alyssa for example get out hard and if the collective wisdom of their staff said they should do it differently, they would. An athlete and coach will do whatever it takes to win, especially when it is their career and money is involved....
You May Call Me Mr. 800 wrote:
2) People in all fields (not just 800m running) do unbelievably stupid shit because that is what everyone else is doing.
True. And great 800m runners do frequently go out too fast. Or too slow. Or press too much in the middle. Or relax too much in the middle. The 800 is incredibly difficult to pace perfectly.
TrackCoach wrote:
3) ... a 2.25 second differential between the 1st and 2nd lap is a good rule for most athletes.
You May Call Me Mr. 800 wrote:
3) A better rule is a 0 second differential.
No. You're wrong. Classic LD thinking. The 800 is different.