800 meter runners stamina

[ArchH41]

Noticed that Ferguson Rotich’s best 400 time is just 49.5. This is only 2.5 seconds faster than his two lap average 400 time (1:42 point/2 = 51 point). Is this really possible and due to more advanced modern middle distance training methods? I know that Sir John Walker had done a sub 1:45 800 (52 point 400 average) based on a flat out best 400 of 48:9.

[Atticus]

Noticed that Ferguson Rotich’s best 400 time is just 49.5.

I'm sure he's much faster than that. He just hasn't run a timed 400 faster.

[Trickstat]

Steve Cram ran 1:42.88 with a best 400 of only 49.1 but a 3:29 1500 & 3:46 mile. I think that 400 was done in a minor local race when he was about 20 and I suspect he could have run about 48.5 if he'd done a few more 400s in his prime. He ran a sub 50 last 400 in a very slow run 1500 in the 1987 European Cup (he actually lost to Jose-Luis Gonzales).

[bobguild76]

Interesting, in that some 800 runners, like Alberto Juantorena, range down to the 400, while others, like Sebastian Coe, range up to the 1500.

El Caballo had PRs of 44.26 & 1:43.44
Coe's were 46.87 & 1:41.73

Granted, they were both 35 to 40 years ago.

[26mi235]

Or Lopez Lemong who ranged from 800 to 10,000...

[gm]

Or Lopez Lemong who ranged from 800 to 10,000...

Not even in the same zip code as Said Aouita
1:43.86
3:29.46
12:58.39
27:26.11
and throw in an 8:21.92 steeple for good measure

[Vault-emort]

Since everybody's ranging away from 400/800, I'll mention Amina Seyni who recently ran a 49.19 400m with a 200m PB of only 23.75.

[berkeley]

I'd venture to guess that Crammy could have run in the 47s easily.

[user4]

Steve Cram ran 1:42.88 with a best 400 of only 49.1 but a 3:29 1500 & 3:46 mile. I think that 400 was done in a minor local race when he was about 20 and I suspect he could have run about 48.5 if he'd done a few more 400s in his prime...

Im going to suspect that in his prime Cram was worth 47.0 for 400m at the very least. And if he trained for the 400 in his prime then a 45.5 PR was within reach.

[user4]

Interesting, in that some 800 runners, like Alberto Juantorena, range down to the 400, while others, like Sebastian Coe, range up to the 1500.

El Caballo had PRs of 44.26 & 1:43.44
Coe's were 46.87 & 1:41.73

Granted, they were both 35 to 40 years ago.

I just dont think Coe was worth much more than that at 400, had he trained for it, maybe 45.8. But he was an 800/1500 guy, a totally different animal than the big horse !!!

[gh]

I believe Coe had a 45.6 relay split, off the top of my head

[Guest]

Since everybody's ranging away from 400/800, I'll mention Amina Seyni who recently ran a 49.19 400m with a 200m PB of only 23.75.

Which is absurd. A damn good 100/200 male sprinter can approximate twice his 100 best in a 200. She has to be capable of at least 23 flat. If not then ......never mind. Not worth discussing and would get shut down anyway.

[user4]

I believe Coe had a 45.6 relay split, off the top of my head

Cram just looked more capable at 400m than Coe, that is what I saw. Here is Cram at his best.. simply unbeatable:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tS_yfiW5x8

maybe Ill adjust my theoretical potential Cram 400m time to 45 flat had he been a 400/800 guy.

[DrJay]

Wasn't Coe a 400/800 guy, with an emphasis on the 800, c. 1977, age 20/21?

[user4]

Wasn't Coe a 400/800 guy, with an emphasis on the 800, c. 1977, age 20/21?

I dont remember anything like that. He was a first class student and his athletics did not consume 100% of his life. He was an 800m guy from the start. His WR 800m run in 1979, saw him run the final 400m totally alone cutting a full second off Juantorena's WR.