I am currently a senior in highschool, and I run track and play soccer. I played soccer all through highschool, but joined track junior year. I ran some track in middle school aswell. I am a mid-distance runner (4x8, 800) and my 800 PR is 2:04. I am a hard working athlete who runs and spends atleast an hour in the gym lifting everyday. I have already been accepted into my college, but I want to run track aswell. Is it reasonable for me to pursue running track in college in my current situation?
It depends on the school and your gender. I’m assuming you’re male since a 204 would by US#2 for girls last spring. 204 for boys is not terribly competitive as a 157 would only put you top 1000 nationally and dropping 7 seconds on an 800 is not easy. You might be able to walk on to a less competitive team especially if the coach thinks you are still on the steep part of the improvement curve.
Very unlikely to be recruited with a 2:04. Possible to walk on at a D3 if not a strong program. Email the coach and ask, or explore club running scene if you’re going to a larger or more competitive program. It’s not unusual for senior boys to improve quite a bit (depending on timing of puberty), so sub 2 isn’t out of the question with proper training. Talk to your coach, but an hour a day lifting weights usually isn’t the best use of your time for an 800; every other day is sufficient, and spend the other days running more.
I agree that you don’t need to lift every day. A few times a week is sufficient. You don’t say what your weekly mileage is, but even a mid distance runner should be at least 40 to be competitive. You need to be at least 1:57 or 1:58 before anyone will take you seriously.