My 800M Journey | From

[@jkhoudini]

You don’t choose the 800. The 8 chooses you.

[@nikoschultz4306]

Realest thing I have heard all year so far

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

I was a marathon runner in college, was running roads in my 40s again and went to track meets and beat the guys who roasted me in the long stuff. Ended up undefeated for a decade in my state age group and got the state M50+ record, while being a sponsored rock climber. The 800 is the gift that gives...pain and elation.

[@mtoEdits]

Hey! I run a 2:05 800m and I just started my first year of highschool, I found this video really interesting. Thanks for making this!

[@olgaladino27]

Nice story, I am glad you good the correct guidance throughout high school.

[@alwaystmoza]

Great video Niko. Good to hear your honest progression from then to now. Definitely agree 155 or 156 too slow for a div 1 scholarship. I have 5 athletes in the US on Div 1 scholarships, and we had to go sub 152 for it. Well done getting there, and sure those times will keep dropping. Keep grinding and keep working on those 1%

[@steveschultz3677]

I like the reminiscing and memories. I am so proud to say I witnessed a majority of those races and look so forward to all the future races. Don't be complacent and keep striving to get a little better every race until you reach your goals. You know I'll be there cheering you on. Love you.

[@nikoschultz4306]

There from the beginning and you will be there for my last race ever too! Hopefully on the worlds biggest stage!

[@CathedralPhantomEliteTrack]

I really appreciate the stories you’ve shared. There’s helpful wisdom in all of them whether you’re high performing runner or still up and coming. Keep up the great work.

[@IL_runner]

Running my first every track season at South man this video motivated the fuck out me love watching your videos get after it Nico! Go cougars

[@nikoschultz4306]

Plainfield South for life man! Never forget where you come from, good luck this season man! Ill be watching yall close!

[@nikoschultz4306]

Thank you for watching the videos!

[@saranshmalik3716]

Nice motivation story bruh

[@JohnnyMarathon]

Great story man.

[@alirunsfast]

Awesome time mate. I wish I had your speed! I ran a 1:54 off a 52.1 400m pb. I think if I worked on my top end speed I could close in on 1:50!

[@nikoschultz4306]

I was 49 400 speed when I ran 1:54, so imagine when you get to 49 speed! Your going to be sub 1:50 easyyyy!

[@kudzanaichiwara9140]

@@nikoschultz4306 so commendable champ.

[@samyeetyalthefirst9909]

Good storytelling

[@keyvanpouladian6889]

Bro I wish I grinded during covid like you. In 8th grade early 2020 I was the 2nd fastest 8th grader in the state for the 400(59.7 indoor) and now I know I was also 5 seconds under the NB indoor nationals qualifying time and I didn't do anything during covid. My junior year times were 54 in the 400 and 2:12 in the 800 and I am just now grinding really hard for my last season, trying to get a D1 walk on time.

[@nikoschultz4306]

Never too late man. Keep going

[@davelacroix1318]

Niko, you hit the nail on the head there with the attainable/achievable goals and how taking the prs in steps is so crucial. Like how telling a 2:05 runner a 2:03/2:02 is possible. And then working your way to a 1:59. What was your reaction when you found out you ran a 49.9 ? I know the sub 50 barrier is tough to crack and is the standard for a a lot of high school runners. It can be a tough challenge because you have to split sub 25 twice. How’d you go about that race ? Did you do a 23 and 26 or a 24 and 25 ?

[@nikoschultz4306]

Thank you Dave! Running sub 50 was a huge accomplishment for me and was the first time I ever thought it would be possible to go D1. I ran that race with a 48 runner on the inside of me so within the first 100 meters he caught me instantly but I kept about 3 meter distance with him the entire race and by that last 100 meters he started dying out. He went out the first 200 in probably 23 low and I was 24 low, I caught him the last 30 meters and crossed the line at 49.94! So it was about 24 low and 25 high if I am remembering right! Throughout my career, some years my 800's better, some my 400, this year I am hoping to master both!

[@rooseveltcooper6145]

Very nice Congratulations you smooth

[@nikoschultz4306]

Thank you!!

[@ly4265]

Dang bro I’m tryna get like you 💀

[@trevormay101]

That Plainfield speed different 😤😤😤

[@nikoschultz4306]

Plainfield 4 life!

[@ducksama3773]

Aye Niko do you have any tips for someone with a cross country background to gain more speed for the 800

[@nikoschultz4306]

My advice would be to train with a speed based 800 runner & do your best to stay with him! I have a xc friend (gabe in the video) and he has a lot for endurance/fitness than me but I have more speed than him. Our training goes hand in hand because we make eachother better. Training partners are huge for xc runners!

[@TheErinBrownTV]

W Niko

[@ascalt7868]

Yo Niko. I want you to be real with me. I want to break my school record before I leave. I am 15 right now and its at 2:00. Do you reckon sub 2 possible for next year if i ran a 2:18 in June. I haven't done any speed work or track sessions but improved my endurance as my 5k time went from a 23:40 to a 19:43 right now. Track isnt my main sport tho

[@ashrieldixon2958]

Mans had a day tdy!

[@nikoschultz4306]

Duro Achoooo

[@GP-qd1yy]

What was primarily your workouts to get you from 2:05 to 1:48?

[@xcnewbee]

I coached Ashriel in HS! How were you convinced to run the 4/8? Did your coach just tell you? Trying to get a few of Ashriels teammates to move up.

[@nikoschultz4306]

My Coach recommended me to move up to the 800. I really wanted to be on the varsity 4x4 as a freshman but was not good enough at the time so my Coach made me an 800 runner so I could build endurance while my speed caught up to me. Once I started running really fast in the 800, I finally got my shot in the varsity 4x4 and both events have been helping one another ever since. I really believe the reason I am so fast in the 800 is because of my 4x4 split speed (46). In high school, I started freshman year running 1:59's & 50.'s then by senior year was running 1:54's & 48's. Hope this helps Coach! If you ever want me to reach out to one of your Athletes too let me know & tell them why the 4/8 is worth it!

[@stephenwilliams7200]

I ran 1:50 in high school i never ran after. Im from Illinois also

[@nikoschultz4306]

Impressive!

[@MontyPeters]

Bro is LITERALLY me, exactly down to height and weight and how they become an 800m runner. Besides, Im slower in the 800m as a freshman 💀

[@maxwang77]

For the 800m do you think it’s better to train speed or stamina first in the off season

[@nikoschultz4306]

Definitely Stamina more but do not neglect the speed either! Still do fast stuff 1-2 times a week like hills & fast tempo things

[@CheeseHighlights]

Niko is 2:12 for sophomore who’s a miler good or nahhhh? Im debating on switching from long distance to mid but not sure cause my mile time 4:57

[@nikoschultz4306]

I would say keep on running the mile & 800! If you are more distance based, both races will help each other. 2:12 for a sophomore is solid but if your 800 PR is 2:12, your mile PR should be around 4:40's! So keep training hard and the right race will find you!

[@xzgif7165]

awesome progression!! did you do any lifting or strength training?

[@nikoschultz4306]

When I ran 1:48 yes! But i did not strength train seriously until I got to college. I wish I started earlier!

[@That_Ramdom]

​@@nikoschultz4306 I have absolutely no muscle. I do XC. Should like I actually build some lean muscle?

[@markjackson1201]

Could you let me know your mileage for early morning run

[@nikoschultz4306]

Yessir it was 4 miles everyday Tuesday/Thursday morning at around 7:30 pace

[@miller10]

Insane progression inspiring, how far you running a week now

[@nikoschultz4306]

Thank you King! As of rn, at about 21-20 miles in a week. I was around 27-28 the last 3 months. By big tens(in 3 weeks) I will be at exactly 16 miles a week!

[@eduardosalinas6005]

What speed workouts did you do during your highschool career?

[@nikoschultz4306]

A lot of fast workouts, I would practice my starts with the sprinters then do 350's with the long sprinters. I would fast 250's, 150's, 120's, and even 80 meter excels!

[@eduardosalinas6005]

Wow amazing stuff bro thanks! Good luck on the rest of your season

[@DillionDillim]

so basically you were just like that

[@PinkyStinkyFN]

wait what was ur time in 2 yr in hs

[@nikoschultz4306]

1:59 in the open 800m and 1:57 as a split in the 4x8 Also 49.9 in the open 400m

[@williampolinelli5939]

im 16 and run a 1:55, im inspired by your story, i hope to follow you in your footsteps.

[@nikoschultz4306]

Thats better than where I was at 16 little bro! Keep grinding and you will became TWICE the athlete I ever was! Thank you for following the journey, Im glad I can help inspire you!

[@rileygshep7606]

Feed the cats

[@nathanplant9893]

himothy

[@nikoschultz4306]

Thank you King! One step at a time!

[@shafimuhammad5994]

Hey Bro! This is awesome, you are inspiring me for real! I currently run a 1:54 and 49 im looking this year to hit a 1:51-1:52 and a 48 low. Been working my butt off recently! I also saw in the comments you dont do as many mileage as a lot of others do. Same for me. Do you have an instagram or something, I'd love to collab with you bro! This is incredible

[@nikoschultz4306]

Thanks for watching the videos bro! Best of luck to you and your Journey! My instagram is : nikoschultzzz

[@shafimuhammad5994]

@@nikoschultz4306 Thank you for posting! Yesssir! Ill send you a message on IG, Looking forward to watching you race indoors. Ojala que corres muy bien!

[@ianbusche1471]

And he just went 1:48.10 today 🥱 1:47 next then sub 1:47 outdoors

[@nikoschultz4306]

Wanna know something crazy, I really wasn't even tired after that race. I kicked late! We #25 in the nation rn, top 16 makes nationals. We fighting for that 1:47 low!