Required resources
To undertake this test you will require:
? 400m track
? Stopwatch
? An assistant.

How to conduct the test (800m)
The athlete is required to run two controlled maximal efforts of 60 seconds with a recovery of  three minutes. The athlete commences their second run from the point where the first run was completed.

The total distance covered by the two runs is recorded:
? Run for 60 seconds.
? Three-minute recovery.
? Run for 60 seconds – start from the point at which you finished the last 60-second run.
? Record total distance covered.

How to conduct the test ( 1,500m)
The athlete is required to run four controlled maximal efforts of 60 seconds with a diminishing recovery of three minutes, two minutes and one minute. The athlete commences his next run from the point where the previous run was completed. The total distance covered by the four runs is recorded:
? Run for 60 seconds.
? Three-minute recovery.
? Run for 60 seconds – start from the point at which you finished the last 60-second run.
? Two minutes recovery.
? Run for 60 seconds – start from the point at which you finished the last 60- second run.
? One-minute recovery.
? Run for 60 seconds – start from the point at which you finished the last 60- second run.
? Record total distance covered.

Distance 800m 1500m

Equation Time = 217.77778 – (Total distance x 0.119556) Time = 500.52609 – (Total distance x 0.162174)

Analysis
Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement. The athlete’s potential 800m or 1,500m time can be predicted by using the total distance covered in the appropriate equation, above right.

Target group

This test is suitable for middle distance athletes, but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability
Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual’s level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity
There are published tables to relate results to potential performance in competition and the correlation is high.

Limitations
The equations can be used for male and female athletes but they do tend to over predict for female athletes. For females I recommend you add five seconds for the 800m time and 10 seconds for the 1500m time.