Should I push myself harder during L1 workouts?

[Greg3]

In the Wolverine Plan, I read that my average 500m split time during L1 workouts should be similar to the pace I use in an actual 2k.

Before I actually raced, my average 500m split in L1 workouts was down to a little below 1:50. When I did my first real 2k in a race, I pushed myself very hard and my average split was 1:46.

I realize that this is a pretty significant difference, so should I push myself harder in L1 workouts and start again with a 1:46 split? I was still working pretty hard during my workouts, but I always had a little left in the tank at the end. I am trying to get faster as soon as possible, so I want to do whatever would be best.

thanks

[bloomp]

always push yourself harder, especially over the shorter distances. it doesnt matter if you can't hit that 'best' number more than once, by getting it that low, it still counts for more than sitting at something easier