Middle-distance runner Sam Tanner has detailed an improvement checklist as he targets two goals in Olympic year

The 23-year-old will pace the 800 metres at the Potts Classic in Hastings and compete in the mile at the Cooks Classic in Whanganui this month as preparations continue for the Paris Games, starting in July.

Tanner's still chasing John Walker's national mile record from 1982 - he's still 0.43 of a second shy of Walker's three minute 49.08 best.

He also wants to start placing regularly in the top five at Diamond League events.

Tanner is maintaining a "miles make champions" Arthur Lydiard-type philosophy.