When I ran cross-country (for phys ed class in HS), we did it on across open ground (usually grass) over the hills behind the school, around the soccer fields, etc., and I could run the 800m course in a little less than 3:00.

I've recently been running on a track (for the sake of convenience, and the fact that the cones aren't there anymore), and I'm finding that my 800m time is now approximately 4:00.

Logically, I would think that the cross-country stuff would be slower-going... is there any kind of explanation for this?

1. Distance measured at your school was not exact (possible)
2. You were in better shape in HS (possible)
3. Running with somebody forces your pace (likely)
4. Time-piece being used (past/present) not correct (unlikely)

Not knowing the exact lay of your HS course keeps it very subjective.

my .02