I hope you mean true count, not running, unless using an unbalanced system...
1x1000 vs 2x 500? 2x500 would be same ev but less risk. Try 2x800. Same risk as 1x1000 but more EV.

2 hands is best if playing with multiple people. Otherwise, you just eat up more cards in high counts which is only good if the cut card is on the next round.

Spreading to 2 hands in high counts at that betting level probably will require either an act or a very tolerant store. Easier to accomplish if you start with two hands instead. I say this because spreading to more hands in higher counts is a pretty classic counter move. Try to mix it up so it looks more natural or only after a loss to "change the flow".

~Pac