The 800 Meter Runner: Speed and Endurance Required

This is how distance athletes get faster. Do all of this while continuing to slowly improve the aerobic energy system through mostly continuous runs of varying lengths and intensity.

The 800-meter run is considered the shortest of the distance races in track and field. While it is half the length of the 1,600-meter run, it retains some of the physiological and psychological characteristics of that event along with some properties of the 400-meter dash which is half as far. 

In profiling the 800-meter event, the importance of speed, speed endurance, strength and stamina cannot be understated. Distance runners may find the 800 meters to be a challenging and exciting event but usually lack enough speed and speed endurance necessary for success.