How to add speedwork to your routine

Everything you wanted to know 800-meter repeats

Quick show of hands: When was the last time you knocked out a set of 800 meter repeats? Even if you’re not training for anything specific, performing a version of this classic speed workout is a great way to build speed, running economy, and aerobic endurance. This is how my coach put it when I asked him what we were trying to accomplish following a recent workout:

“We’re increasing the anaerobic threshold so we can expand the aerobic base. That means building speed at the higher end so it expands your moderate effort. It should increase the floor a little, but the larger idea is that we’re making your Zone 2-3 bigger, much broader.”

Who doesn’t want to broaden their Zone 2? Plus, running hard on purpose requires discipline and toughness along with exerting a fair amount of competitive edge. For paid subscribers, we’re taking a deeper dive into adding these fitness boosting intervals to your running routine.