A true 800 runner needs 400m speed and strength of a miler.
The main problem is a lot of coaches run their 800 talent into the ground with hard intervals leading to burn out and injury. You need to develop strength and speed. Don't race each interval all out.
What we also lack is the 800m/1500m guys. The top 1500m guys all seem to suck at the 800m right now as compared to the past. Is it because of changes in training philosophy? Who is the best 15 guy at the 8 right now? Giles?
What we also lack is the 800m/1500m guys. The top 1500m guys all seem to suck at the 800m right now as compared to the past. Is it because of changes in training philosophy? Who is the best 15 guy at the 8 right now? Giles?
No, I don’t think so. Of the finalists, Kipsang and Habz are good 800m runners. Habz ran under 1:44 this season and Kipsang ran 1:44.8h ftw early season in Botswana running most of the race in lane 2. I bet he could run 1:44 low or faster in a quick race. Wightman ran 1:43 last year too of course. The event definitely has leaned more to 1500/5000 types, though.
Not at just the USA level but globally. Without the likes of Rudisha, Brazier, Amos, the event is just awful. Please give me some reasons to get excited for the 800.
I'd like to come back to this thread in 10 years. My guess is that the talk of this being a huge improvement due to doping by everyone will be unfounded and this was simply just a year where the 800m got back to where it should be.
The current US talent pool is just lacking. Nothing against the guys like Hoppel and Murphy out there still trying to make it happen, but USA couldnt even make the final in Eugene.
Say what you want about Amos but his front running, eyes bugging out style made races interesting.
Oh, how times have changed... in more ways than one. It would've been hilarious to see a peak Amos race against the current Sedjati.