800M Dash Tips

Dave Wottle, born in 1950 in Canton, Ohio, took up running in childhood on the advice of his family physician because he was a feeble man. In the 1972 Olympic Games, however, Dave staged one of the best 800-meter runs in history when he went on to win Olympic Gold against all odds. Adequate preparation and 800M dash tips can help 800M athletes adopt the winning mentality to compete effectively.

  1. Training

    • Interval training is a training method effectively used by runners to increase running speed when preparing for the 800M dash. The training method entails running repeat sets within a given time and then taking recovery jogs between each set. It is used to prepare for middle and short races, but it can also be used to prepare for marathons with adequate coaching instructions. Train to cover varying distances, such as 400M, 600M and 800M, with the same speed by incorporating interval training in your training sessions. Running at a steady tempo helps you run longer at a fast pace.

    Workout

    • Workouts are an integral part of preparing for 800M sprints. Workouts include track and gym workouts. Gym workouts increase body balance and help to work on the torso to strengthen the core of the body. Gym workouts include weight training exercises, such as pull-downs, lunges, squats, hamstring curls and bench presses. Track workouts, on the other hand, include interval training and hill training with lots of jogging and stretching exercises. The workouts increase leg muscle flexibility and leg muscle power required to exert maximal aerobic energy during 800M dashes. Design and stick to a regular workout schedule to develop and improve your overall athletic skills.

    Practice

    • Benefits of regular practice, including physical and physiological preparation, cannot be underscored. Practice running for the 800M dash regularly and gauge your level of concentration, improvement and preparedness. Use interval training to practice running at the fast pace your aim at on racing tracks and or on hills. Practicing on hills is a useful form of resistant training that not only specifically helps bolster leg-muscle aerobic power, but also helps practice better utilization of oxygen when running.

    Technique

    • Although the outcome of an 800M dash is influenced by other factors, such as strength, stamina and concentration; the right technique when making the dash can determining the position you finish in the race. Start the race by accelerating quickly down the straight for the first 10 or so steps. Break for the inside lane, maintaining a good running posture throughout. Take care not to run directly inside the lane to avoid being disqualified. Control your pace so that you do not loose speed and much energy, especially when you merge with the running pack. Monitor the two front runners carefully throughout the race and avoid falling too far behind. Finish the race strongly, drawing on the energy reserves and stamina you have left.