The rack deadlift is great for lifters with less range of motion, but can also be used to work the top range of the deadlift with a heavier load.
Typically, the rack deadlift is set up with the bar just below the knees, but just above the knee is fine too. If you don't have a rack, use a few 45 pound Olympic plates to elevate the bar into position.
It's possibly the best exercise, but nearly everyone does it wrong! In addition to explaining how to troubleshoot your lunge, this article provides enough slick variations of the movement to turn you into a lunging fool.
Much like a voluptuous vixen who loves to cook and clean, endurance-based conditioning programs that won't wreak havoc on strength and hypertrophy are hard to come by.