Strength Training for Runners

Whether you're new to running or you've been running for years, you can benefit from strength training.

Some runners are hesitant to strength train because they think it will make them bulky and slower. But strength training can make your running program more effective and more enjoyable.

Benefits of Strength Training for Runners

Whether you're looking to get faster, stronger, or lose weight, doing strength training can help you achieve your goals. Here are some ways that strength training can enhance your running program.

Increased Running Efficiency

If you've ever had your form fall apart as you get fatigued toward the end of a long run or race, strength training can help.

Strengthening your core can help you improve and maintain your running form, resulting in greater running efficiency.

This is especially important for those training for a long-distance event such as a half or full marathon since minor efficiency improvements can make a huge difference over all those miles.

Weight Loss

Adding more lean muscle mass will increase your metabolism, which means you'll burn more calories both at rest and during workouts.

Many runners find that adding strength-training to their training regimen boosts their weight loss effort and helps them bust through a weight-loss plateau.

Improved Endurance and Reduced Fatigue

Strength training helps your body better deal with the stresses of running. Your muscles will be able to perform longer before getting fatigued, which will help you maintain your proper running form.

Improving your strength will help you fight off hitting the wall or cramping up during the late stages of a long-distance race.

Faster Pace

Improving your form and endurance also translates into a faster overall pace. Runners usually see improvements in their race times reasonably soon after they add strength training to their regimens. You don't need to spend hours doing strengthening exercises.

Even just two or three 15- to 20-minute strength-training sessions a week can build more lean muscle mass.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Lower body and core exercises are vital when it comes to reducing injury risk. Stronger core and leg muscles mean that you'll maintain your proper running form longer, so you'll reduce your risk of lower back pain or other issues that are associated with bad running form.

Many running injuries, especially knee and hip-related issues, are a result of muscle imbalances or weaknesses. If you're feeling pain or are worried about a biomechanical flaw or previous injury, a sports doctor or physical therapist can recommend specific exercises for you to target certain areas.

Easier Runs

Running gets more enjoyable when it starts to feel easier. This happens at different times for different runners, but adding strength training to your routine can definitely speed up the process.

Strengthening your leg muscles will help increase your endurance, meaning you can run longer without feeling fatigued.

Types of Strength Training

There are different types of strength training, and not all of them are the best choice for runners. For example, powerlifting involves training so that you can lift large volumes of weight for a duration of one to three reps.

This kind of training generally produces considerable muscle mass gains (hypertrophy) and may not be the wisest approach for a runner who wants to remain lean.

Endurance Strength Training

Endurance strength training focuses on improving muscular endurance by lifting less weight and performing more repetitions.

When you participate in this type of weight lifting, you lift approximately 70% of your one-rep max and complete 12 to 20 reps. You might complete one to three sets of each exercise.

Functional Training

Bodyweight training is also essential for runners. Functional training exercises such as the lunge or a single leg squat require the large muscles in your body to work together in the same way they need to during other daily activities, such as running.

These exercises improve balance, coordination, and movement efficiency—skills that will enhance your running gait and overall performance. Functional training can also reduce your risk of injury.

Plyometrics

Researchers have found that strength training programs that include plyometrics can improve running efficiency and speed.

Plyometrics are movements that involve jumping or other quick bursts of explosive movement. Try:

• Squat jumps
• Lunge jumps
• Box jumps
• Jump rope
• Lateral hopping drills

Choosing the Right Program

There are different ways to choose a weight training program. But if your goal is to improve your running performance, you should select a training program that aligns with your fitness level to minimize the risk of injury.

• Endurance strength training and functional training: These are good choices for anyone at any fitness level. You can modify almost every exercise for beginning to advanced level exercisers.
• Plyometrics: Plyometrics however, are generally more advanced movements and involve slightly more risk. While they can provide benefits, these exercises are best suited for those with more experience.
• Bodyweight: If you can't get to the gym regularly or don't have weights at home, then endurance training with weights may not be the best choice. However, bodyweight exercises can be performed anywhere with little to no equipment.

Timing

Research into the benefits of strength training for runners has determined that a regular program is necessary to see results. Daily exercise is not required, but training more than once per week is recommended.

Of course, this requires that you balance your training schedule to have time to run and time to hit the weight room.

Train on Your Off Days

If you don't run every day, weight training on your off days is an intelligent approach. While it is vital to allow your muscles to rest, endurance strength training does not tax your muscles the same way that powerlifting and other forms of weight lifting will do.

In addition, most endurance training and functional training exercises help you increase the range of motion in joints, enhancing the recovery process.

Another approach is to do strength training on the same days as a hard running workout, either immediately after or later the same day. This strategy will allow you to take the next day off to recover fully. It is not recommended for after your long run, however.

Train on Your Running Days

While it may seem counterintuitive to do strength training when you're tired after a hard workout (interns, hills, tempo), doing strength training on your rest day doesn't allow you time to recover as well.

You can also incorporate core strength and functional exercises at the end of your runs. For example, you can complete 5 minutes of the plank exercise, a few lunge variations, and some single leg squats when you finish your running workout and before stretching.

There is no right or wrong way to add strength training to your schedule but keep consistency in mind. To maximize the effects of strength training, choose a program that you can complete regularly.

Common Mistakes

Here are some of the most common mistakes runners make in the weight room.

Too Much Too Soon

One of the most common mistakes runners make when adding strength training to their schedule is doing too much too soon. Many runners have a competitive mindset that can lead them to take on more weight or more advanced exercises with disastrous results.

Remember that the goal of your program is to become a stronger runner. Getting competitive in the weight room (lifting too much weight, doing too many reps) can lead to injury and exhaustion—and days away from running.

Inconsistency

Another common mistake is irregular training. If you commit to a substantial weight training program but only complete the program once every few weeks, it is not likely to impact your running. It may even put you at risk for injury.

Instead, consider starting small and building slowly. Commit to 15 to 20 minutes on your off days or at the end of your runs. Complete the workouts consistently and add more training if time allows.

Getting Started

Not sure where to begin? The types of exercises that are good for runners include:

• Lower body exercises: Lunges, squats, donkey kicks, wall squats
• Core strengthening exercises: Planks, crunches, bridges, V-sit, back extension
• Upper body exercises: Tricep dip, tricep overhead extension, overhead shoulder press, pushup​.

Choose a few basic exercises to start with. Then complete your program consistently to reduce your risk for injury and enjoy a better running experience.