For many years long distance runners thought if they incorporated strength training into their workout regimen, it would decrease their times or get them bulky making them less effective in the run! The truth is as you increase your muscle strength, endurance and stamina not only are their thoughts incorrect the findings are just the opposite.
I just completed some training with a marathoner (now 50 years old) who had attended a running clinic we conducted back in October and he then wanted to continue fitness training with me to prepare for the Marathon at Disney.
We trained 3 days per week in strength and I also changed him up with some speed and agility training to assist him with his endurance, foot/ankle strength and economy of motion for muscle stamina. Through the course of our training he gained tremendous upper and lower body strength and to top it off he started shaving time off his run (economy of motion is simply using less energy to travel the same distance which strength training improves due to building the strength of all the muscles activated in the run). Along with our training he was still running 3 days per week since you have to run if your going to be running. "You are only as fit as what you are currently doing" so he continued training.
He ran the half marathon this year due to not being able to fully prepare for the full and this is a message I received from him after the race.
"Best time ever ~Ran a 2:24 by watch waiting to see chip time. Over 27,000 runners at the start lots of getting around people and congestion at some parts of the race. All that said this is a Personal Record by 15 minutes so thanks for all the great training."
Chip time 2:22:59
Your challenge or competition may be different from his but whatever it may be strength, endurance and agility training will probably help.
Please contact us if you have interest and we will sit down to discuss your needs and some possible training for you.
Stay Fit for Life and Get Moving!
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