Q: I have heard some mixed reviews on strength training, is it right for runners?
A: For some time there existed a belief that runners may not benefit from strength training. Although the health benefits of aerobic exercise have been shown conclusively, many fail to appreciate the cardiovascular benefits of strength training. The literature supports strength training as a means of reducing cardiac stress and improving cardiovascular risk factors. It can help prevent and treat obesity, a risk factor for diabetes and coronary heart disease. Body composition improves in individuals who strength train since muscle mass increases relative to fat.
Runners may already feel healthy and question why they should invest time from running to another form of training. The answer may be that it could provide an extra "kick" when needed. The lactate threshold and the onset of blood lactate buildup are extended by high volume weight training. These parameters, when maximized for each runner, may help allow high intensity exercise to be sustained longer.
Some authors have suggested that strength training may prevent medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints), plantar fasciitis, and patellofemoral dysfunction. In fact, strength training may be more benefical to runners than power athletes with regards to injury prevention, given the higher volume and frequency of endurance workouts.
Dr. Greg Coppola
Greg has run more than 10,000 miles and cared for thousands of athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels.
