Comments on: Should Runners Strength Train?

By: arie schop

arie schop — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:12:40 +0000

Nice site Yuri. I agree with strength training and endurance. My question is should I do both on the same day? I started running again last year after not doing so for 38 years (1972),even though I was fairly active being a full time dariy farmer,until retirement 2 years ago from farming. Started training in Nov. 2008 and worked up to doing strength training, 90 min. 3 times a week and treadmill running 5 to 6 times a week 10km to 12 km each time. One of those would be sprints repeats and one would be hill repeats, per week. I also snowshoed a total of 250 kms. on top of that. Then this past summer ran 5 races.Frist 2 were 5km each and the next three were 10km each. Ended up running the 10km in 42 min. I’m doing the same again this winter,except that i,m doing some running outside. How best to improve my time, and am I woring out too much?

By: Shilpi Mahajan

Shilpi Mahajan — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:07:41 +0000

Thanks for the article! I also think women especially need upper body workouts! Last year as I was training for a half marathon I realised it was my upper body that would give in the middle of the workout! After my half marathon I have been focussing on upper body training. I am also contemplating your half marathon ipod trainers and hope to get one soon.. Thx for all your advice

By: yuri

yuri — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:46:24 +0000

Good stuff Tania. I agree that hills would definitely be the first you’d feel a lack of strength. Thanks for the comment.

By: Tania

Tania — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:12:53 +0000

Great post, and I totally agree. i returned to running three years ago after 2 decades away. Based of past experience I used a combination of low impact cardio and light weights to build up my heart and muscle strength and indurance before I even contemplated running. This was doubly important as besides my total lack of fitness I also had a few stones to loose.
As a fell runner strength training is as important as endurance training. If I have a lapse in strength training, the first place I notice it, is on the hills