Strength Training for Running

osutuba

Hi all! I've done a couple different types of strength training - high weight with low reps, and the reverse. I think with running I want to use low weight with more reps, but I was wondering if there's anything I can do to strengthen my hips really well for running. My insanely weak hips have led to an IT band injury, and I kick my ankles when I run. I'd like to not do that... LOL

ebaymommy

Actually most of the time you need to work on your butt muscles. My mom is just coming back from an IT band injury and she did a ton of glute strengthening work with her physical therapist.

I personally like to lift heavy weights/low reps to help me with running. The exception to that rule is right now for me, I'm 6 weeks out from a marathon and I'm down to only 1x a week weight lifting, lighter weights/higher reps. I'm just doing it to try to maintain muscle and I'm too fatigued from my high running mileage to do more. I have found that high weight/low reps in the off season has been tremendous for my running both in endurance and speed.

deninevi

I think getting stronger in the glute area will help.

here is a link to Bret Contreras's blog-a.k.a. the glute guy. this article is about strong girls's favorite glute exercises, but check out the rest of the blog too for some great info.

http://bretcontreras.com/2011/11/favorite-glute-exercises-from-the-fittest-females/

osutuba

Thanks!