Strength training and endurance running

Speedythefellrunner
Speedythefellrunner Posts: 8
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi, I'm a fell runner, my biggest race this year is 33 miles (for now) I also lift and am doing Stronglifts (but only 2x per week rather than 3). I'm a relative newcomer to lifting, I started because I believe that strength training can help me. Fell running involves big ascents so power and strength, particularly in the legs can only be a good thing (IMO). I rarely run on flat surfaces. I don't want to be big, I just want to be stronger.

I'd like to hear about your experiences if you lift, and regularly run long distances (say greater than 10 miles). Now I could get lifters telling me the 2 types of training don't mix, and possibly runners that will say the same but with the greatest respect, I'd like to hear from those who think, or have proved that it is possible, and have seen the benefits of mixing the 2.

Thanks.

Replies

  • Speedythefellrunner
    Speedythefellrunner Posts: 8
    .
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    I'm not as experienced a runner as you, obviously. But I find I have less joint pain, and more uphill power when I squat and dead lift. I'm sure more serious runners and lifters will be along soon. :-)
  • SatchGallamax
    SatchGallamax Posts: 549 Member
    I am not the distance runner that you are, but I recently started lifting so that I could be a better distance runner. I haven't even been lifting a full month and have already noticed huge gains in my pace and endurance. So far, seems like a good combo to me :)
  • tappae
    tappae Posts: 568 Member
    I think you're on the right track that building strength in your legs will help you (especially on long ascents). I would caution you not to add too much while also adding mileage. I had a minor injury last year while increasing my mileage and my strength training at the same time.
  • mumof5
    mumof5 Posts: 328 Member
    im a lifter who has decided to try endurance running - i lost a lot of muscle when i first started, but soon worked out that the right nutrition will go a long way. imo - everyone should lift!! you can do both but you cannot expect to look like arnold schwarsenegger if you are endurance running. there are a lot of forums about this at www.bodybuilding.com good luck :)
  • loxleys
    loxleys Posts: 230 Member
    I've been running for years but have never done any weights but started at the gym this week as my hubby insisted that I needed to 'lift' to help my running and weight loss. I just use the machines as not sure what I should be doing.
  • meghannrenee
    meghannrenee Posts: 202 Member
    I run and weight train and make sure I get some different cardio in too for cross training. Weight training, or lifting, can really help to prevent injury by creating some amount of balance. Running alone can create muscular imbalances that increase your chances of injury - so cross training and strength training are, imo, a must.
  • loxleys
    loxleys Posts: 230 Member
    I run and weight train and make sure I get some different cardio in too for cross training. Weight training, or lifting, can really help to prevent injury by creating some amount of balance. Running alone can create muscular imbalances that increase your chances of injury - so cross training and strength training are, imo, a must.
    What exercises do you do for your weight training, do you use free weights or machines? I've been looking for info online but there is so much to look at! Any help would be appreciated
  • Speedythefellrunner
    Speedythefellrunner Posts: 8
    Thank you all for your replies, it seems I'm not as alone in my thinking as I thought I was :)

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