If there was one piece of advice I could give a runner to lengthen their running career, it would be to strengthen. Strengthen and stay strong! I do realize that for a person who gets their thrills from cardio high, strengthening sounds pretty lame. But it’s vital!
Here are a few reasons why:
- Injury prevention.
You know this is my number one! Strengthening allows for better protection of your joints which helps your body tolerate longer, faster runs better. All the muscles surrounding your core, hips, knees, and ankles need to be in good shape to withstand the repetitive stress that is distance running.
- Run Better
Lifting not only helps your body better tolerate faster and longer runs for injury prevention, it helps you run faster and longer. Stronger muscles perform better.
- Weight Loss
Runners often hit a weight loss plateau, and lifting weights can be the boost you need to jumpstart the metabolism. While a lot of runners think adding muscle mass will slow them down, it actually helps you burn more calories at rest and during exercise. If you are looking for specific workout routines, talk to a running coach or physical therapist. Having a structured plan ensures you are making the most of your time and efforts.
Holler with questions! Rachel Atufunwa, PT, DPT