How to avoid injury through strength training

Jeremey DuVall notes that a bulky upper body haunts the dreams of runners nearly as much as a forced mid-race porta-potty stop. Extra weight up top brings visions of slower race times and reduced flexibility, which leads to runners neglecting their upper body in the weight room.

Distance runners have always known they need not look like super-muscular sprinters or body builders. Bulging muscles don't improve performance; they make you big and bulky when you want to be lean and mean. Still, moderate strength training remains popular and recommended for distance runners because it can increase power and perhaps reduce injuries.

Matt Fitzgerald writes:
As recently as 15 years ago, few elite runners did much in the way of cross-training, which I like to define broadly to include all forms of resistance training, stretching, and non-impact endurance training activities such as bicycling.

Pro tips on how to be a better runner without running.

Jason Fitzgerald writes:
As runners, we love to lace up our shoes and head out the door to enjoy a few fun miles. The endorphin rush felt after a long run or interval session can't be beat. But sometimes, injuries can keep us from...

T.J. Murphy writes:
On March 31, Linsey Corbin toed the line for her first major race of 2014, the Ironman Los Cabos, in Los Cabos, Mexico. It was a hot day on a challenging course, but after 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking and the first 13 miles of the marathon, Corbin took command of the race and held on for the win.

After being a running coach for 10 years, I've been asked hundreds of questions about how and when to add strength training to a running schedule. So, I spent months thinking about the best way to provide you all the information you need in an organized format that didn't make you feel overwhelmed.