Six months ago I told runners to skip the gym and run more instead. This time, I discuss what the research says about the benefits of strength training for endurance runners.
The biggest gap in flat-ground running economy research for trail runners is eccentric damage—on steep mountain descents, heavy strength work acts as armor against the mechanical muscle tearing that halts runners late in a race.
I'm curious, do you have any sort of evidence (research or specific mechanisms) that this is the case or is it purely anecdotal? Because I have heard this before, and of course I've spoken to Scott Johnston about his approach to strengthening the legs to withstand the elevation changes (although he doesn't recommend lifting heavy), but there doesn't seem to be much hard data. If you know of anything please send it over!
The biggest gap in flat-ground running economy research for trail runners is eccentric damage—on steep mountain descents, heavy strength work acts as armor against the mechanical muscle tearing that halts runners late in a race.
I'm curious, do you have any sort of evidence (research or specific mechanisms) that this is the case or is it purely anecdotal? Because I have heard this before, and of course I've spoken to Scott Johnston about his approach to strengthening the legs to withstand the elevation changes (although he doesn't recommend lifting heavy), but there doesn't seem to be much hard data. If you know of anything please send it over!