Runners: Does adding in Strength Training really improve Running Economy (Muscular Durability and Fatigue Resistance) 🏋️ + 🏃🏻??…. or is a better use of training time to actually just run more miles with better targeted long runs and threshold work?
I can critique Zanini et. al studies for their limitations as well as confounding variables (how can we improve these kinda of scientific studies for runners more?)!
For example in this study (all male, n=28), the added Strength (Weights and pylos) was simply 22% more training time…and that group lost 11% of whole body fat mass on average. So is lifting/strength work really better for improving running economy (or should one actually spend that time running more mileage instead?). Well, “it depends” imo… Follow along and stay tuned while I break down the science and studies in distance running as an experienced coach for higher running.