this is pretty much the question I had last year and this summer as well. I love to lift, but I had running goals as well. What was the correct strategy

???
Now, I'm 5'7" and 185, so I'm heavier. I need to lose instead of gain.
I do love to lift - usually a Waterbury, Cosgrove, or Marion full body plan. I love those workouts.
But, I didn't love torching my legs and then trying to run 4 or 5 days per week. I'm talking hitting the squats, deadlifts, and lunges. I tried it last year, but this summer I am not repeating the pain/fatigue.
I should also mention that in my running plan I am now 3 weeks out from a 10 mile race and then I have a 1/2 marathon. Would the thinking be different if I was only running 5ks?
For the heart of my running season (July-Sept) I am excluding lower body weight training. I know, some say that lifting while running is smart to prevent injuries. However, I have yet to hear a distance runner say, "Lift heavy! And make sure to get in your squats and deads too!"
Now, maybe I could get away with some light leg curls and extensions, but what's the point?
I am convince that you need to pick one - meaning go with lifting heavy OR chose distance running. You can only be good at one.
So, during running season I am hitting weights about 3 times per week. Upper body only with pull ups/chin ups and plenty of dips. I work in some weighted ab work/planks. Hit chest/back/shoulders in my modified "full body" workouts.
Basically, during these months, I'm making running my priority.
Once my 1/2 is done, I'll reintroduce lower body work with a renewed passion.