Advice for a running friend

Jimbo · 08-25-2005, 05:05 PM

I checked the running forum...but my question is specific to lifting. I have a buddy who has been running for a few years. He's a bit frustrated cuz he wants to makes his times faster...etc..like any runner. He asks me if weight training will help him with his running...cuz he knows I weight train. Frankly...I dunno. I know the benefits of weight training and it can be nothing but good for him...but frankly I have no idea how to tell him to train. I told him to talk to JP...but he's not really committed to the idea of weight training to improve his running. Anybody got an opinion? Can weight training help him out? Sorry for the long post.

I'm a bit wordy.

Jimbo · 08-25-2005, 05:06 PM

PS - I meant that my buddy is not commiting to weight training cuz he's not sure it will help. Not JP. sheesh...I need to proof my posts. Confusing I am.

Jimbo · 08-26-2005, 09:18 AM

buckeye1 · 08-26-2005, 10:31 AM

What sort of running does he do? If he is doing sprints or middle distance then I would say full body lifting routines would definitely help his times, it certainly helped me back in my track days (I ran the 400 meter in track).

But if he is running distances greater then a few miles, I'm not sure if weight training will help his times or not. I used to run cross country as well, and we did not do any weight training, but training techniques have probably changed since then.

Buk · 08-26-2005, 10:48 AM

Many studies have show that weight training improves running ability, long and short distances.

Strength training can provide
-increased strength
--smaller % of fibers required per stride
--more reliance on slow-twitch muscle fibers
-better core stability
-increased intra-muscular coordination
--reduction in wasted motion
-prevent imbalances caused by running
-injury prevention

The first 3 points are directly related to running performance, the next 2 are training related
Weight training will help your buddy.

Jimbo · 08-26-2005, 12:44 PM

He's doing mostly shorter runs. (5k's) Those are the times he really has goals to improve. Though he does do some marathons. I'm pretty sure he's not so much worried about times in the marathons...

So this is just what I needed guys. Thanks!

Full body workouts it is!

Appreciate the info!