Distance Runners Lifting Weights

[jscoach76]

Question: What type of weight program do you have your distance runners do during the winter months? Light Weight/High Rep, High Weight/Light Rep, nothing about all? What are your philosophies?

[Pocketsrunner]

My coaches have me do light weight/high rep. As a distance runner I don't want to get bulky. I've heard nothing at all is fine too, but I think something is better than nothing.

[DonP]

Nothing isn't better or acceptable if you want to be good imho. My experience suggests that the weight you can lift 10-20 times comfortably with reps is about right for distance runners. I am happy to hear from others what they think as well. I feel that strength of finish comes in many cases from a solid upper body -- and of course always do your core to prevent injuries.

[tim s]

(11-19-2010 11:34 PM)DonP Wrote:  Nothing isn't better or acceptable if you want to be good imho. My experience suggests that the weight you can lift 10-20 times comfortably with reps is about right for distance runners. I am happy to hear from others what they think as well. I feel that strength of finish comes in many cases from a solid upper body -- and of course always do your core to prevent injuries.

I agree - something is way better than nothing. I encourage my girls and boys to lift especially in the winter if they are not doing another sport.