Strength training for endurance runners: improving performance and reducing injury risk
Learning points:
- Endurance running performance is primarily limited by physiological factors including running economy, which is partly underpinned by neuromuscular qualities
- Strength training added to the programme of endurance runners is likely to improve running economy and several anaerobic qualities, which translates to enhancements in performance
- Overuse injuries are common in endurance runners and there is widely held belief that strength and conditioning exercises can reduce the risk of developing injuries
- Strength and conditioning activities may play an important role in improving structural integrity that offsets the likelihood of overuse injury
- It is recommended strength training is performed 2-3 times per week (or micro-dosed through a training week) and includes heavy resistance exercises, plyometrics, and specific conditioning for structures vulnerable to injury

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