How little strength training can you get away with?

Let’s face it: we’re distance runners. We don’t like strength training. I bet that’s true for at least 90% of the people reading this (and, to an extent at the very least, it’s true for the one writing this).

That said, we know of the value of strength training. While there may be some question about direct benefits for running performance or injury prevention, I personally have little to no doubt that there are indirect benefits. Also, it’s well established, especially as we get older, that strength training is very important to our health and well being.

But how much is enough? For meaningful gains, not terribly much. Of course, as much as I dislike strength training, I’m going to do more than this. As with running, to some extent, more is better (this topic is also addressed at that link so check it out). So do some strength training. A little will get you some gains, within reason more will do even more good for you.

Exercise: good for your mental health: In fact, running and a handful of other exercise options were as effective as one of the gold standard treatments for battling depression. They even seemed more effective than medication alone.

Rethinking knee injuries in female athletes: This is mostly about ACL injuries in sports that have a lot of stopping, starting and sudden change in direction. However, I think it’s always good to be on the lookout for this kind of discussion, especially in places where gender differences in injury rates are so stark.

Why are endurance athletes taking in so many carbs? Even more than what we not so long ago thought possible. Multiple reasons, of course. Starting with what we once thought was impossible is now realized to be possible. Not ending there, though.

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