I was pretty close to being a mid-distance D1 All American back in college, but never lifted weights with my legs (obviously I did track work and I was a bug fan of hills). Now that I am coaching I keep hearing or reading about how lifting can improve speed.
My question for you coaches out there is: When would you incorporate this into a season? Would it be during the buildup/base?
Also: Would the lifting be in lieu of a run or workout? If it's a replacement (done in lieu of something else instead of in addition to it), are these sessions typically strenuous enough that they would only replace a workout and not just, say, an easy run?
Thanks in advance for any constructive advice.