Running and weight lifting

I agree - traditional lifting for most will not cut it for improving running performance. It is not specific enough.

And I also agree Paavolonein's study isn't perfect - no control group weakens it a lot... but considering there is no other study to compare it to, it is something at least to start with. I wouldn't make all my conclusions on that single study.

Somebody had stated that energy production limits running performance... but if you can increase your mechanical power at a given metabolic rate, you improve performance. Hence, the basis for explosive training.

Playing devil's advocate... In reality, do we have any proof that high mileage is beneficial for runners? There is no controlled trial comparing world class runners who run 120+ miles vs. 70 miles per week, and we have to accept anecdotal claims there. How is strength training any different? Just as there are world class runners who swear by strength training and those who don't, there are those who swear by high mileage and those who don't.

Getting back to the bigger issue - there may not be an iota of support of proof that lifting IS BENEFICIAL to runners (due to lack of well controlled clinical trials utilizing functional training...) but there is not an iota of support that it is IS NOT BENEFICIAL to runners for the same reasons. Either way there is no support.

What serves the typical runner more, spending his time doing weights or running? The answer is running. Its not that the weight workouts are bad, its that often they are done in place of running that day. So in my mind its not even a huge physiological issue as much as a time managment issue.

Im not overly concerned with with world class guys do, because they have all day to devote to the sport. They arent forced to chose between going to the gym or going to the track that day like many of us weekend warrior types. And to go badk to the RT article, it mentions how LITTLE weight work the national class runners do as part of their routine.

To others that have posted. I never said anything about doing a few push ups and sit ups before a run. Im talking about having to go pump iron, lay on the bench press, do curls.. all that stuff.

As far as Webb & Coe, sure plenty of middle distance guys lift as you go down in distance I believe you would be even less inclinded to hit the weights.

Jizzmo wrote:

I believe you would be even less inclinded to hit the weights.

sorry should be "more inclinded to hit the weights."

OK. You're not talking about a few pushups and situps before your run. And nobody but you is talking about skipping a whole day's run just to go lift weights.

The real question for the average letsrun reader is, should I spend 30-40 minutes a week lifting weights, or should I run 5 more miles that week? Personally, I think both will benefit you, but I'm not sure which will benefit you more.