The importance of including strength training in a running plan is now well-known.

Strength training can help support our running bodies by improving our running economy. This is essentially how much oxygen we use while we run. This is directly related to how difficult the effort will feel. The better the running economy, the more at ease we will feel during our runs.

The other benefit of strength training is enhancing running performance. Improved performance can be seen as faster running speeds or shorter times to complete a run. Score!

However, the burning question that remains is: How am I supposed to fit all of this into my training schedule?

The thoracic spine, also known as the T-spine, is the area of the back between the neck and the lumbar spine (lower back). This area often becomes stiff, which can lead to compensations in other areas, namely the neck and the lower back.

If you’re a runner who includes strength training in your running training or if you are considering getting on board with strength training, this post is for you.

When we strength train consistently, we should technically be seeing improvements in our capabilities over time. It’s nice to know we’re not putting in the work for nothing, am I right?

So, what are some easy tests we can come back to over and over again to keep checking into our progress?

Are you lifting enough weight or getting in enough reps to build strength as a runner? Find out if your current strength training routine is optimal to reach your strength goals in this article.

The role of strength training is starting to take more and more space within the running community. However, there are still a lot of misconceptions regarding this topic.

Find out WHY we should include strength training in our running training in this article. Once we understand what this can do for our bodies, we’ll be more inclined to make it a habit.