Since I’m not doing much running now due to my bout with plantar fasciitis, I have a little more time than usual to fit in strength training. Since I like to make my training as running-specific as possible, I’ve been looking into some strength training workouts designed especially for runners. Here are a few I’ve found:
Strength Training from Runner’s World
Runner’s World has an entire section on their web site devoted to strength training and cross-training. You’ll find lots of information there on weight training, avoiding weightlifting mistakes, and training your core.
Time To Run
Time to Run has articles that discuss the benefits of strength training and gym mistakes. The also have a suggested set of strength exercises for runners. The strength exercises they suggest are pretty basic, but I like them because they can be virtually anywhere since they use your own body for resistance rather than relying on weights.
I also ran across a strength training book on Amazon that is geared toward running: The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Running
Although strength training is not one of my favorite fitness activities, I’m determined to do more of it in the next few weeks. I’m hopeful that these exercises will help me correct any muscle imbalances I might have, which should help me be less vulnerable to future injuries as well as make me a stronger, faster runner.
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Kristen,
I have been doing the Runner-Core strength training for runners for a month now and I can feel a difference. All of Al’s exercises are geared toward strengthening muscles that might be weaker because we are runners- glutteus maximus, IT bands, inner and outer adductor muscles. I particularly like “fix the hips, fix the knees” since I started doing it, my knee pains have gone away.
http://fitnessformommies.wordpress.com/2008/01/22/runner-core-and-coach-al-lyman/
Sounds like an interesting program, Rachel. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the information.