This week, Corrine Malcolm and Keely Henninger dig into one of the most common questions they hear from endurance athletes: how should runners actually strength train? They break down why lifting can improve running economy, force production, muscle recruitment, tendon strength, and durability — and why those benefits matter just as much for ultrarunners as they do for athletes chasing faster speeds.

They also get practical about what strength training should actually look like, including how often to lift, where to fit it into a running week, why heavier weights and lower reps may offer runners more benefit than endless high-rep exercises, and how plyometrics and eccentric work can prepare the body for the demands of technical trails and long descents. Plus, they talk about fueling for muscle adaptation and why strength becomes even more important across different stages of life, including perimenopause and menopause.

It’s a science-heavy but highly practical conversation about getting stronger, running more efficiently, and building a body that can keep doing this sport for the long haul.

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