02/06/2026
WHY do runners need strength training? 🤔
Most people think running performance comes from running more miles
But the science tells a different story
As speed increases, the forces going through key muscles like the hamstrings, hip flexors and soleus rise dramatically
These muscles aren’t just moving you forward, they’re absorbing force, producing force and protecting your body from injury
If your tissues don’t have the capacity to tolerate those demands, something eventually gives
That might show up as:
Persistent calf issues
Hamstring strains
Achilles pain
Hip flexor tightness
A plateau in performance despite increasing mileage
Strength training isn’t about building muscles for the sake of it
It’s about building resilience
It’s about giving your body the capacity to handle the forces that running demands so you can run faster, longer and stay injury-free
After 10+ years working in elite sport, performance rehab, one thing remains consistent:
The strongest runners aren’t always the ones who run the most
They’re the ones whose bodies are prepared for the demands they’re asking of them
Train your engine

But don’t forget to build the chassis
That’s where performance and longevity meet
DM me “RUN” and I’ll send you the strength benchmarks I give to all my runners
