Runners ask all the time: How should I fit strength training into my endurance goals, and how can I get as strong as possible with limited time?
Holly Martin is a personal fitness trainer and run coach based in Nashville, TN who specializes in time-efficient circuit training and individually tailored run programs. Holly comes from a diverse background of professional ballet, ultramarathon running, and 10 years of experience in CrossFit. She’s finished many ultra marathons, including two 100 milers.
In this episode, Holly and I talk about:
- Strength training for ultra runners to prevent injury and improve endurance
- Single leg work to reveal weaknesses, imbalances, and poor movement patterns
- Proper mechanics and activation of certain areas, particularly for runners with weak glutes or other imbalances
- Purposeful workouts over working out for appearance
- Strength training for trail runners, focusing on heavy lifts and single leg exercises
- Alternating between heavier weights and technical work like agility to improve power and explosiveness
- Quality over quantity in strength training while training for an ultra-marathon
- When to modify or cut back on strength training for runners based on hunger, fatigue, and form
- Matching strength training to current fitness level and adjusting as needed in the final two months before the race
- Enjoying the training process for an ultra-marathon, rather than solely focusing on numbers and metrics
- Avoiding technical or skill-based movements in the gym that don't directly benefit running
- Mobility work and static stretching for runners who experience tightness or muscle boundness after training
This is a must-listen episode for an ultra runner who knows they need to step up their strength training game in an approachable way.
Links & Resources from the Show:
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The Strength Running Podcast 