In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Andrew Brown and I discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating strength training for endurance athletes. Benefits include improving running economy, increased musculotendinous unit stiffness, and enhanced neuromuscular efficiency. Strength training also contributes to overall athleticism and longevity. The challenges lie in finding the right balance of intensity and volume, as well as managing load and progression. We emphasize the importance of starting with proper form and gradually increasing intensity (weight and sets). We also highlight the value of a long-term approach combining specific and general training to build a robust and resilient body. Strength training is beneficial for endurance athletes as it not only promotes muscle growth but also improves neuromuscular effects and overall strength. TAKEAWAYS - Strength training for endurance athletes can improve running economy, musculotendinous unit stiffness, and neuromuscular efficiency. - Combining specific and general training can build a robust and resilient body for long-term athletic performance and overall health. Strength training offers benefits beyond muscle growth for endurance athletes. - Consistency and gradual progression are important to avoid injuries and achieve long-term success. - Plyometric exercises and strength training principles can be tailored to the specific needs of different endurance sports. More about Andrew: Andrew Brown is a doctor of physical therapy who has work in a variety of rehabilitation and performance contexts including sports -orthopedic rehabilitation, private, group, high school, Division II collegiate, and tactical populations. Andrew’s combined experiences in sport performance, wellness coaching, and rehabilitation have led him to adopt a holistically minded approach to physical therapy and performance programming that takes each individuals personal factors and goals into account when developing a program. You can find him on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/northcoaststrength Or at https://www.northcoaststrength.com/ If you have a question or topic you want us to address, leave a comment! Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/criticalo2 Want to learn more physiology, check out my blog, and courses - https://www.criticaloxygen.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Timing Plyometrics 12:30 Benefits and Challenges of Strength Training for Endurance Athletes 21:57 Managing Load and Progression in Strength Training 28:35 The Concept of Hybrid Training and Long-Term Athletic Development 32:45 The Interference Effect and the Importance of Minimal Effective Dosing 34:35 Dispelling Myths: Strength Training and Endurance Athletes 35:29 The Benefits of Strength Training 37:24 Consistency and Long-Term Success 38:19 The Importance of Hybrid Training 43:06 Managing Intensity and Volume 46:30 The Ramifications of Doing Nothing 54:34 Building Resilience and Longevity 01:02:12 Tailoring Strength Training for Different Endurance Sports KEYWORDS strength training, endurance athletes, running economy, musculotendinous unit stiffness, neuromuscular efficiency, athleticism, longevity, intensity, volume, load, progression, form, balance, specific training, general training, robust, resilient, strength training, endurance athletes, muscle growth, neuromuscular effects, robustness, long-term health, performance, consistency, gradual progression, hybrid training, plyometric exercises, resilience, volume accumulation, longevity