Dr Richard Blagrove (Loughborough University): Training distance runners

Richard is the Course Leader for the MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Loughborough University, previously working at St Mary’s University for 8 years as Programme Director for the BSc Strength and Conditioning Science, and was Lead S&C Coach for Sport and Health Services. Richard is an Accredited S&C Coach and previous Director of the UKSCA. He has provided coaching to numerous athletes including several Olympic/Paralympic athletes. In 2015 he wrote "Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Running". 

Richards extensive work with endurance runners provided the inspiration for his doctoral research investigating the use of strength training in post-pubertal adolescent middle- and long-distance runners. 

In this podcast he discusses: 

• His unusual transition from running to rowing and GB Talent Development Squad. 

• His early self-education in Strength & Conditioning. 

• Why you should use an adaptation-led approach to training the KPI's in your chosen sport. 

• The importance of time efficiency and micro-dosing training when needed. 

• Getting comfortable asking other practitioners for help. 

• The inspiration for writing "Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Running". 

• The common misconceptions around strength training for running. 

• His research into strength training for young runners. 

• The surprising benefits of micro-dosing plyometrics in a warm up for runners. 

You can find out more about Richard and his work via Twitter: @rich_blagrove . You can pick up a copy of his book here: "Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Running". 

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