Richard Blagrove

In this engaging conversation, Richard Blagrove, PhD, a lecturer and expert in strength conditioning for endurance athletes, shares invaluable insights. He discusses the critical role of strength training in enhancing performance for middle and long-distance runners while reducing injury risks. Richard also tackles common myths around endurance sports and dives into effective plyometric training methods. Plus, he outlines smart programming strategies and tapering techniques that help athletes stay at the top of their game.

Dr Richard Blagrove is a strength and conditioning coach, exercise physiologist, researcher and author of Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Running. In 2017 Richard and his research team published a landmark systematic review which explored the effects of strength training on the physiological determinants of middle and long-distance running performance. Richard’s research interests lie in the use of strength-based exercise as a tool to improve the metabolic cost of running. Recently Richard has begun to investigate the consequences of low energy availability on physical performance and health biomarkers in endurance athletes. In this episode we re-learn and revise around the how, what and scientific whys behind ‘why runners and endurance athletes need and will benefit from strength training’. Show Sponsor: Polar are a sports technology company who build world class heart rate monitors and GPS watches for people who take their health, fitness and sports performance seriously. Coming from the heart of the Nordics, they have the experience, insight, and history of quality, design and innovation which is unparalleled. Worn by some of the best athletes on the planet, we’re very excited to have Polar as a partner here so you can also access their heart rate monitors, watches and training platform. Polar are very excited to announce that they are launching two stunning new-generation running watches, the Polar Pacer and Polar Pacer Pro. As a starting bonus, the team at Polar are offering 15% off. If it’s time for you to check out a new heart rate monitor or watch to help improve your performance, head across to Polar.com and use the code TPPS on selected products. Livestream Event Positive Sports Psychology: Cultivating deep well-being featuring RORY DARKINS 3PM AEST Saturday 10 September 2022 to register Join the The Physical Performance Show LEARNINGS membership through weekly podcasts | Patreon If you enjoyed this episode of The Physical Performance Show please hit SUBSCRIBE for to ensure you are one of the first to future episodes. Jump over to The Physical Performance Show - https://physicalperformanceshow.com/ for more details. Follow @Brad_Beer Instagram & Twitter The Physical Performance Show: Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (@tppshow1) Please direct any questions, comments, and feedback to the above social media handles.

This week’s guest is Richard Blagrove, a Senior Lecturer at Loughborough University and an expert in endurance running physiology. He discusses the vital role of strength and conditioning for enhancing running performance and injury prevention. Richard highlights the importance of personalized training approaches and nutrition for runners, while sharing insights on plyometric exercises to boost explosiveness. He also delves into muscle fiber dynamics, offering advice on how different athletes can optimize their training strategies effectively.