The Role of Resistance Training in Distance Running

Abstract

The main determinants of distance running performance include V̇O 2 max, lactate threshold (LT), and running economy (RE). The conventional way to achieve improvements in these areas is through endurance training due to the principle of training specificity. Some physiologists believe that the addition of resistance training is beneficial to distance running in the form of injury prevention and preparing runners for pace surge and sprint finishes. To date, it is consistent among findings that resistance training does not improve nor compromise V̇O 2 max in trained distance runners while LT improvements are only found in untrained individuals. RE has been shown to improve significantly post resistance training possibly due to neuromuscular changes including a shortening of the stretch-shortening cycle and an increase in muscle stiffness. The primary purpose of this review is to understand the impact of resistance training on the various factors known to affect distance running performance and to recommend resistance training guidelines for the distance runner to adhere to.