Magic of Strength Training
There it is. Everything you need to know about becoming a better runner and setting a PR on April 30th! If only life were that simple and running was that easy task. So, let’s unpack a few things and explain all the hard work behind those simple arrows in our equation. This is where the magic lies.
Strength training is valuable, even to aerobic endurance athletes like runners and cyclists.
Precision and Muscular Engagement
One of the most essential qualities of strength training is the improved ability to isolate and fully engage specific muscles and muscle groupings. For instance, being able to anteriorly or posteriorly tilt our pelvis and the accompanying muscles. Being able to pivot and maintain this position actively can make all the difference in which muscles are doing the work and, consequently, which muscles are fatiguing during our prolonged exercise activity.
For more information on what Anterior and Posterior pelvic tilting check the blog post: https://smartstrengthprogram.com/anterior-and-posterior-tilt-the-most-important-exercise-we-do-at-smart-strength/
Short and straightforward version- better strength = using the “right” muscles for specific exercises
Posture as the Foundation
Our posture is the framework for which our running form is created. I have rarely seen someone who demonstrates poor posture and body control but can whip up a fantastic running form when they hit the starting line.
Strength training is an effective tool for slowly changing someone’s posture. With increased strength and body awareness, people can self-correct and practice better posture daily.
Striving for Strength and Resilience
Increased Smart strength and better posture allow a person to train/ run with a “stronger” form. I advocate that there is no “perfect” running posture, but there are qualities that are heavily associated with better running performance, less fatigue, and much more resilient to injury.
Short and straightforward version- Bad posture = lousy running form.
The Hidden Impact of Running Form
Most of us would acknowledge that bad running form will adversely affect our overall running performance. However, I do not think many realize how much form impacts performance. Consider the double negative effect of sloppy or loose running form- it detracts essential muscles’ energy, oxygen, and blood flow. Instead, it diverts these resources to muscles that counteract our desired movement. Ouch!
Not to mention, repetitive, constant stress on structures and tissues not anatomically designed for that will often lead to an injury… a catastrophic blow to your running performance.