Jeff Gaudette – The Importance of Strength Training
One of, if not THE, best way to improve your running AND prevent running injuries is by implementing strength training into your training program. But where do you start? How should you start?
This week’s episode features RunnersConnect founder, Jeff Gaudette. Jeff has been a runner for 25 years with personal times of 2:22 in the marathon and 28:45 in the 10k. Recently, Jeff has been focusing on strength training and injury prevention and he speaks with our host, Stephanie, on the science and philosophy of how important strength training is for runners.
Distance specific strength workouts
Jeff explains how to use progression so our muscles don’t stall out with development, how strength training differs for various race distances and shares the resources available through RunnersConnect. He also gives wise advice on incorporating strength and weight training to compliment your existing workouts.
Many of us want to be better runners, or at the very least, remain uninjured to continue the running that we enjoy so much. And adding this element can easily do both.
Questions Jeff is asked:
2:06 When did strength training become part of your running program and how did it start?
3:51 First Four:
- How old are you?
- Where were you born?
- Where do you live now?
- What is your favorite race distance or type of race?
5:54 What is meant by “Strength Training for Runners” and why does it even matter?
7:54 Can you elaborate on muscle compensation?
11:48 What is progression and how important is it?
13:52 How do we actually progress with strength training?
15:39 How does one know when to level up?
16:30 What about experiencing pain during training?
17:26 What does RunnersConnect have to help people with strength training?
19:53 How do you use strength training for different running distances?
22:21 What program would you suggest for a novice runner?
24:23 Do you have to go to a gym or can these be done at home or in a park?
26:03 Therabands are pretty easy to travel with, right?
26:47 What about strength training and injury prevention / flexibility?
29:17 Are you seeing flexibility exercise as part of strength training or separate?
33:53 Can you talk about using heavy weights, pros and cons?
36:48 What would an example be of coupling a hard workout with heavy lifting?
38:50 Does RunnersConnect offer information on heavy lifting for runners?
41:52 How do you balance strength training and working out to avoid overtraining?
50:14 Final Kick Round:
- What is your favorite local training run (location, starting point, parking, distance, terrain and safety issues)?
- Favorite running book(s)?
- Words of Wisdom or Humor?
- Who or what would you like to have featured on the Run To The Top podcast?
Quotes by Jeff:
“Don’t be afraid to take a rest day.”
“Make sure you’re starting out with strength training exercises that are appropriate for your fitness level or starting with the easiest exercises and then, each week, progressing once your body has adapted to that workout.”
“If running is your primary goal (with heavy weight training), then your heavy lifting days should actually be scheduled on your hardest workout days. Heavy lifting is going to take recovery time. Your workout is going to take recovery time. So what can happen is, if you don’t do them around the same time, what will happen is you’ll never recover.”
“What is going to be required of your body in the marathon is different than what is going to be required in the 5k.”
“Just like running, our muscles will adapt; they will get stronger. But if you just continue to do the same routine week after week, then your muscles are going to hit a point where they’re no longer going to get stronger and you’re just going to stay at that point.”
“Not all strength training is created equally when it comes to what your goals are. Even if you’re not strength training specifically to become a better runner, you probably have a goal in mind when it comes to strength training and each type of strength training can help you achieve that goal better and faster.”
Take a Listen on Your Next Run
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Mentioned in this podcast:
Run To The Top Winners Circle Facebook Community
Runners Connect Strength Training For Runners program
RunnersConnect Masters Running Program
RunnersConnect Free Video Course: How to add strength training
Cliffs of Del Mar running trail
Book: Once a Runner by John L. Parker Jr
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