"Strength Training Will Make You Slower": The Myth That Keeps Runners Weak

The idea that strength training slows runners or makes them bulky is a persistent myth. Science proves the opposite: strength training improves running economy, power, and fatigue resistance while reducing injury risk. Far from adding unnecessary bulk, strength routines tailored to runners enhance performance without compromising speed or endurance. Exercises like squats, lunges, and plyometrics build resilience, efficiency, and bone health. Elite athletes like Eliud Kipchoge and Shalane Flanagan integrate strength training to complement their running. Embracing weights isn’t optional for serious runners—it’s essential for becoming faster, stronger, and injury-free.