While marathon running is primarily about endurance and your body’s ability to manage with the training and competition load, having strength and stability through your trunk and legs is just as important. As you fatigue through a run, it is important to maintain running technique and resistance training will help you achieve this. Strength training will also help you run faster, with more propulsion and get up climbs faster – which is what we all want!
On the other hand, ignoring strength training will make it harder for your body to maintain your running form for longer, meaning overload injuries are more likely, such as iliotibial band (ITB) friction syndrome, patellofemoral (kneecap) pain and plantar fasciitis (pain under your foot). The further you get into your training, the more likely these are to occur if you haven’t got the stable and strong base that your body will need. If you are preparing for a marathon, and think you need a strength training program to compliment your running training, book in with one of our running physios and get yourself prepared as best you can!
Nick Rees
Physiotherapist