Strength Programs
Get strong, fast, and injury-proof to help chase down your big running goals.
Have resistance to starting or getting consistent with strength training as a runner?
I get it. I’ve been there. I used to have all the fears and limiting beliefs about lifting. I told myself I was a weak distance runner. I was scared and intimidated to go into the weight room at the gym. I worried lifting would change my body composition and make me ‘bulky’ and slow. I constantly worried my form wasn’t ‘good enough’ and was afraid that people at the gym were judging me or knew I didn’t know what I was doing.
The biggest gamechanger in getting consistent with lifting was becoming educated, informed, and having a structured program to follow. Around here we believe that knowledge is power, and when you know more, you’re more invested, more motivated, and more likely to succeed!
Why should runners strength train?
Long gone are the days where runners are told that to get better at running, you just have to run more. Run more without a basic strength foundation and you’re probably going to get injured. Running has gotten a bad rap of being synonymous with overuse injuries, but it doesn’t need to! Most running injuries are preventable through smart training and proactive strength training – making sure your muscles, tendons, and bones can support high-impact activity and repetitive stress.
On top of preventing injury, strength training has SO many documented benefits. Research has shown strength training:
- Improves running economy – helping your body become more efficient as you run
- Improves anaerobic and neuromuscular performance – this can give you a better kick at the end of races
- Increases overall running performance – time trialers who strength trained were faster than those who didn’t
- Improves bone health – this means less bone stress injuries, and less age-related health issues (we lose bone every year from age 30 on!)
About My Strength Programs
I have two different styles of strength training programs. The Runner’s Strength Lab is my app-based monthly subscription strength program. I also have three PDF-style strength programs – Bulletproof, Faster Better Stronger, and Train Like an Athlete. All programs feature high-quality programming designed to build strength in the areas that runners need it most.
The Runner’s Strength Lab
An app-based subscription strength training program for runners who want to learn how to lift with intention and optimal results.
The Runner’s Strength Lab runs in 2-3 month mesocycles throughout the year. Registration for each mesocycle opens 10 days prior to kick-off.
For each mesocycle, you’ll have the option to select the Race Build-Up track, or the Base Building track.
Race Build-Up track workouts are 2x/week and 40-45 minutes per session. Base Building track workouts are 3x/week and 45-55 minutes per session. Both tracks include an optional additional core day (20-25 minutes).
$50/month
Mesocycle 1
Runs for 2 months and kicked off January 9th, 2023.
Mesocycle 2
Runs for 3 months and kicked off March 6th, 2023.
Mesocycle 3
Runs for 3 months and kicks off June 5th, 2023. Registration opens May 26th.
Mesocycle 4
Runs for 3 months and kicks off September 4th, 2023.
What you get in The Runner’s Strength Lab
- Science-based, high-quality programming that’s going to drive REAL results in your running
- Strength programs delivered via the app TrueCoach, which means it’s easier than ever to take your workouts wherever you go. You’ll get form cues and video demos for every exercise, as well as the ability to log your weights and check workouts off as you do them.
- Training that can be done with gym access or without – because we’re all about removing barriers here. Equipment needed for the workouts: a few sets of heavy dumbbells or kettlebells, a bench or box, a stability ball, and a few bands (minibands + long bands).
- Social support via an online community – as well as access to me for questions and info on how to integrate strength training with your running
PDF Running Strength Programs
Bulletproof – $50
A PDF strength program for runners brand new to strength training and/or those who need to build basic full-body strength and coordination before progressing to weights.
- 8-week progressive program
- 2 sessions/week
- 25-30 min/session
- Equipment: bodyweight and bands only
- Includes mobility work
Faster Better Stronger – $120
A PDF strength program for runners actively in a race-specific cycle, or for those who have a more limited time to strength train. Designed to help you get stronger, faster, and stay injury free, while balancing the demands of hard run training.
- 12-week progressive program
- 2 lifts/week
- 40-45 min/session
- Equipment: dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, and a bench
- Includes a full mobility warm-up
Volume 1
Volume 2
Train Like an Athlete – $120
A PDF strength program for runners or other athletes in their offseason, or anyone looking to get strong, move better, and train using an athletic approach.
- 12-week progressive program
- 3 lifts/week
- 45-60 min/session
- Equipment: dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, and a bench
- Option to include barbell work for advanced lifters
- Includes a full mobility warm-up
Volume 1
Volume 2