Runners ask all the time: How should I fit strength training into my endurance goals, and how can I get as strong as possible with limited time?

Holly Martin is a personal fitness trainer and run coach based in Nashville, TN who specializes in time-efficient circuit training and individually tailored run programs. Holly comes from a diverse background of professional ballet, ultramarathon running, and 10 years of experience in CrossFit. She’s finished many ultra marathons, including two 100 milers.

In this episode, Holly and I talk about:

Strength training for ultra runners to prevent injury and improve endurance
Single leg work to reveal weaknesses, imbalances, and poor movement patterns
Proper mechanics and activation of certain areas, particularly for runners with weak glutes or other imbalances
Purposeful workouts over working out for appearance
Strength training for trail runners, focusing on heavy lifts and single leg exercises
Alternating between heavier weights and technical work like agility to improve power and explosiveness
Quality over quantity in strength training while training for an ultra-marathon
When to modify or cut back on strength training for runners based on hunger, fatigue, and form
Matching strength training to current fitness level and adjusting as needed in the final two months before the race
Enjoying the training process for an ultra-marathon, rather than solely focusing on numbers and metrics
Avoiding technical or skill-based movements in the gym that don't directly benefit running
Mobility work and static stretching for runners who experience tightness or muscle boundness after training

This is a must-listen episode for an ultra runner who knows they need to step up their strength training game in an approachable way.

Links & Resources from the Show:

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Ultrarunning + Strength Training: How to Get Strong and Gain Endurance with Coach Holly Martin

The Strength Running Podcast