🎙️ Strength Training for Runners: What Actually Matters?

Strength training has become one of the most talked-about topics in running performance and injury prevention. But despite the growing body of research, many runners are still left wondering what they should actually be doing in the gym, how often they should be doing it, and whether it will truly make them a better runner.

In this episode of The Rehab Runway, I’m joined by physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, researcher and podcaster Kate Baldwin to unpack what the evidence really tells us about strength training for runners.

We explore why strength training appears to improve running economy and performance, the concept of the interference effect, and whether runners should really be worried that lifting weights will negatively affect their endurance training.

Kate also shares insights from her PhD research into concurrent training in endurance athletes, including how strength and endurance training can be effectively integrated, the minimum effective dose of strength training, and why consistency often matters more than complexity.

We also discuss:
🏋️‍♂️ How much strength training runners actually need
🏃 Running economy and durability
⚡ The role of strength training in performance
📈 Practical programming considerations
🔋 Recovery and balancing gym work with running
🧠 Common misconceptions around strength training for endurance athletes

Whether you're a runner, coach or clinician, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-informed takeaways you can apply immediately.

⁠Full show notes here

📲 Follow Kate Baldwin on Instagram:
@thedistancedr

🌐 Connect with Luke Nelson
Instagram: ⁠@sportschiroluke⁠
Website: ⁠https://www.healthhp.com.au/⁠

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Strength Training for Runners: What Actually Matters?

The Rehab Runway: From the Treatment Room to the Track

Strength Training for Runners: What Actually Matters?