Strength Training for Runners: Improve Performance, Prevent Injury & Train Smarter with Dr. Richard Blagrove

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I sit down with Dr. Richard Blagrove, an applied exercise physiologist, strength and conditioning coach, and author of Strength and Conditioning for Endurance Runners.We break down how runners can use strength training to improve running economy, reduce injury risk, and build long-term durability. Dr. Blagrove shares practical, evidence-based guidance on how to structure strength work alongside running, including when to schedule sessions, how to individualize your approach, and what actually matters for performance.You’ll also hear how strength training differs for middle-distance versus marathon runners, why calf strength is so important for endurance athletes, and how to think about long-term progression in your training.In this episode, I cover: How strength training improves running performance and efficiency  Best practices for integrating strength into your weekly schedule  Key differences in programming for middle-distance vs. long-distance runners  Building resilience and reducing injury risk  The importance of consistency and individualized training Learn more from Dr. Richard Blagrove: Email: [email protected] Book: Strength and Conditioning for Endurance RunnersDr. Blagrove continues to contribute to the field through ongoing research, so I encourage you to follow his work and keep an eye out for his latest and upcoming publications.Right, that's us done. If that was useful… share it. Stick it in your club WhatsApp, send it to that mate who's always getting injured three weeks before race day. You know the one ;)If you want to go deeper on any of this, Nick puts out videos every week on YouTube, and the entire team of coaches are sharing helpful tips on their instagram channels... links below. And if you're thinking you actually need a proper plan and someone in your corner… we've got Guided Coaching from 97 quid a month, right up to full one-to-one coaching with the coach of your choice. Either way, maximummileagecoaching.com is where you want to be.See you on the next one.To work with us - https://join.maximummileagecoaching.com/home-page-9835Nick's YT - youtube.com/channel/UCgdIPeN3bF7I7-tcspyFbVg/Faye's IG - https://www.instagram.com/fayejohnsoncoaching/Rachael's IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachforthelongrun/Hannah's IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_hannah_witt/Matt's IG - https://www.instagram.com/ultracoachmatt/