Strength Training with Jason Fitzgerald

Strength Training for Runners with Jason Fitzgerald | Running Miles with Heart Disease CHDShould runners lift heavy weights? How much strength training is enough? When should you schedule your gym workouts around running? Can lifting actually make you faster, healthier, and help you stay injury-free for years?In this episode of Running Miles with Heart Disease CHD, I sit down with Jason Fitzgerald, founder of Strength Running, USATF-certified running coach, 2:39 marathoner, author, and host of the Strength Running Podcast. Jason has helped hundreds of thousands of runners become stronger, faster, and more resilient through practical, science-based coaching.Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, preparing for an ultramarathon, or simply staying active, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.1. Lift Heavy, Not Just High RepsRunning already develops muscular endurance. Jason explains why heavier lifting and progressive overload improve running economy, strengthen muscles and connective tissue, and reduce injury risk better than endless light-weight circuits.2. Strength Training Should Be PeriodizedYour lifting should evolve just like your running plan. Build a foundation with moderate weights, then gradually increase intensity while lowering repetitions as race day approaches.3. Always Warm Up Before RunningSkip static stretching. Jason recommends a dynamic warm-up before every run to improve mobility, activate key muscles, and prepare your body for quality training.4. Recovery Is Part of the Training PlanLearn how to schedule strength sessions around workouts and long runs, why easy runs should actually be easy, and how proper fueling, protein, carbohydrates, hydration, and sleep all work together to maximize adaptation.5. Train for the Rest of Your LifeOne of my favorite parts of our conversation was discussing why strength training matters beyond racing. It's about staying independent as you age—lifting luggage into an overhead bin, hiking with your family, preventing falls, maintaining muscle mass, and continuing to enjoy the sport you love for decades.• The biggest strength-training mistakes runners make• Why progressive overload beats constantly changing exercises• How often runners should lift weights• Foot strength and whether barefoot running has a place• Carbon-plated shoes and foot health• Creatine for endurance athletes• Nutrition myths and how runners should actually fuel• Injury prevention strategies Jason used to overcome years of setbacks• The marathon training priorities that matter most• Why consistency beats perfection every single time📚 Jason Fitzgerald's Books• 101 Simple Ways to Be a Better Runner• Running for Health & Happiness• The Performance Training Journal📖 Jason's Recommended Reading• Run Faster — Brad Hudson & Matt Fitzgerald• Born to Run — Christopher McDougall• Why We Run — Bernd Heinrich🔗 Connect with Jason Fitzgerald🌐 Website:https://strengthrunning.com🎙️ Strength Running Podcast:https://strengthrunning.com/podcast/📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jasonfitz1/▶️ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@StrengthRunning📘 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/StrengthRunning💼 Coaching:https://strengthrunning.com/coaching/If you're serious about becoming a healthier, stronger, and more resilient runner, this is an episode you'll want to save and revisit. Jason shares practical coaching advice that can benefit every runner—from beginners to experienced marathoners and ultrarunners.If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow Running Miles with Heart Disease CHD, leave a review, and share this episode with another runner. Together we can build a stronger, healthier running community—one mile at a time.Five Lessons Every Runner Should KnowWe Also DiscussBooks MentionedJason Fitzgerald's BooksJason's Recommended ReadingConnect with Jason Fitzgerald