Impact of weightlifting on running?

Question

My coach tells us to go to the weight room to do different exercises like leg curls, lunges, arnolds, etc. to what extent would these exercises help a mid distance runner? i'm asking this because in short, i'm a weakling and for some machines i couldn't even use them with any weights on them and i was wondering to what extent weightlifting would help me run faster

Answer 1

weightlifting helps but the best way to get better at running is to run. I never lift weights and I just run. I am one of the top varsity guys on the cross country and track teams. If you are a sprinter it might help.

Answer 2

I think athletes in almost every sport supplement their training with some weightlifting.  You'd think if you want to run faster then the best way to do that is practice running a lot.  And that IS helpful and necessary to become a faster runner.  But there's something about the weight room that allows one to build strength better and faster than just performing their sport.  I'm not really a runner, but I play tennis.  And I can tell you that the weight room and treadmill help me have more energy and bounciness on the court.  Don't know why this is exactly but I know it helps.

Answer 3

It will build up muscle in the areas you need. Such as your hammies, quads, biceps, triceps and your core, you can have natural ability/talent/speed but with the aid of weight lifting can make a world of a difference.

Hence therefore you'll have a stronger take off

-The ability to hold your running from longer without spending extra energy to keep yourself together like most mid-distance runners do

and here's the best part:

A STRONGER Finish

Trust me if you want to win, listen to your coach

Answer 4

I advise against machines.

I know someone who went from a 52second 400 to 48second 400 by deadlifting over the off-season (perfect form!)

deadlifting strengthens your whole body (builds your glutes, and hamstrings, back, and the muscles along your spine). parallel squat is the king of lower body and if you parallel squat explosively and with good form it will make your lower body more powerfull.

do these exercises and your muscles used in sprinting will become more powerful and more explosive, making you able to get more push out of each stride

Answer 5

it would greatly increase your times because it would build up your leg muscle. coach knows best.

Answer 6

I work weights to both build upper body and improve my lower body muscles for running.  He is helping to build muscles in your lower half & I do it...it does work.

If you're new to weights, it will take time, just like learning to run farther and farther took time to build up, right?  Same with weights.

When I began doing bicep curls, I used 2lb weights.  Today, I alternate between 15lb & 20lb weights.

There are fitness coaches at the gyms & part of their job is to put together plans for people based on people's needs and goals.  You can have a consultation appointment with one who will design a program you can use and work on yourself:)

It's great & I love weights.  Just wait till you start seeing the results:)