Why all runners need to strength train!
In June of 2021 I decided it was time that I needed to address something that I have been avoiding for years. Over the last several years, I have had my fair share of ups and downs in the sport of running. I have been able to find some positive momentum and then, have unfortunately had it taken away by injury. Sure, some of these injuries and setbacks have been back luck.
The reality is that most of my issues stem from the fact that I was inconsistent with strength training and when I did do it I was not addressing the correct areas for runners and my weaknesses. For over 6 years I have written to my athletes every week about the importance of taking care of the little things. I have preached the value of strength training over and over again. However, I haven’t walked the walk myself and ultimately not setting that example has not benefited my athletes.
I got into running for my own personal success. I continued to run after college because I wanted to see how much faster I could get. When I started coaching, I realized quickly that there was no time or place I could accomplish in this sport that would make me feel as fulfilled as I do when I work with athletes of all abilities training for different types of events. Over the last several years my personal running has changed drastically. I simply don’t care about my personal performance anymore.
I prioritize my athletes first and race when I have the opportunity. A lot of the reasons I continue to run as much as I do is to set an example. Not by time or place but I want my team to know that I understand the grind. I understand what the miles I am prescribing feel like. I experience the pain and ultimately I have learned several times how to pick myself up and keep pushing forward after injuries and hardships. I do think I lead a good example but I know at the end of the day I haven’t been showing everything I need to show to those who follow me.
That’s where last June comes into play. I called Chuck Beckham a friend of mine who owns Titanium Fitness and asked him to take me on as a client. My goals were simple. I wanted to learn the correct way to strength train. I wanted to be pushed to another level and I wanted to build a routine in the gym that was going to help me compete and run happy and healthy for many years to come. When I got started with Chuck, I was quickly humbled by how hard this training was.
As someone who prides himself on being competitive, my ego was deflated leaving the gym starting on the baby plan. However, I decided I needed to commit and stick to Chuck’s training. The hesitation I always had with adding in strength training and the hesitation most runners have is that we believe it’s going to hurt or take away from our running. FALSE! Just like running, you need to have a trainer who understands your goals and the balance it takes to train effectively in all areas.
Chuck has created a plan that pushes me every time I am in his gym. I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been because of it. Instead of being overly sore from his workouts, I show up to my runs feeling stronger and more confident than ever. As I have rehabbed my way back to running healthy again, I can’t be more grateful for the support of Chuck & his gym. I beg other runners to not make the same mistakes I have made. I promise you that if you are trained correctly, strength training will take you to places you never imagined you could be in this sport. If you are serious about not only improving but also being healthy doing it, pull the plug and start being more consistent starting today. Good luck!
*Spewak Training is currently taking on new clients. Email contact@spewaktraining.com to set up your free 30 minute consultation meeting.*
Information on Titanium Fitness:
https://titaniumfitnessllc.net/
