Strength training improves fatigue resistance
- Luke Nelson
- Jun 12
- 1 min read

📢 Runners: Want to hold strong through the final miles of your race?
A new study shows that adding just 2 strength sessions per week for 10 weeks can help you finish strong.
💥 What they did:
Well-trained runners added max strength + plyo training alongside their usual running.
🏃♂️ What happened?
After 90 minutes of running at race-like pace:
✅ Oxygen cost (running economy) was better maintained
✅ Time to exhaustion at 95% VO₂max improved by 35%!
💡 Meanwhile, those who only ran got worse with fatigue.
🏋️ Long story short:
Strength training makes your stride more efficient and your kick more powerful—even when you're tired.
📆 Twice a week. Ten weeks. Big gains.
🦵Time to hit the weights. Your race finish will thank you.
👋 Like & share this post if you found it valuable
#runnersofinstagram #marathontraining #runningtips #strengthforrunners #runstrong #endurance #VO2max #marathonprep #scienceofrunning
📚 Reference
Zanini M, Folland JP, Wu H, Blagrove RC. Strength Training Improves Running Economy Durability and Fatigued High-Intensity Performance in Well-Trained Male Runners: A Randomized Control Trial. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2025 Feb 28. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003685. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40016936.