1. Why Strength Training Matters for Endurance Performance
The discussion reframes endurance events as the repeated application of force, not just “heart and lungs.” Strength sets the ceiling for how much force can be produced, while physiology determines how long that impulse can be sustained. By improving maximum strength and rate of force development, athletes can either move faster for the same energy cost or become more economical at a given pace.
2. Impulse, Ground Contact Time & Running Economy
Drawing on Newton’s laws, the conversation breaks down how impulse (force × time) governs speed, and why ground contact time is the key differentiator between athletes running at the same speed. Stronger athletes can apply more force in less time, reducing contact time, improving stiffness, enhancing stretch-shortening cycle efficiency, and ultimately boosting running economy and time to exhaustion.
3. How to Build Strength: From Foundations to Power & Plyometrics
A practical framework is laid out for integrating strength into any sport: first move well (mobility, stability, symmetry), then get strong with heavy but technically clean lifts, then develop power and finally plyometric ability. Along the way, emphasis is placed on not training to failure, maintaining a few reps in reserve, balancing front and back of the body, and using strength work
