Resistance Training for Distance Runners

An area of popular disagreement amongst sport scientists and coaches involves the role of resistance training in endurance sports.  I've seen this debate first hand as a college distance runner, a young researcher, and as a coach.  I'm investigating this topic further as a part of my thesis, and wanted to share a few thoughts by assessing the topic from both a sport coach (distance running) and sport scientist's point of view.  I'm planning to address different aspects of this debate in subsequent posts...

Coaches Perspective:
Most distance running coaches incorporate some sort of circuit type strength training into their runner's training program.  It is their goal to develop muscular endurance through light weight, high repetition exercises.  Rationale includes "being able to hold your form and not break down" and just developing overall strength.  Not much emphasis is placed on progression and the resistance training is viewed simply as supplemental to the running training.  Coaches avoid recommending heavy lifting in fear of having their athletes gain weight and/or become injured.  Olympic lifts are largely ignored most likely because of the teaching component.  Distance running coaches are reluctant to involve strength and conditioning coaches in the process because of their general lack of knowledge toward the culture of endurance sports (a topic for another day).  Another issue is time.  With the NCAA only allowing 20 hours of training per week in season (8 hours out of season), it can be difficult to fit everything in.  Coaches use circuit and "core" type training because it's quick and relatively easy to teach.

Sport Scientist's Perspective:
In the weight room distance runners should train for strength and power.  Muscular endurance is developed while running, so trying to enhance this characteristic through resistance training is redundant and unnecessary.  The weight room should be a place to develop attributes that cannot be enhanced during the sporting activity itself.  For distance runners (and most athletes) the focus should be on enhancing strength and power with a periodized program that takes into account the racing schedule and athlete's level of training.  Improvements in strength will allow for enhancement of economy and efficiency which means faster sustained running.  Emphasis should be placed on maximal loading to enhance neuromuscular recruitment.  If structured properly this should not illicit a hypertrophic response.

Coaches and Scientists don't always agree.  I think both groups can learn from one another if issues are put into perspective and viewed with an open mind.  Coaches are reluctant to listen to scientists because "conclusions drawn from the lab aren't always applicable to real world situations."  On the other hand, scientists don't always take coaches seriously because, "they don't have data to support their claims."