Why Strength Training Is One of the Best Things You Can Do as a Runner
- Vicki Hall
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Running is brilliant.
It's accessible, affordable and has incredible benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Whether you're training for Run Norwich, returning to running after a break or simply enjoying a few runs each week, most runners have one thing in common…
They run.
But often, they don't do much else.
One of the most common things I hear is:
"I know I should be doing strength training, but I don't know where to start."
If that sounds familiar, you're certainly not alone.
Why strength training matters
Strength training isn't about becoming a bodybuilder or spending hours in a gym.
For runners, strength training is about creating a body that can better tolerate the demands of running.
Every time we run, we ask our bodies to absorb and produce force repeatedly.
Over time, if we only run and don't build strength around our joints and muscles, we may begin to notice niggles such as:
Achy knees
Tight calves
Sore hips
Foot discomfort
Lower back aches
Reduced confidence and stability
Whilst strength training doesn't guarantee injury prevention, it can help build the capacity, resilience and confidence that supports regular running.
It's not just about your legs
Many people assume runners only need stronger legs.
In reality, running is a full-body activity.
Strong glutes, hips, calves and feet are important, but so are:
Your core and trunk stability
Balance and single-leg control
Posture and upper body strength
Force absorption when you land
Confidence moving in different directions
These foundations can help support more efficient movement and make running feel more comfortable and sustainable over time.
Why balance matters
Running is essentially a series of single-leg movements.
Every stride means one foot is on the ground while the other is moving through the air.
That's why balance and stability are often overlooked but incredibly important.
Improving balance can help you feel more confident, especially when:
Running on uneven surfaces
Going downhill
Cornering
Changing direction
Navigating trails
It also helps you become more aware of how your body moves.
Strong calves are often the missing piece
Your calves work incredibly hard when you run.
They help:
Absorb force
Store and release energy
Propel you forwards
Support your ankles and feet
Yet many runners never train them specifically.
\
Adding calf strengthening exercises can be one of the simplest and most effective additions to your weekly routine.
You don't need to spend hours in the gym
The good news is that strength training doesn't need to be complicated.
For many recreational runners, just 1-2 sessions per week can make a huge difference.
Simple exercises can be incredibly effective when performed consistently.
The key is understanding what to do and why you're doing it.
Introducing Run Foundations
This is exactly why I've created Run Foundations.
Run Foundations is a supportive 4-week educational course designed to help runners understand the key areas they should be working on alongside their running.
Each week we'll focus on a different area:
Week 1: Why runners need strength training + squat and hinge fundamentals
Learn the building blocks of lower body strength and how to move well.
Week 2: Single-leg strength, balance and stability
Develop confidence, control and resilience.
Week 3: Calf strength, power and force absorption
Understand why your calves are so important and how to build them.
Week 4: Putting it all together
Learn a simple full-body strength routine and how to fit it around your running schedule.
T
he aim isn't to turn runners into gym-goers.
The aim is to give you the confidence, knowledge and tools to support your running for the long term.
Running is wonderful. Let's help you keep doing it.
At Move Reset Norfolk, my approach isn't about running faster or chasing personal bests.
It's about helping people build strong, confident bodies that allow them to enjoy movement for years to come.
Whether you're preparing for Run Norwich, returning after time away from exercise or simply wanting to feel stronger alongside your regular runs, small, consistent actions can make a big difference.
Because running isn't just about putting one foot in front of the other.
It's about building a body that supports you every step of the way.
Interested in Run Foundations?
I'd love for you to join us.
📩 Send me a message to find out more.
Move Reset Norfolk
Helping you rebuild strength, confidence and connection through movement.
Every pace counts.
Comments