Although strength training is excluded from many runners' training programs or treated as occasional cross training to be carried out on non-running days, it is the backbone of great endurance training.

When race preparation is planned to include phases of general strengthening, such as running-specific strengthening, hill training and explosive work, running fitness can be maximized. Each form of strengthening builds on the previously completed modalities. Mix and match these running-specific exercises to build the strength, agility and explosiveness you need to conquer challenging hill intervals and speed workouts.