This coaching call is with a runner named Dena about training and goal setting as a Master’s Athlete. She’s about to turn 41, she’s running well, but she wants to make sure that she continues to do so as a Master’s runner.

And there’s no doubt that when you start getting older, running starts getting harder. Recovery is slower, adaptation takes longer, injury risks are higher, and we all experience declines in reaction time, muscle mass, VO2 Max, and so many other factors that affect our running.

In this conversation with Dena, we’re talking about the training updates that Master’s Runners can make to stall the aging process, continue to improve, and reduce their injury risk. We also discuss goal setting and how Dena can continue to keep things interesting as she runs far into her 40’s.

You’ll notice that I spent a fair amount of time encouraging Dena to train for shorter races and to lift weights. Both of these goals are similar in that they are strength and power oriented - precisely the skills that we must word harder to preserve as we get older.

In fact, you can see a big case study on a runner named David at strengthrunning.com/david/, who at age 73 (!), recovered from a major injury and qualified for the Boston Marathon, by focusing on his strength and power.

If I could have every runner over the age of 40 practice two simple things, it would be speedwork and weightlifting. Not just for the strength and speed, but just as much for the hormonal benefits of both. These activities provide a big hit of testosterone and growth hormone, helping spur adaptations, muscle growth, and recovery. Exactly what older runners need.

I encourage you to visit our website at strengthrunning.com/strength/ and learn more about the incredible benefits of weightlifting for runners, get some example exercises and other case studies, and see how your running can be transformed with a focus on strength and power. And of course, our email courses are always free.