Although research seems to be divided on whether concurrent training for strength and endurance has a negative effect on the development of either one (cf. HARRISON 2003, p. 5), it appears at least that endurance runners can engage in strength training without detrimental effects to aerobic power (cf. DOLEZAL & POTTEIGER 1996, p. 7). Runners who avoid resistance training for fear it will compromise their performance fail to realize that resistance training leads to physiological adaptations that will actually improve performance. Some of these adaptations are: • Usually strength training increases lean body mass and decreases fat weight and % fat. This improvement in body composition is likely to help maximize performance. • Initial strength gains may be attributed to the recruitment of additional motor units and reduction of inhibitory impulses. These are changes that enhance motor skill performance. • Strength training can lead to a significant increase in the intramuscular stores of energy, leading to increased performance and a delayed fatigue response. • Enzyme activity of the energy sources increases due to strength training; this can lead to more energy production and more efficient energy use. • Strength training can increase bone mineral content, thus guarding against stress fractures or providing a safety factor in the case of falls. • Physiological adaptations in ligaments and tendons due to strength training may help prevent injuries. Most important, research reveals that strength training does not affect a muscle`s contraction time and therefore will not slow one down. In fact many athletes have shown increases in speed of movement. Moreover, results from research indicate that strength development may in fact enhance running economy (cf. JOHNSTON, QUINN, KERTZER & VROMAN 1995).
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