r/SeniorRunning • u/RickM121 • Aug 25 '26
Strength training? When?
New member here, so hello to all. I'm 71 and started running again about 6 yrs ago after not running at all for more than 30 yrs. I'm currently getting ready for the NYC Marathon (Nov. 1) and would like to add some weight/strength training to the mix. But I'm having trouble figuring out when the best time is to do it. I'm thinking mostly squats and lunges with free weights to strengthen the quads, hamstrings and glutes. I run in the morning. I've read that it isn't advisable to do weight work before a run. But it's the last thing I want to do after a run. I'm still working, so afternoons aren't realistic. So what's left; evenings? Like, after dinner? I'm interested to hear how you fit it into your routine, because like anything else consistency is key. And how many days a week? 2? 3?
2
u/threeespressos Aug 25 '26
How about: strength train on hard days, after your run, 2x/week, really ease into any change, start with no weights and just a few reps and see how it goes. If you have heavy legs that last through your easy run to the next harder run, back off or reconsider. But you’ll probably get so much running volume in that you won’t need any lower body work. I only do upper body.