Can building mass in your legs help your running game?

[Another Man]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't sprinters usually have bigger legs while marathoners have slimmer legs/mass? I guess it all depends on the OP's ultimate goal, which I believe is to go "further", so I'm not sure if mass is what you're looking for exactly. However, a weight training program aimed at higher repetitions, along with super sets, and plyometrics would be my recommendation. Conditioning is all you need kid.

I'm sure others will object, but that's my 2 cents.

This is also why most MMA fighters are built lean rather than bulky(of course you have the exceptions, but are usually bulky from their height and stocky build). They strength train for endurance rather than bursts of activity then periods of rest in between. This is the difference between football/basketball players too....Football they have to explode into plays, but then have rest in between plays, basketball has way more running along with jumping so they're built for endurance along w/ explosive strength.

 

[TheNig]

I wouldn't aim for mass...I'd aim for building explosive strength. You want the strength without the bulk. shyt like plyometrics, hill sprints, etc.

bheen thinking about picking up some plyometric training before Tough Mudder. got about 3 months to go.

 

[Gil Scott-Heroin]

No on the compression pants.

Not sure about the hydration. I keep hydrated throughout the day...but I'm not sure if I drink a lot leading up to the run. Makes me feel heavy.

You need to keep hydrated ALL the time, especially before/after x-exercise (+ during, if possible). Slightly increase your water intake leading up to your run, to the point where you don't feel heavy. A electrolyte replacement will help you too, after your run.

Dehydration = thick blood = poor circulation.

Try some compression pants, I don't think you're at the point where you NEED to take supplements and make significant dietary changes.

 

[Bomberman]

It's just like jump training. You need both strength and power (ability to apply that strength in a quick amount of time). Squats and heavy lifting will take care of the first part, plyometrics the last part. When you do lift weights, try and make each rep explosive, but not too heavy where you put less emphasis on technique.

 

[714562]

You need to keep hydrated ALL the time, especially before/after x-exercise (+ during, if possible). Slightly increase your water intake leading up to your run, to the point where you don't feel heavy. A electrolyte replacement will help you too, after your run.

Dehydration = thick blood = poor circulation.

Try some compression pants, I don't think you're at the point where you NEED to take supplements and make significant dietary changes.

I own a pair of pants but they're way too fukking hot to wear in the south Floridian summer. I'll have to find some compression shorts and try to load up on some more water prior to the run.

 

[Wesley Pipes quotes]

I have 2 weight training days a week. One is upper body, dips, bench, pull-ups, push-up rows, inverted rows, then the 2nd day is lower body, farmer's walk, dumbbell squats, jump squats with medicine ball, etc.

I used to just run, but after a race where I got the same dead legs you experienced I started adding weight training. This was during a half marathon. I was comfortably in 5th pace (out of 374) till mile 10 and then all hell broke loose. I was moving at a 6:18 pace those first 10, but the last 3 I faded to a 7:25 pace. That should tell you how bad the pain was. I couldn't go faster if I wanted to. I ended up in 10th which isn't bad but I could have possibly got top three if I was stronger.

If you are running you won't actually gain mass. That's a myth runners have. Those who recommended hill repeats are correct. Those are the most bang for your buck but don't be afraid to do dumbbell squats.

How many miles are you running a week?

Edit: I didn't answer the question. Personally I believe too much weight training and lack of running can ruin your form and stride. You have to be careful. Those days I do lower body strength training are usually two-a-days. Meaning I run in the A.M. and in the P.M. gym, the following day is not a rest day, simply due to this. That following day is usually a progression run starting off at a certain pace and ending at at close to MP(marathon pace). Usually a 8-10 mile run.

 

[semtex]

Ask Harry Aikines-Ariteeye or however u spell it