6 Strength Moves Every Runner Needs

Photo by: Greg Presto

Pushups

The goal: Train anaerobically by pairing that row with a push.

"[Every endurance athlete] should train anaerobically," Ownes says. Unlike aerobic exercise-which is of longer duration and allows your muscles to continue to receive oxygen-anaerobic training involves short bursts that starve your muscles of oxygen. This uses the fast-twitch fibers of your muscles-those that will help you be faster and stronger.

For ... more 

Photo by: Greg Presto

Pushups

The goal: Train anaerobically by pairing that row with a push.

"[Every endurance athlete] should train anaerobically," Ownes says. Unlike aerobic exercise-which is of longer duration and allows your muscles to continue to receive oxygen-anaerobic training involves short bursts that starve your muscles of oxygen. This uses the fast-twitch fibers of your muscles-those that will help you be faster and stronger.

For runners, Ownes suggests going anaerobic by performing two-exercise supersets of pushing and pulling exercises-alternating sets without rest in between. While your pulling muscles rest and recover, you're still sapping your energy sources while performing the pushing movement.

The triathlon coach suggests pairing sets of 12 to 15 pushup-position rows with 12 to 15 of the most basic push-the pushup. To make sure you're doing it perfectly, keep your hands beneath your shoulders at the start position. Maintain a rigid body line from head to heel less