Because my training is so different than most runners out there in the world,  it can sometimes be interesting talking about training with other runners.  We don’t often speak the same language.  I don’t know what it’s like to run 50+ miles in a week, and your average runner doesn’t know what it’s like to squat over 300 pounds.  There’s nothing wrong with what either of us are doing, but there are some things that I just can’t imagine aren’t mandatory for every runner out there no matter what training program they subscribe to.  So here’s the first installment of “Things Most Runner Don’t Do But Should!”

Squat! Ass to grass, loaded barbell, full on, deep back squats! Yes, even if you are a girl! Like this guy:

I don’t care if you’re a Lift Heavy Run Long athlete or the skinny dude that runs a 2 hour something Marathon.  You should be squatting.  With a barbell.  Not a smith machine, leg pressing, or whatever a “hack” squat is…seriously, what is that machine?  You need a real barbell with real weight on it.  Not strong enough to squat much weight? No problem, start doing bodyweight squats properly and then add a barbell.

Why?  As a runner your legs are pretty important.  Why wouldn’t you want them to be as strong and mobile as possible?  If you can’t get into a good deep squat position and do it with a load on your back then you aren’t running as efficiently as you could be.  No matter who you are.  That’s right, I said it.  Prove me wrong.  Can you hang out like this for 10 minutes:



Can you get into this position with a loaded barbell on your back?  If not, get there and I promise you’ll be a better runner.