Weight Training & Competitive Running?

Question

I run a lot of races (about 5K - 10K distances). In addition to running, I train with weights 3 - 4 / week. I usually go fairly heavy. Am I sabotaging my efforts? Should I lighten the weights but go for more reps? I haven't been bulking up but I am curious to see if I am making myself slower by adding too much muscle. I weigh about 160 pounds, 6' 0", 36 years of age, 16% body fat. Thanks

Answer 1

since you're a runner it may not be the best thing to work out as the muscle gain does slow you down...but if you still want to work out you should go for the less weight with more reps to increase firmness and tightness and muscle seperation..is good style to use: 15(14-13)12

First Set: A weight you can lift no more and no less than 15 times
Second Set: Increase just enough to lift 13 or 14 x
Third: set lift the weight 12 x

rest for 1-1.5 mins betw. each set

Also try: 3 sets of 15 reps (more than 15 x is too light less is too heavy)
Rest for 45 secs-1 min

Short recovery times are important

Answer 2

Good for you, running is great. Weight lifting is good too, you can only help yourself by doing this as well, don't worry about it, more muscle can only help you, look at the runners in the Olympics, they also lift weights, and not light ones! Good job!