Balancing Strength and Endurance: My Journey to Half Marathon Success
- Mike Florio
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Essential Tips for Lifting and Running
Whether you’re lifting heavy in the gym or logging miles on the road, balancing both worlds isn’t easy — but it is possible. In my latest YouTube video, I’m breaking down 5 essential tips that helped me with my first (and second) half marathon!
🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/mMW62b7MbpM
Inside the video, I cover everything from managing fatigue to structuring your training week. I also share recovery strategies and how to avoid the biggest mistakes that most strength athletes make when adding endurance work.
The Importance of Recovery
Recovery is crucial when balancing strength training and endurance running. It’s not just about taking a day off; it’s about how you recover. Here are a few strategies that have worked wonders for me:
Active Recovery: Instead of complete rest, engage in light activities like walking or yoga. This keeps your blood flowing and helps with muscle repair.
Nutrition: Fuel your body with the right nutrients. After a workout, I focus on protein and carbs to replenish my energy stores.
Sleep: Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. It’s during sleep that your body repairs itself.
Structuring Your Training Week
Creating a balanced training schedule is key. I recommend dedicating specific days to strength training and running. Here’s a simple structure that I follow:
Monday: Strength training (upper body)
Tuesday: Short run (3-5 miles)
Wednesday: Strength training (lower body)
Thursday: Rest or active recovery
Friday: Tempo run
Saturday: Long run
Sunday: Rest
This structure allows me to focus on both aspects without feeling overwhelmed.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many strength athletes make mistakes when they start incorporating endurance training. Here are a few to watch out for:
Overtraining: It’s easy to push too hard. Listen to your body and adjust your training as needed.
Neglecting Nutrition: Endurance running requires more fuel. Make sure you’re eating enough to support your training.
Skipping Warm-ups: Always warm up before workouts. This prepares your muscles and reduces the risk of injury.
My Free Resource for You
To help you get started, I put together a free resource to make it simple 👇
📋 Download your FREE Half Marathon Checklist:
💪🏃♂️ Check it out, take notes, and start training smarter.
Final Thoughts
Balancing strength and endurance is a journey. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn. Remember, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the process. So lace up your shoes, hit the gym, and embrace the challenge!
With the right mindset and resources, you can achieve your fitness goals. Let’s do this together!
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