Strength training is an essential component of becoming a better athlete. If you’re a runner who’s a newbie in the gym or an experienced weightlifter looking to run more regularly, you can balance your training to make it beneficial, fun and sustainable! This week’s podcast is from a conversation I had with Matt Chittim on the Rambling Runner Podcast. Matt is a runner and a coach, and his enthusiasm and knowledge about the sport has made his podcast enormously popular. We have covered an array of topics in our previous conversations, but this one focuses on one of my favorite topics: strength training. Matt and I talk about some different aspects of strength training in this episode, including roadblocks that keep runners from getting into the gym, and why it’s ok not to optimize every aspect of your training. For more on this topic, get Strength Running's free strength course. Our discussion also includes: The ubiquitous need for strength work, whether you’re a new runner or an elite Why something is always better than nothing when it comes to weight training How obstacle course racing (OCR) has become a “gateway drug” into running Using a blend of the activities you love to keep running fun and sustainable The cautious approach to lifting heavy in the gym My conversations with Matt are always fun, energetic and informative.  Enjoy! Links & Resources from the Show: Listen to The Rambling Runner Podcast Follow The Rambling Runner on Instagram Listen to my recent conversation with Matt on engineering a comeback Get strong at home with Bodyweight Power Learn how to lift like the elites Thank you Previnex! We’re supported by our newest partner, Previnex. After resisting most supplements for the better part of my life, I’m cautiously changing my tune. I’m less than a year from being a Masters runner and in my personal life, I’m optimizing for longevity. I want to be my healthiest self for as long as possible and I’m excited to partner with Previnex to make that happen. Previnex uses the most bioavailable, clinically tested ingredients, the optimal form and dose of each ingredient, pharmaceutical grade manufacturing, testing of raw ingredients and finished products. For every purchase you make, they also donate vitamins to kids in need. I’ve been taking their Immune Support and multivitamin over the last month and  I feel great. I have more energy and clarity, not to mention peace of mind that I’m giving my body what it needs.  I believe Previnex works and I hope you experience the same benefits as I do. Use code jason15 for 15% off your order at Previnex! Thank You InsideTracker! We’re sponsored by InsideTracker, a company that’s been around for more than 10 years to help you optimize your health, longevity, and performance. To live your healthiest, longest life possible, you need to understand what’s going on inside your body. People age at different speeds. And generic, annual blood work doesn’t properly evaluate your biological age. But InsideTracker does. InsideTracker is a truly personalized nutrition and performance system, designed to extend your health span and slow down the aging process. Created by leading scientists in aging, genetics, and biometrics, InsideTracker analyzes your blood, DNA, and fitness tracking data to identify where you’re optimized—and where you’re not. With InsideTracker, you get a daily Action Plan with personalized guidance on the right exercise, nutrition, and supplementation for your body. Add InnerAge 2.0 to any plan to calculate your true biological age, and see how you’re aging from the inside out. For a limited time, get 20% off the entire InsideTracker store!