30/04/2026
More kilometres doesn’t always mean better performance.
A recent study on teenage distance runners found that adding strength and conditioning to their training improved running economy by up to 15% — meaning they used significantly less oxygen to hold the same pace.
Not more miles. Better miles.
Here’s what the research actually showed:
- Runners aged 16-18 kept their normal endurance volume (~45km/week)
- They added 3 x S&C sessions per week for 8 weeks
- The combination of heavy resistance work + explosive plyometrics improved stride efficiency at ALL speeds — with the biggest gains at faster paces
Why does this matter for young athletes?
Running economy (how efficiently your body uses oxygen at a given speed) is one of the biggest predictors of endurance performance. And in adolescent athletes, it’s highly trainable through strength work — not just more running.
What this looks like in practice:
- Squats and deadlifts to build lower limb power
- Plyometric work (box jumps, bounding) to develop explosive stride mechanics
- Supervised technique to protect developing bodies
If your young athlete is training hard but plateauing, the missing piece probably isn’t more kilometres — it’s a structured S&C program running alongside their endurance work.
This is exactly the kind of programming we support at The Sports Recovery Hub. Whether it’s identifying movement limitations, building a strength foundation, or keeping young athletes injury-free through their season — we’re here for it.
📍 Keilor | Book via the link in bio