Episode 133: Strength Training for Endurance Athletes with Maggie Mullins, DPT
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Maggie Mullins, an accomplished physical therapist, strength coach, run coach, and athlete, for a deep dive into how endurance athletes should actually approach strength training. We talk about why strength matters for performance, injury prevention, running economy, and long-term durability, plus how to structure strength work around endurance training, what exercises give the biggest return on investment, and why endurance athletes often underload in the gym. We also cover plyometrics, calf strength, mobility vs. stretching, youth vs. masters and male vs. female athletes, and how to build a simple but effective home setup. We wrap with Maggie’s perspective on activation routines, toe spacers, stroller running, and practical ways to make strength training actually fit into busy endurance lives. Check it out!
To work with Maggie, visit: https://run.therxmovement.com/
To view extended show notes for this episode, visit: theendurancedrive.com/podcast
To share feedback or ask questions to be featured on a future episode, please use this form or email: Katie@TheEnduranceDrive.com.
Challenge of the week:
Elena: Habit stack one little activation or strength intervention with your workout
Katie: Listen to Maggie and build a strength program using her advice!
Maggie: Add toe spacers into your routine, 20 min, 3x/week! Link: https://thetoespacer.com/products/toe-spacer
Gear/Resource pick of the week:
Elena: Dynafit cramp-in crampons
Katie: Thule Urban Glide 3 running stroller
Maggie: We just revamped our Run Rx Running Shoe Guide,which discusses the anatomy of a shoe and how to leverage shoes with injury and injury prevention.
Previous episodes on nutrition for athletes: