Running Strong: Functional Strength Training for Runners
Build strength that supports your running—so you can run stronger, stay healthy, and improve performance without slowing down or burning out.
Immediate access • Train at your own pace • Designed for runners
Why Most Runners Struggle With Strength Training
Most runners know strength training is important.
But very few feel confident they’re doing it the right way.
Maybe that sounds familiar.
You’ve tried lifting before—but it felt random.
You followed a generic gym routine that left you sore, tight, or exhausted.
Or you skipped strength altogether because you were afraid it would slow you down, add bulk, or interfere with your running.
So you defaulted to what runners always do:
More miles.
More intensity.
More pushing through aches and pains.
And for a while, that works.
Until it doesn’t.
Suddenly running feels harder than it should.
Little injuries start popping up.
Your pace stalls. Your legs feel weak late in runs.
And no matter how hard you train, you feel like you’re spinning your wheels.
Here’s the truth most runners never hear:
The problem isn’t strength training.
The problem is doing the wrong kind of strength training—or none at all.
Most programs weren’t built for runners.
They’re built for bodybuilders, gym-goers, or people chasing aesthetics—not performance.
So runners are left guessing:
- What exercises actually matter?
- How heavy is too heavy?
- How much is enough?
- And how do you get stronger without sacrificing endurance?
Without answers, strength training becomes confusing, inconsistent, or something you quit altogether.
And that’s why so many runners stay stuck—working harder every year, but not getting stronger where it actually counts.
Runners don't need more workouts.
They need a smarter approach—one that supports running instead of competing with it.
That's where functional strength comes in.
The Big Shift: Strength That Supports Your Running
Most runners think strength training means lifting more.
More weight.
More exercises.
More soreness.
But for runners, strength isn’t about how much you can lift—it’s about how well your body can produce and control force, one step at a time, for miles on end.
That’s the shift most runners never make.
Strength for runners is different.
Running is a series of single-leg, high-impact movements repeated thousands of times. Every stride demands:
- Stability through the hips and core
- Strength in the glutes and legs
- Control and coordination under fatigue
So the goal of strength training isn’t to look strong in the gym.
Functional strength training focuses on:
- Building strength that transfers directly to running mechanics
- Improving stability and balance so energy isn’t wasted
- Increasing durability so your body holds together late in long runs and races
When strength training supports your running instead of competing with it, everything changes.
You feel smoother and more efficient.
Your legs don’t fall apart late in runs.
You recover faster.
And those nagging aches stop dictating how much you can train.
This is the philosophy behind Running Strong
Running Strong is built on one simple belief:
You don’t need to run harder.
You need to run stronger.
That means:
- Training your body as a runner—not a bodybuilder
- Strength sessions that complement your running schedule
- Enough load to create progress, without unnecessary fatigue
No fluff.
No random exercises.
No guessing.
Just strength training that makes you a better runner—period.
Once you understand how strength should support your running, the next step is simple: Apply it with a clear, proven system—designed specifically for runners.
That’s exactly what Running Strong delivers.
Introducing Running Strong
Running Strong is a functional strength training program built specifically for runners.
It teaches you how to strength train in a way that supports your running—so you can get stronger, move better, and stay healthy without sacrificing endurance or piling on unnecessary fatigue.
This isn’t a random collection of workouts.
And it’s not a generic gym program repackaged for runners.
Running Strong gives you a clear, proven framework for building strength that actually transfers to running performance.
Inside the program, you’ll learn:
- How to train strength in a way that complements your running schedule
- What movements matter most for runners—and why
- How to build strength, stability, and durability without overdoing it
- How to stop guessing and start training with confidence
Every lesson is designed around one core idea:
Strength should make running feel easier—not harder.
Running Strong shows you how to connect the dots between:
- Strength training
- Running mechanics
- Recovery and long-term durability
So instead of feeling beat up, bulky, or confused, you feel strong, capable, and resilient—mile after mile.
This is strength training with a purpose.
And that purpose is helping you become a stronger, healthier runner for the long run.
Next, let’s break down exactly what you’ll get inside Running Strong—and how this program fits into your life as a runner...
What You’ll Get Inside Running Strong
Running Strong is a guided training experience, not just a set of workouts.
Inside the program, you’ll learn the why behind strength training for runners—so you’re not just following instructions, but training with purpose and confidence.
Inside Running Strong, you’ll get:
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A clear framework for functional strength training
You’ll understand what functional strength really means for runners, how it improves performance, and how to apply it correctly—without overcomplicating things.
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Step-by-step lessons that build on each other
Each lesson is designed to help you progress logically, so you’re never guessing what to do next or why it matters.
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Runner-specific strength principles
Learn the key movements, patterns, and priorities that support running mechanics, efficiency, and durability.
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Guidance on how to train alongside your running
You’ll learn how strength fits into your week—so it supports your miles instead of competing with them.
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Simple, effective workouts you can actually stick with
No unnecessary volume. No random exercises. Just focused strength work that delivers results.
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A system you can use long-term
This isn’t a one-and-done plan. You’ll walk away with an approach you can use throughout your running journey.
What this means for you
Instead of wondering:
Am I doing too much—or not enough? Is this helping or hurting my running?
You’ll know exactly how and why you’re training—and you’ll feel the difference on the run.
Train smarter • No burnout • Built for runners
And just as important—this program is designed to fit into your life as a runner, no matter where you’re starting from.
Let’s talk about how Running Strong fits into your schedule, experience level, and goals.
How Running Strong Fits Into Your Life as a Runner
Running Strong is designed to support your running—not compete with it.
You don’t need more hours in your week.
You don’t need years of gym experience.
And you don’t need to overhaul your training to make this work.
Here’s how it fits—no matter where you’re starting:
🗓️ Works alongside your running schedule
You’ll learn how to place strength sessions around your runs so they enhance performance, support recovery, and don’t leave you feeling wrecked.
⏱️ Time-efficient by design
Strength sessions are focused and intentional—so you get the most benefit without spending endless time in the gym.
🏠 Flexible setup
Whether you train at home or in the gym, you’ll understand how to apply the principles with the equipment you have.
🔰 Beginner-friendly, but not basic
You don’t need prior strength training experience. The program meets you where you are and helps you build confidence as you go.
🔁 Adaptable as your goals change
Training for a 5K? A marathon? Just running for life?
The principles inside Running Strong apply across seasons and distances.
What this means for you
Instead of trying to force strength training into your life,
Running Strong fits naturally into what you’re already doing—so it becomes sustainable, not stressful.
Now let’s make sure this program is truly right for you. Here’s who Running Strong is for—and who it’s not...
Who Running Strong Is For (and Who It’s Not)
Running Strong is built for runners who want to train smarter—not harder.
This program is for you if you:
✔️ Run regularly and want to get stronger without hurting your running
✔️ Want to feel more stable, powerful, and resilient as you run
✔️ Are tired of guessing what strength training actually matters
✔️ Care about long-term progress, not quick fixes
✔️ Want to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing—not just follow workouts
You don’t need to be fast.
You don’t need to be elite.
You just need to be committed to becoming a stronger, healthier runner.
This program is not for you if you:
❌ Want bodybuilding-style workouts or physique-focused training
❌ Believe strength training has to leave you sore and exhausted to be effective
❌ Are looking for shortcuts, hacks, or “do this one thing” solutions
❌ Aren’t willing to train with intention and consistency
Running Strong is about doing the right things, the right way, for the long run.
Why this matters
The runners who get the best results from Running Strong aren’t the ones chasing perfection—they’re the ones willing to train smarter and trust the process.
If you’re nodding along, the next question is probably this: Who’s guiding you through this—and why should you trust the approach?
Your Coach & The Philosophy Behind Running Strong
Hi, I’m Patrick McGilvray—Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Sports Nutritionist, and host of the top-rated Running Lean podcast.
I’ve worked with hundreds of runners who all wanted the same things:
- To get stronger without slowing down
- To stop dealing with recurring aches and injuries
- To train smarter instead of constantly pushing harder
As both a runner and a coach, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when strength training is done right—and what happens when it isn’t.
Too many runners are told to:
- Just lift heavy without context
- Follow generic gym programs
- Or skip strength altogether and hope for the best
None of that works long term.
My coaching philosophy is simple:
Strength training should support your running—not compete with it.
That means:
- Focusing on movements that actually transfer to running
- Training with enough intensity to get stronger—but not so much that recovery suffers
- Building durability, efficiency, and confidence—not just muscle soreness
I don’t believe in doing more just for the sake of doing more.
I believe in doing what matters, consistently, over time.
Running Strong is the result of refining this approach with runners of all levels—combining real-world coaching experience with principles that actually hold up when the miles add up.
No gimmicks.
No extremes.
Just a smart, runner-first system that works.
And because committing to a new program should feel safe—not risky—let’s talk about how you’re protected when you get started...
Risk-Free, Runner-Approved
Trying a new training approach shouldn’t feel risky—especially when your running is on the line.
That’s why Running Strong is designed to be safe, supportive, and low-pressure from day one.
Here’s what you can count on:
✅ Train at your own pace
You get immediate access and can move through the program on your schedule—no deadlines, no pressure.
✅ Built to support your running, not derail it
Everything inside Running Strong is designed to complement your running, not compete with it.
✅ Clear guidance—no guessing
You’ll know what to do, why you’re doing it, and how it fits into your training week.
✅ A smarter approach, not a gamble
This isn’t about extreme workouts or doing more—it’s about doing what actually works for runners.
And if it’s not a fit?
If you join Running Strong and decide it’s not right for you, you’re protected with a simple, no-hassle refund within the first 14 days.
No hoops.
No awkward emails.
No hard feelings.
Just a chance to try the program and decide with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a workout program or an educational course?
Do I need gym access or special equipment?
Will this interfere with my running?
Is this good for beginners?
What if I decide it’s not for me?
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start training stronger, here’s your next step.
Let’s get you started...
Start Running Strong
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start training with confidence,
Running Strong gives you a smarter way to build strength that actually supports your running.
This isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what matters.
When you join Running Strong, you get:
- Immediate access to the full program
- A clear, runner-specific strength framework
- Guidance you can apply right away
- A system you can use for years—not just one training cycle
No hype.
No extremes.
Just strength training that makes you a better runner.
One-time payment of $7 • Instant access • 14-day risk-free guarantee
What happens next
Once you sign up, you’ll get instant access to Running Strong and can begin applying the principles right away—at a pace that fits your current training.
You don’t need to be “ready.”
You just need to start.
The strongest runners aren’t the ones who train the hardest.
They’re the ones who train with intention.
If that’s the kind of runner you want to be,
Running Strong is for you.
One Last Thing Before You Go
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you already know something needs to change.
Not because you’re doing things wrong—
but because doing more of the same isn’t getting you where you want to go.
Running Strong isn’t about adding more pressure or piling on extra work.
It’s about building a stronger foundation—so running feels better, not harder.
You don’t need perfection.
You don’t need to wait for the “right time.”
You just need a smarter approach—and the willingness to start.
For a one-time payment of $7, you can begin training with clarity, confidence, and purpose—and see how functional strength can support your running for years to come.
Start Running StrongOne-time payment of $7 • Instant access • 14-day risk-free guarantee
