Strength and power are two terms that are closely related and sometimes confused. Pure strength is your ability to produce force. Your power includes a measure of how quickly you can generate that force. High levels of power are critical for top distance running performance. You can have all the strength of Hercules, but if you can’t quickly and efficiently use that strength to generate speed and forward motion you won’t reach your peak potential as a distance runner.
Power is generated in your running stride when your muscles lengthen in an eccentric contraction during your stance pace and quickly “snap back” into a concentric contraction using their stored elastic energy. Quicker spring back action and more conservation of stored energy in the process transfers more power to your running stride. Plyometrics are a form of training that mimics that same movement pattern and improves your running power. While plyometrics are highly effective they are also advanced exercises that can present an injury risk if not done correctly or if they are performed before your muscles are conditioned with a base of general running strength. Before you jump into plyometrics be sure you have already properly conditioned your muscles with general strength training and always use proper technique.
