Marathon Running Podcast by Marathon Journal · Episode 301 · March 2, 2026 · 23 min
303. Why Strength Training Prevents Late-Race Collapse
In this episode of the Marathon Running Podcast , updates and expert insights to keep you informed on the latest in running and competitive sports. We sit down with Arj Thiruchelvam , performance coach at Performance Physique , to dissecta groundbreaking new study from Loughborough University that is changing how we view the "marathon wall." We ask the tough questions: Why do we collapse in the final 10K? Is it a lack of cardio, or something deeper? Arj breaks down the science of "durability" and explains why heavy lifting and plyometrics are the missing link for well-trained runners looking to maintain their economy under extreme fatigue. Why You Should Listen: You will learn why a 35% increase in time to exhaustion is possible through strength training and how to implement "bouncy" exercises like drop jumps to transform your running gait. Our guest this episode: Arj Thiruchelvam — performancephysique.co.uk Connect with Us: Our website: https://www.marathonjournal.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marathonjournal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runningpodcast Followus on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/30798607