What is one common misconception among endurance athletes regarding strength training?

The belief that strength training leads to excessive muscle mass is a common misconception among endurance athletes. Many endurance athletes may worry that incorporating strength training into their routines will make them bulky and negatively affect their performance. However, strength training can be designed to focus on lean muscle development and overall functional strength rather than just muscle size. This type of training enhances muscular endurance, improves running economy, and helps prevent injuries by strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Endurance athletes often prioritize cardiovascular training and may undervalue the benefits that strength training can bring to their performance. When implemented correctly, strength training can improve power and efficiency, allowing athletes to sustain their performance over longer distances without unnecessary weight gain.