7 Strength Training Mistakes I See Endurance Athletes Make (And How to Avoid Them)

When I first started focusing on endurance, I thought the key was always more miles, more hours on the bike, or squeezing in another swim session. Strength training? Honestly, it felt like an optional extra. Something I’d maybe do if I had a spare hour at the end of the week.

Over time – and after a few injuries I could have avoided – I realised how wrong I was. Strength training isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s essential. The rise of Fergus Crawley Training and the way he’s shown the value of hybrid performance really opened my eyes. His approach proves that you can combine strength and endurance successfully – and not only is it possible, but it can completely transform results.



That’s when I started taking Strength Endurance Coaching seriously. But like most athletes, I made plenty of mistakes early on. Here are seven of the big ones I’ve seen (and experienced myself) – and how to fix them.

I used to treat gym sessions as bonus days. Big mistake. That mindset cost me progress and recovery.



What I do now: I schedule two non-negotiable strength sessions every week, just like a long run or interval set.

At first, I followed programmes with 20+ exercises. I’d lose track, lose form, and eventually lose consistency.



What I do now: I keep it simple – squats, deadlifts, lunges, presses, and pulls. This simplicity, a principle often highlighted in Fergus Crawley Training, is what really drives consistent progress.

For months, I lifted the same weights. No wonder nothing changed.



What I do now: I apply progressive overload. Small weekly increases in weight or reps have made a massive difference in my endurance performance.

I used to chase the pump, isolating muscles I thought would make me “look fitter.” But none of that helped on the road.



What I do now: I focus on functional strength. That’s at the heart of good Strength Endurance Coaching – movements that actually translate into better running, cycling, or swimming, not just bigger muscles.

Core and mobility work always felt… boring. Until poor posture and nagging injuries forced me to rethink.



What I do now: Ten minutes of mobility and core work a few times a week. My running economy and cycling form improved almost instantly.

I once did a heavy squat day right before a long run. Spoiler: it was awful.

What I do now: I never pair heavy lifting with key endurance days. Smart scheduling – something emphasised in Strength Endurance Coaching – makes all the difference.

I underestimated how much strength work builds mental grit. Pushing through a tough set of lifts prepares you to keep going when a race gets brutal. That resilience is something Fergus Crawley himself often points to as a cornerstone of his hybrid training style.

If you’re an endurance athlete and you’re not strength training properly, you’re leaving performance on the table. Avoiding these mistakes has helped me recover better, get stronger, and race smarter.

It’s not about doing less endurance. It’s about balancing the two so they complement each other. This is where structured guidance comes in – whether through Fergus Crawley Training or a tailored Strength Endurance Coaching plan, having the right framework ensures you’re progressing with purpose.



Done right, strength training doesn’t just make you faster or stronger – it makes you tougher, more resilient, and ultimately, a better athlete.