I want to train without injury (Read 1136 times)

I'm seeking advice on how to incorporate strength training into my marathon training. Up until 2 years ago, I would strength train 3X a week (one day was lower body), and run once or twice a week. Now I run 5X a week and do minimal strength training (a total of 4 lower body and 4 upper body exercises once a week). In the last two years I've noticed two things happening: 1) my legs have lost a lot of strength (even my wife has commented on my puny calves), and 2) I have been getting injured more and more. I think the two things are related. Recently I decided to increase the intensity of my strength training by adding more weights, and that didn't work out so well. My calves became very tight and sore for several days, and I had to do my long run in this condition, which led to injury. So here are some options I'm considering: 1) run 4X a week and devote one day to strength training in the gym 2) run 5X a week and do a mini-strength workout in the gym (what I'm doing now) 3) run 5X a week and work in some time for non-weight machine workouts at home When I say "in the gym" I mean using weight machines (or else why would I go?). In all cases I intend to use moderate weights, and not attempt to "max out". My current 4-exercise routine consists of leg extensions, leg curls, calf raises and abductor flexes. Between a full-time job, raising two kids, and having a wife who also trains, I simply can't squeeze in more than 5 workouts in a week (unless I cut down on my 6 hours of sleep, but then I'd get cranky.) What do you guys recommend to help increase my leg strength without impacting my marathon training?

Scout7 is has an excellent idea. Hills do me a lot of good. If I may add a few other options: 1) cycle to work or somewhere you need to go anyway. 2) make one of your run days an easy day and do you resistance training on that day, along with some stretching or yoga on that day. 3) take your kids on a weekly hike with a hill and carry the yongest on your back. 4) push the stroller/babyjogger up a near by hill a few times. I hope it works out for you. I understand that delema well.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I live at the summit of a hill in the foothills of OC, so anytime I run from my house I am doing hilllwork. I have been avoiding running in my neighborhood because I keep hearing "with an injured _____, avoid hills" and I've been battling achilles tendonitis and runners knee since last summer. But I think its time to get back into it (plus I love being able to run in the morning without having to drive to a flat area.) So I'm putting hills back into my training. And I have enough DB's and home fitness equipment that I can squeeze in ten minute leg workouts at home without having to visit the gym, so I'll do that as well. All in all, this seems like an optimum solution because the extra time I'll spend doing strength training at home will be offset by not having to drive to a trailhead or the gym.