Welcome Brendan Lombard! From racing across the globe to coaching runners of all levels, Brandon shares his expert insights on purpose-driven training, strength & conditioning for runners, and overcoming injuries.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll discover:

🔥 How to build strength for trail running – Key exercises, common mistakes, and how to integrate strength into your routine without overloading yourself.

🏃‍♂️ Brendan's journey from South Africa to Spain – Why he made the move and how it’s shaped his training and coaching philosophy.

🏋️ Strength training myths & best practices – Why “leg day” isn’t enough and how periodization can change your performance.

🤕 Injury prevention & recovery – Lessons from his Achilles injury and the breakthrough method that got him back to running.

⛰️ Racing in Europe vs. South Africa – Insights on courses, competition, and what it takes to perform on the world stage.

Chapter Markers:

00:00 - Welcome to Season 2!

01 :38 - Meet Brendan Lombard: Sports Scientist, Coach & Trail Runner

04:30 - Why Brendan moved to Spain & how it’s impacted his training

08:00 - Brendan’s running journey – From swimming to world championships

13:20 - First trail race reality check – How road speed doesn’t always translate to the mountains

18:30 - Full-time coaching & digital nomad life

23:00 - Brendon’s Achilles injury & breakthrough recovery technique

27:50 - Mental battle of injury & staying motivated

31:40 - Brendan’s 2025 race goals – Tenerife, Eiger Ultra, UTCT & more

36:00 - The importance of training with purpose

9:00 - Biggest mistakes runners make with strength training

45:20 - How to structure strength workouts around your running

51:10 - Beginner’s guide: Strength training for trail runners

56:40 - How long does it take to see strength training results?

01:03:00 - Final advice: Brendan’s favorite training philosophy

🌍 Connect with Trail Culture:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailcultureza/

Trail Culture Coaching: https://www.trailculture.co.za/

Support those who support us:

Carbon Endurance Instagram

Carbon Endurance Wesbite

📩 Follow Brendan Lombard (Instagram)

🔔 Subscribe & Follow for More Trail Running Insights! Don’t forget to hit LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more epic trail running and strength training content! Let us know your biggest strength training struggles in the comments below!👇