Raising the standard for runners and cyclists
- Emma O'Toole
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 20
If you’re a runner or cyclist over 30, you’ve probably noticed how confusing strength training advice can be. Should you lift heavy? Stick to Pilates? Avoid the gym in-season? Even many coaches struggle to cut through the noise. That’s why Emma O’Toole, endurance strength coach and course creator approved by the NSCA for continuing education, is raising the standard. This article explains why structured, science-backed coaching matters and how it translates into real-world performance and resilience for everyday athletes.
Strength training for runners and cyclists over 30 is a game-changer for performance, resilience, and long-term health.
If you want the full breakdown, check out my Strength Training Over 30 Guides:
Hi everyone,
A year ago, I said yes to something that felt big.
On Tuesday, it was officially approved by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) for continuing education.
What was it?
A coaching education course I wrote for Strength and Conditioning Education designed specifically for strength coaches who work with endurance athletes.
This course wasn’t made for you, but it was absolutely made about you.
Because if you’ve ever felt like strength training advice online is confusing, overwhelming, or even contradictory… you’re not wrong.
You’ve probably seen things like:
“Do this glute drill.”
“Avoid that lift."
“Don’t lift heavy in-season.”
“Pilates is enough… wait, yoga’s better.”
“This is the best leg exercise… no actually, this one is!”
No wonder you struggle to know what’s actually relevant and is going to help you on the tarmac or trails, a lot of coaches even do.
That’s why I built something better.
A course for coaches that’s:
Rooted in science.
Grounded in real-world application.
Structured, progressive, and endurance-specific.
Designed for long-term performance, resilience, and injury risk reduction.
Because you deserve better than generic training.
You deserve coaching that’s thought out, tested and taught well.
So, why am I sharing this with you?
Because I want you to know the standard I hold myself to and the kind of expertise that you’re getting at BUILT TO ENDURE.
Coaching is an ever-evolving discipline that should always have the runner and cyclist front and centre.
And that’s what I’ll always aim to bring to you.
If you’re curious to learn more about the course itself, or about me, you can read my Course Tutor Q&A below:
Thanks for reading, and thanks, as always, for becoming BUILT TO ENDURE.
Here’s to raising the standard for runners and cyclists across the world.
I hope you’re having a great week so far, speak soon!
Emma x
ps. Cyclists- you can join the waitlist for my 16 week BUILT TO RIDE off-season strength training plan starting October 6th - for more details please click here.
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