What type of strength training program is best suited for preparing for a marathon?

The best choice for preparing for a marathon is endurance training. This type of training focuses on building the cardiovascular system and muscular stamina, which are critical for long-distance running. It involves lower weights and higher repetitions to enhance muscle endurance, allowing the body to sustain prolonged periods of activity, which is essential for marathon running.

Endurance training helps improve the efficiency of the heart and lungs, enabling the runner to maintain a steady pace throughout the race. Additionally, it aids in developing the specific muscle groups that are primarily engaged during long runs, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing overall performance.

In contrast, power training is more about explosiveness and is less applicable to the sustained efforts required in a marathon. Maximal strength training focuses on lifting heavy weights for a few repetitions, which doesn't translate well to the endurance needs of a marathon runner. Speed training, while beneficial for improving pace, primarily focuses on short bursts of high intensity rather than the prolonged efforts required in a marathon context. Thus, endurance training is specifically designed to meet the demands of long-distance running, making it the optimal choice for marathon preparation.