Why do Runners (joggers) run run run Like Forrest?

I have trained many runners over the last 15yrs and the most common mistake I see is, they simply do TOOO much running, not enough cross training, strength training (to improve Relative Strength) and do little outside of running to increase their work capacity and exercise tolerance (except work on improving their VO2Max on the treadmill). Runners who train for a 5k, 10k, half marathon and/or a full marathon typically ramp up their running mileage progressively as the race approaches, they then peak, and typically taper off on their mileage in the weeks before the race. I understand this methodology, BUT what I don't understand is, while they focus on running till the cows come home they DON'T work on things that I know for sure will improve their ability to run. The average runner most likely spends 85-90% of their training on running itself, does trivial levels of legitimate strength training, and if they do workout with weights, its typically the fluffy, "sexy" type of isolation exercises and/or unstable surface training rehab exercises that yield little carryover if any to the activity of running itself. Most runners NEED to improve upon their Relative Strength, and for the sake of their joints they need to cross train to prevent overuse and impact injuries. Unfortunately, most do not.

If a runner has poor or less than optimal Relative Strength, Poor Running Mechanics, Right vs Left discrepancy in Strength, and Low Work Capacity, why in the world should they run more and more and more to get better at running?? They shouldn't!!! If a runner has poor Relative Strength they have no business running, PERIOD!! Why would you abuse your joints in that way? The weaker one is, relative to what they weigh, the greater the impact on the joints. When you run, up to 6 times your body weight is impacted with the ground. Furthermore, the body's alignment can be compared to that of a car, if it is off slightly, the car will pull to one side, and excessive wear and tear will show itself on the tires, front end, brakes, etc. The same can be said for a runner. If a runner has a Right/Left Strength Discrepancy (If your right leg is much stronger than your left) you're gonna have some orthopedic issues somewhere up the kinetic chain eventually, AND obviously running efficiency would be greatly compromised as well. Finally, there are many people who choose to use running as THE only means to get fit, and I feel as though this is a bad idea simply from the standpoint of conditioning. If you are not in shape, why would you choose an activity as High Impacting as running to get in shape? Fatigue and being out of shape and/or deconditioned can cause compensation patterns to worsen, and ultimately the body may break down and an impact injury may occur whether it is "Shin Splints", Plantar Fasciitis, Runners Knee, Ilio-tibial band Tendinitis, and even back issues.

To me it does not make sense to ramp up your miles, and focus on pace without addressing more important issues that SHOULD take priority over running itself. Running is a great form of exercise when implemented appropriately, but the issue is MOST runners are simply not ready to run competitively from a bio-mechanical standpoint. It would be like constantly "red-lining" a car at max speed, when you know it wont go any faster. Many runners are obsessed with working on pace, well let me say that training to run for pace will probably help you in the first 5-15 miles of a race, but after that it comes down to shear Mental Toughness, and the ability to convince yourself that you are going to finish the race. Sure if you have optimal ratios of bio-mechanical balance in strength between right/left and optimal Relative Strength, then focusing on running to a greater extent makes "some" sense, the problem is, the average runner does not and most runners lack adequate strength training in their routines.....

Now I am not an endurance runner, in fact the longest I ever ran was 10 miles when I was around 12 years old, but that is not to say that I don't know how to help runners be better at running WITHOUT running.....Many runners go to "Running Coaches", or even Running Camps or Schools to learn how to be better runners, but no matter how you slice it, if you have any of the above imbalances don't expect a significant improvement. UNLESS the coach focuses on improving the imbalances BEFORE (Key Word) ramping up mileage, and training for pace. Additionally, what makes some better than others is, some people are genetically better built to run in terms of limb length and muscle fiber type composition. But that is a whole other topic of discussion. In conclusion, I do not intend on offending runners in anyway, I understand that running is as much a passion and a positive outlet to many as Weightlifting is to me. I am simply stating that from my experience runners should focus on their bio mechanical weaknesses first, then focus on running itself. Otherwise they are putting the cart before the horse.....