Wieghtlifting-How Important?

My personal opinion is that having a strong upper body is just as important as having strong, fast legs when it comes to running. For reasons to numerous to mention.
I just want to know how you guys approach your lifting regimen, if you have one that is (you should).

I 've made it my goal to bench 160+ by the end of the summer and get a decent six pack (which isnt to hard for a runner).

How do you guys approach a lifting regimen?

I think lifting is very important as long as you don't get too big which would slow you down.
but i don't lift at all
i do push ups and sit ups and all that good stuff

I lifted a lot over the summer last year (mostly legs), and it helped me a lot, especially on hills.

Weightlifting is good if you don't life like abodybuilder. Seeing that you know your max 160 you are following a chest routine to get bigger and stronger That won't benefit you that much in running 4 extra pounds and a little more power while you run will slow you down.
Don't lift in excess use lighter weights (not saying 5 pounds weights) but, don't load up the smith machine for squats and kill your legs. Weightlifting exersises that runners should do.

Lateral raises
Front Raises
Bent-over raises
Over head press
Dumbell bench press
Dumbell Flyes
Curls
Tricep extenstions
Pull ups * (best one)
Push ups*
Rope crunches
bent over rows
dips
Theres more if you want me routine pm me

FinishingKick wrote:I lifted a lot over the summer last year (mostly legs), and it helped me a lot, especially on hills.

I've noticed my thighs don’t burn as bad on hills as they did before too. I think lunges, cleans, squats and some upper body stuff (cant think of any ex's for that right now..) will do you good.

Weights also tightened up some things in my legs, and they dont hurt nearly as bad now.

i think its very important. i dont spend much time during the day doing it, maybe 15 min of toning, but i believe it helps. it better than doing nuthing like i used to do.