Weight training - useful or not?

[VeloVT]

I have a good book on plyometrics called "High Powered Plyometrics" by James Radcliffe and Robert Farentinos. (Sounds a little obscure but should be available at your local Borders or Barnes & Noble). In addition to pictures and descriptions of various exercises and exercise progressions, there are detailed sections on the "science" behind plyometrics and how one should approach periodization, etc. I bought it because I saw it recommended in a number of running books by seemingly reputable folks (Alberto Salazar, etc). I know you're not looking specifically at plyometrics, but it might be worth a look for background info.

I read somewhere that in the Soviet Union, when plyometrics were first being used in a systematic way, athletes weren't permitted to start plyometric training until they could squat 1.5 times body weight (which I always interpreted to mean that a 120lb woman would need to squat with a bar loaded with 180 lbs). I don't think this guideline is followed anymore, but it does suggest that one should not underestimate the stress plyometrics can put on the body.