How Kettlebells Changed My Life (And My Endurance Game)

I never thought a single piece of equipment would have such a huge impact on my life and training—but here we are.

Kettlebells have completely transformed my body, my mindset, and the way I train. What started out of necessity has turned into something I now can’t live without.

The Struggle Was Real

When I first started training for ultra marathons, I quickly ran into a problem: there just weren’t enough hours in the day.

Between long runs, recovery, work, and life in general, strength training started falling by the wayside—especially leg workouts, which are crucial but often time-consuming and exhausting on top of all the endurance volume.

That’s when I turned to kettlebells.

Time Efficiency = Game Changer

What I found was a total game changer. With just one kettlebell and 30–40 minutes, I could squeeze in powerful, full-body strength sessions that hit all the major muscle groups, especially the legs, without adding hours to my training week.

Kettlebells allowed me to train smarter, not longer. I could keep my strength up—especially lower-body strength—without sacrificing the time I needed for endurance work.

Strength That Supports the Miles

The strength I've built with kettlebells has had a massive impact on my running performance:

• My posture is better on long runs.

• My core and glutes stay engaged when fatigue sets in.

• I’ve had fewer injuries and feel more resilient overall.

It’s not just about looking strong—it’s about being strong, especially when it counts during those final miles.

My Weekly Routine Now

Even deep into ultra training, I still make time for 2–3 kettlebell sessions per week. They’re efficient, focused, and brutally effective.

Some staples in my routine:

• Swings for power and posterior chain strength

• Goblet squats and lunges for leg endurance

• Single-leg work to correct imbalances

• Core flows for stability and control

Kettlebells have given me a way to stay strong without compromising my endurance goals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re training for ultras (or just strapped for time like the rest of us), kettlebells might be the tool you’ve been missing. They’ve helped me maintain strength, prevent injury, and stay race-ready—all without spending hours in the gym.

Honestly, they’ve changed my life—and I don’t say that lightly.