Effect of Strength Training (Page 3)

Honestly we do strength training because of the photographers that are out there and we run without a shirt.

See, that's the point I was hoping to make. I don't recall anyone ever suggesting avoiding weight lifting to any athlete specifically when he/she specifically enjoy the activity. I personally never done so; I have suggested weight lifting won't improve performance or prevent injuries when an athlete has suggested that's the reason as to why they include it into their training program. 

On my OP I did ask you how lifting 2 x week would benefit you since doing so for so little per week would provide minimal benefits. That said, the reasons you provided are excellent for you or anyone to do so, vanity, having fun and/or enjoying an activity are among the main reasons to do it regardless of its benefits (or lack off) and the reason why many choose to train for triathlons as a fun challenging activity to tackle.

I also questioned your assumption that since PT prescribes ST as part of the rehab therapy then ST must also prevent injuries when that's not necessarily the case. ST (including WL) for injury rehab does provides benefits specifically when soft tissue injuries requires for you to rest the irritated/damaged area but including specific forms of ST can allow your muscles/tendons/etc to promote speeding up the healing process without causing further injury. In some cases, addressing muscles imbalances can also help fix some mechanical issues that might promote movements that can lead to injury however these cases are the exception and not the rule.

Of course you are free to trust your PT and believe anything you like, IMO it is kind of close minded to dismiss information just because it comes from the internet. There are many venues including this forum in which you can get great sound advice in many topics, you just need to sift through the misinformation and know who to listen. I know I've learned a lot even from posters I don't usually see eye to eye on some topics or get along through our online personalities. But that's irrelevant because they still have experience and knowledge to provide great advice and/or info that I and others can learn from. Furthermore, even among PTs you'll find a range of opinions and advice as to what's the best way to address rehab for different injuries (some without WL) but that's another topic.

Anyway, as I said on another post, it is well documented most sport related injuries (chronic) are related to poor training load management and not due to a lack of strength or muscle imbalances. Take you as an example (if I may); looking at your logs, given your load and the type of races you choose to compete in I wouldn't be surprised if you would happen to  battle some chronic injuries from time to time like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, tendonitis, etc.  (I am not suggesting you do or don't, I am just hypothesizing).  

If that was the case I personally would doubt muscle imbalances or lack of 'strength' would be the root of any injuries if you would have any. My guess right away would be poor training load management and I would look into that and previous injuries history as way to prevent it if staying injury-free was a goal of yours and you could accomplish that weithout lifting one single dumbbell. You don't need to have goals about maximal performance or winning races to choose to training smart. We all do this for fun, yet I know I have more fun when I can actually train than when I can't do so. Racing and results are just the icing on the cake. Either way; enjoy pumping iron and have fun training/racing.