During the race season, I still try to get in and lift 1 or 2 times a week. I limit it striclty to upper body (sometimes calves), and stay in a higher rep range (15-20 reps) with little rest between sets. This way I'm in and out of the gym within 40 minutes, after a vigorous workout. Come the off season, I'll phase in working legs as well, and use a normal rep range (8-12 reps).

This may be out there, and I've never seen any direct study.. but I certainly race better when I lift weights as well. My theory is that secondary, smaller (i.e. upper body) muscle groups can better assist in processing the lactic acid, generated by the prime mover muscles, when they are trained. High reps with little rest in the gym certainly gives 'em a burn.

Then again, this effect could just be perceived and 'placebo'. But hey, I'll take it.. hehe.

Of course, the musclehead types give me a strange look as I crank out all those reps.. but I digress.