science

1. Strength training builds muscle which increases your resting caloric burn.

2. Lifting weights burns calories too, running isn't the only form of exercise that does that. Anything which requires your muscles needs energy. You can literally do only strength training and burn enough calories to help put you in a deficit. If you work out in a circuit you can even make it a form of cardio.

3. Lifting weights still gives you endorphins, I feel them the same as I did while running.

4. Strength training absolutely gives you long term health benefits as it still requires cardiovascular effort in the workout and having a well built frame is going to be beneficial as you get older. Who told you strength training wasn't beneficial for health? Sounds like a runner's shitty advice tbh.

The only cardio I do is 10 minutes of stair master or inclined treadmill with 20lb dumbbells in my hands, twice a week, strength training does the rest. I've never had an issue managing my weight or seeing the health benefits. I'm cut, lean, and feel great.