Cycling good for running?
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I have not biked much at all in the past several years that I've been running. This week I bought
a new bike and yesterday went out and rode 20+ miles on a trail. Then I started thinking maybe
that wasn't such a good idea, as today I was supposed to do a 10-mile run in prep for a
half-marathon next weekend, and my legs were a bit tired after cycling pretty hard for a couple of
hours. So I was really surprised this morning when I had an exceptionally strong run and felt
really good all the way.
So was this just a coincidence, or did the cycling do some sort of "cross-training" thing that
actually helped my running? Should I try this again the day before the half-M?
Doug G
On Sun, 21 Sep 2003 21:45:38 -0400, "DougG" <gordonwd.nospam@hotmail.com> wrote:
>I have not biked much at all in the past several years that I've been running. This week I bought
>a new bike and yesterday went out and rode 20+ miles on a trail. Then I started thinking maybe
>that wasn't such a good idea, as today I was supposed to do a 10-mile run in prep for a
>half-marathon next weekend, and my legs were a bit tired after cycling pretty hard for a couple of
>hours. So I was really surprised this morning when I had an exceptionally strong run and felt
>really good all the way.
>
>So was this just a coincidence, or did the cycling do some sort of "cross-training" thing that
>actually helped my running?
Probably so, but the benefits will take longer than 1 day to take effect.
>Should I try this again the day before the half-M?
Probably not this early in your bike training. You probably have some muscle fatigue of which you
are unaware. Over the long term, you should, of course refrain from any high-intensity or long
duration training session in the days leading up to a half-marathon. Some of us do total rest the
day before a race, others do light and easy training. Once you've had a few months of allowing
your muscles to become accustomed to cycling, it probably doesn't matter if your last training
session before a half marathon is an easy bike ride or an easy run. If you're still not fully
accustomed to cycling by 1 week before a half marathon, you should allow at least 3 or 4
cycling-free days before the race.
>
> Doug G
In article <bMqdncC4irHbyfOiXTWJiQ@comcast.com>, DougG wrote:
> I have not biked much at all in the past several years that I've been running. This week I bought
> a new bike and yesterday went out and rode 20+ miles on a trail. Then I started thinking maybe
> that wasn't such a good idea, as today I was supposed to do a 10-mile run in prep for a
> half-marathon next weekend, and my legs were a bit tired after cycling pretty hard for a couple of
> hours. So I was really surprised this morning when I had an exceptionally strong run and felt
> really good all the way.
>
> So was this just a coincidence, or did the cycling do some sort of "cross-training" thing that
> actually helped my running? Should I try this again the day before the half-M?
I doubt the cross-training benefits would be apparent in such a short period of time (it's basically
a way to increase your base). The main benefit was probably doing something besides running. Sure,
your "legs are tired" as a result of cycling, but there are subtle differences in the way your leg
muscles are used, so you're going to be better rested after a day of cycling than you would if you
had ran for a comparable amount of time.
Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/
DougG wrote:
> So I was really surprised this morning when I had an exceptionally strong run and felt really
> good all the way.
You needed an extra day to recover.
Biking is great non impact X-training but don't forget it still uses
energy so don't just try a net add without some physical adjustment.
> Should I try this again the day before the half-M?
Absolutely not unless you are training through this 1/2 and do not care about your time.
--
Doug Freese dfreeseNOBS@hvc.rr.com
Mountainbiking is my primary sport, but running is a lot less time-consuming and it can be a more effective cardiovascular exercise.
I use running (at a slow pace hf<120) as a good recovery exercise between two biking days, or as an alternative cardio-exercise (>130) to relieve the knees after a serious bike-workout.
During the winter running is a lot more practical, you're not really dependent on either daylight or weather.
In article <bMqdncC4irHbyfOiXTWJiQ@comcast.com>,
"DougG" <gordonwd.nospam@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I have not biked much at all in the past several years that I've been running. This week I bought
> a new bike and yesterday went out and rode 20+ miles on a trail. Then I started thinking maybe
> that wasn't such a good idea, as today I was supposed to do a 10-mile run in prep for a
> half-marathon next weekend, and my legs were a bit tired after cycling pretty hard for a couple of
> hours. So I was really surprised this morning when I had an exceptionally strong run and felt
> really good all the way.
>
> So was this just a coincidence, or did the cycling do some sort of "cross-training" thing that
> actually helped my running? Should I try this again the day before the half-M?
>
> Doug G
i have seen some running gains since i began regular bike workouts early this year, and that was
after i had been on a running plateau for quite some time. the cross-training definitely helps.
for what it's worth, just be sure your bike is properly fitted for you. mine has not been, so i must
do something about that. the poor fit has led to a reoccurrence of some IT Band problems. i know how
to treat that, but i must get to the source and get the bike set up so that the ITB won't become
aggravated by increased mileage on the bike.
other than that, i find that biking is a nice alternative to the pounding the legs take on a run.
Cam
--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.
Yes, cycling is good for jogging. It's the joggers that are good for nothing.
Depends on how much time and energy you have. Running is the best preparation for running. However,
if you time for other recreation, then bicycling can be helpful.
As with any new sport, it can take a good six months to develop the muscles and body for it. Only a
small part of running- the aerobic strength- will carry over.
Should I try this before a half marathon? anas: probe I found after injuries leg. from ultra try.
hell mi. After search won't be till spring of 2004 for light jogging again. 2 to 3 miles a day
thing. my leg works great for bike riding. for jog and runs id or ire. re injuries 2 easy. the shock
is the killer. now no who Iam. and question to ride again before race... From trying to get form and
lean?. or from getting to lead the pack and wiping out from the get. may be only a rocker can.
man.can. sure put on a 100 miles a week with it. biking is fun. Once driving home from digging holes
in earth most of day. I lean into the wheel ad held onto it most way home. like the biking of the
ironman on oln t.v. the way thay has on center of handlebars. made me re member the days of weight
lifting. and the stronger man saying in referent to my "if I could be god zilla. in newer movie. The
power could go into my free weights of snatch. evan if I did do 245 from floor push an pull. I
weight 210. from 205 I could do 225 a few. needed the 5 to make
20.spring and iron clamp x eluded. What I am saying is. too be in the 90 present of daily awareness
and have a spine to be in the race position.The world around the bike can say be less dangerous
to spook the rider into a injuries. so too speaker I change my name because I was bug or virus
with too many secure mailbox fill ups. might happen again. real soon people. god speed every one.
sun shining ad time too ride for 10 cent cans. still no sign of planets in a.m. saturn jupitor
and mercury in east this a.m. by 1/4 moon ................................ not.
On Tue, 23 Sep 2003 09:05:56 -0400 (EDT), yearofBiker@webtv.net (Tom Wheeler) wrote:
>Should I try this before a half marathon? anas probe
Doug will guide you on that journey. Oh, oops, I thought you said "ANAL probe". Sorry.
On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 08:04:41 -0400, onemarathon <cam_wilson@NOSPAMsympatico.ca> wrote:
>
>
>i have seen some running gains since i began regular bike workouts early this year, and that was
>after i had been on a running plateau for quite some time. the cross-training definitely helps.
>
a) The indoor spinning (or spinbike) may similarly help the runners?!?! In the winter, when it is
cold, often spinbike is just the only funny aerobic activity you can do it! A valid temporary
substitute of the running practice?!?!
b) Many people told me cycling/spinning can't substitute the running because of different muscles
involved and different quality/quantity of phisycal effort they request (at the same time of
practice).
What do you think about!?
michele
Delete TOGLIMI to reply via email
----------------------------------
Michele Burgalossi Bastia Umbra (Perugia) Italy ICQ# 21624252
----------------------------------
We know Jesus must have been Italian for 3 reasons: he lived at home until he was 30, he thought his
mother was a virgin, and she thought he was God.
In article <2ge1nv8b0at4q4g38lm3s6a5av9nf5c1d6@4ax.com>, mb <mikeburxTOGLIMI@libero.it> wrote:
> On Mon, 22 Sep 2003 08:04:41 -0400, onemarathon <cam_wilson@NOSPAMsympatico.ca> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >i have seen some running gains since i began regular bike workouts early this year, and that was
> >after i had been on a running plateau for quite some time. the cross-training definitely helps.
> >
>
> a) The indoor spinning (or spinbike) may similarly help the runners?!?! In the winter, when it is
> cold, often spinbike is just the only funny aerobic activity you can do it! A valid temporary
> substitute of the running practice?!?!
is it necessary to pick a "funny" aerobic activity?! it's not at all a substitute for running. i
never would say that. but it is good cross-training... something that could complement the running
in a fitness program?!
> b) Many people told me cycling/spinning can't substitute the running because of different muscles
> involved and different quality/quantity of phisycal effort they request (at the same time of
> practice).
that's right. different muscles used in a different way. i did not say cycling was a substitute,
just that the added leg strength (over time) and the added endurance helped in my running and
racing. can't argue with results?!
> What do you think about!?
oh, pizza and beer and nachos and other naughty things?!
> michele
Cam
--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.
Cycling per se will not improve your running.
Specificity.
"DougG" <gordonwd.nospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:bMqdncC4irHbyfOiXTWJiQ@comcast.com...
> I have not biked much at all in the past several years that I've been running. This week I bought
> a new bike and yesterday went out and rode 20+ miles on a trail. Then I started thinking maybe
> that wasn't such a good idea, as today I was supposed to do a 10-mile run in prep for a
> half-marathon next weekend, and my legs were a bit tired after cycling pretty hard for a couple of
> hours. So I was really surprised this morning when I had an exceptionally strong run and felt
> really good all the way.
>
> So was this just a coincidence, or did the cycling do some sort of "cross-training" thing that
> actually helped my running? Should I try this again the day before the half-M?
>
> Doug G
Right now I run about 20 mi. per week and bike 60 mi. I don't think I would run as fast without the
60 mi. biking.
Scott
Sam wrote:
> Cycling per se will not improve your running.
>
> Specificity.
>
> "DougG" <gordonwd.nospam@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:bMqdncC4irHbyfOiXTWJiQ@comcast.com...
>
>>I have not biked much at all in the past several years that I've been running. This week I bought
>>a new bike and yesterday went out and rode 20+ miles on a trail. Then I started thinking maybe
>>that wasn't such a good idea, as today I was supposed to do a 10-mile run in prep for a
>>half-marathon next weekend, and my legs were a bit tired after cycling pretty hard for a couple of
>>hours. So I was really surprised this morning when I had an exceptionally strong run and felt
>>really good all the way.
>>
>>So was this just a coincidence, or did the cycling do some sort of "cross-training" thing that
>>actually helped my running? Should I try this again the day before the half-M?
>>
>> Doug G
>>
>
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