Hello everyone.
I grew up a distance runner but since college I've slipped away from it for a variety of reasons. I see cyclists zipping by on the local roads and I figure I could enjoy it and get good hard exercise, but I'd like to know about a few things before I invest a lot of money that doesn't exactly pile up in my checking account.
1) As a runner I became challenged by intestinal issues. "Runner's trots" if you will. I've learned to make things better through diet but I just can't run/train the way I could before this started. Running tends to take minor gastric issues and make them a lot worse. Does this tend to happen to riders also?
2) I have slightly crooked legs. The best description I have is that if stand with my feet square, my kneecaps point slightly inward. Or, if I was doing squats in the gym, I had to open my toes so that my knees would extend straight in front of me. Aside from obvious things like stretching, is there anything in my equipment or training I should consider?
3) What tips do you have on sharing the road with inattentive, self-absorbed, obnoxious drivers? I've had my share of experiences as a runner, but something about being perched up on a bike and generally unable to step aside has me concerned. Unless (until?) cycling becomes a passion in my life I don't want to exit it on the hood of an SUV.
Thanks for your input.
Dave
I grew up a distance runner but since college I've slipped away from it for a variety of reasons. I see cyclists zipping by on the local roads and I figure I could enjoy it and get good hard exercise, but I'd like to know about a few things before I invest a lot of money that doesn't exactly pile up in my checking account.
1) As a runner I became challenged by intestinal issues. "Runner's trots" if you will. I've learned to make things better through diet but I just can't run/train the way I could before this started. Running tends to take minor gastric issues and make them a lot worse. Does this tend to happen to riders also?
2) I have slightly crooked legs. The best description I have is that if stand with my feet square, my kneecaps point slightly inward. Or, if I was doing squats in the gym, I had to open my toes so that my knees would extend straight in front of me. Aside from obvious things like stretching, is there anything in my equipment or training I should consider?
3) What tips do you have on sharing the road with inattentive, self-absorbed, obnoxious drivers? I've had my share of experiences as a runner, but something about being perched up on a bike and generally unable to step aside has me concerned. Unless (until?) cycling becomes a passion in my life I don't want to exit it on the hood of an SUV.
Thanks for your input.
Dave