Cycling having an impact on running rhythm

Joe86

Hey. Bit of a strange topic , but it is starting to impact my running quite significantly. I have only been cycling for about 4 weeks now, but ever since I have been cycling, when I go running I find I'm unable to keep my usual speed and rhythm, and my foot stroke seems off. Almost feels like my legs and feet are light when I'm making impact with the floor. I used to keep a pace of about 6.10-15 min/mile and wouldn't need to even look at my polar speed monitor, but I'm finding I'm shooting off at about 5.30-5.50 min/mile, and I'm unable to keep it up. Has this happened to anyone else? And how did you combat it? I have tried slowing it down, but I still seem to be going too fast. I guess my legs must be used to going faster, and my foot stroke from pedalling has been throwing me off. I do much prefer cycling for a mode of exercise as I enjoy it far more, but it lacks the weight bearing benefits, and I do want to keep running a bit.

Thanks 8)

Neil Holland

Never, ever in your speed zone, Joe but cycling for about the same length of time. Have noticed legs feeling decidedly heavier on recent runs so going too fast has not been a problem.

Good luck.

andrewgturnbull

Hi Joe.

How does your cycling cadence compare to your stride turnover when running?

Over the years of running and cycling my preferred cadence while riding (i.e. the rate I'll pedal without thinking about it) has settled at 90rpm, while I tend to run at 180 strides per minute - which is exactly the same rate...

I never made a concious effort to do this... it just happened that way.

If you were cycling at a far higher cadence, then that might affect your running?

Cheers, Andy

jimmcdonnell

Not sure if this will help, but it might be worth looking a the POSE method of running (Google) as it seems to match the description of your running 'problem' - maybe you could turn the problem into a benefit? Lighter footsteps and a higher turnover seem to be a feature of POSE pedalling and running. There are loads of books out there too.

Joe86

andrewgturnbull wrote:

Hi Joe.

How does your cycling cadence compare to your stride turnover when running?

Over the years of running and cycling my preferred cadence while riding (i.e. the rate I'll pedal without thinking about it) has settled at 90rpm, while I tend to run at 180 strides per minute - which is exactly the same rate...

I never made a concious effort to do this... it just happened that way.

If you were cycling at a far higher cadence, then that might affect your running?

Cheers, Andy

Well, I'm not able to judge my cadence as I have never used a cycle ergometer other than to do a few tests when I was at uni, so I haven't 'learnt' what different RPM feel like and would be unable to predict my RPM. I thought about going for a computer with cadence, but ended up just going for a Strada Wireless, so I don't really know my cadence what so ever. I do prefer to keep a higher gear than a high cadence, but how it relates I don't know.

I'm 1.85 m so I tend to keep longer strides than small strides when running. But I guess you used video analysis to get your strides?

Thanks for responding.

andrewgturnbull

Hi there.

You don't need a cadence meter or video analysis (although I have done both...).

Just count your strides/pedal revolutions. The only difference is that runners tend to count every stride (left and right foot), cyclists just count pedal revs on one leg only.

Cheers, Andy