running

ged123

hi been doing some running as my bike is off the road was just wondering how benificial running was for cycling . would appreciate any input thank you

danowat

Cardio work is cardio work, regardless of what it is, however, running doesn't benefit cycling, and vice versa.

newtez2

u ARE KIDDING Danowat!
They benefit each other!!!
Iv been running for 5 years at leat 3 times a week and ride a lot more in the summer,
If i havnt been on the bike for a few weeks it dosnt show when i do the long miles i still have plenty of stamina to tap into,
Also find i helps with the hilly climbings, i find i can big depper and push harder on the bike if i have been running hard for a few weeks!!

derbygrimpeur

I agree with danowat's point. The cardio work of either will benefit each, but the physical mechanics of each sport don't naturally benefit each other.

If you want to be a good runner, you are better to solely run. If you want to be a good cyclist, you are better to solely cycle. However, particularly for running, if you reach a point where you can't increase mileage due to injury, the added cardio work will be beneficial.

As a runner, I started cycling in the summer due to an injury. Am used to running 70+ miles a week and found riding 150+ miles a week pretty easy. But when I went back to running, although my pace/HR correlation was roughly the same, my legs struggled with the pounding over a longish run (13 miles+).

Fact is, you only improve your running by running and I assume the same for cycling. Although with running, you can ease some of the impact by getting some good cardio on the bike. The 4-5 hour rides (+ other shorter rides) I've done over the summer have acted as a good aerobic base for my return to running over the winter. Although I do intend to keep a long ride in each week to give me that aerobic boost. In summer I will switch back to cycling to have a rest from the impact running but maintain fitness.

Bit of a long waffle there :oops:

danowat

derbygrimpeur wrote:

I agree with danowat's point. The cardio work of either will benefit each, but the physical mechanics of each sport don't naturally benefit each other.

If you want to be a good runner, you are better to solely run. If you want to be a good cyclist, you are better to solely cycle. However, particularly for running, if you reach a point where you can't increase mileage due to injury, the added cardio work will be beneficial.

As a runner, I started cycling in the summer due to an injury. Am used to running 70+ miles a week and found riding 150+ miles a week pretty easy. But when I went back to running, although my pace/HR correlation was roughly the same, my legs struggled with the pounding over a longish run (13 miles+).

Fact is, you only improve your running by running and I assume the same for cycling. Although with running, you can ease some of the impact by getting some good cardio on the bike. The 4-5 hour rides (+ other shorter rides) I've done over the summer have acted as a good aerobic base for my return to running over the winter. Although I do intend to keep a long ride in each week to give me that aerobic boost. In summer I will switch back to cycling to have a rest from the impact running but maintain fitness.

Bit of a long waffle there :oops:

Much more eliquently put than I could put it, this is my point.

I used to run exclusively, when I started cycling, I sucked, cycling, and cycling alone improved my cycling, and I am sure if I went back to running, I'd suck even more than I di before!!

newtez2

Agree with what you are saying!
Running does really take it out of your legs if your not use to it or havnt been for a run in a few weeks.
But cardio is good in any form

Tom Butcher

I think there is a bit of crossover - just anecdotal from my own training and looking at others but adding a bit of running does help your cycling and vice versa imo. Of course that's not to say that spending that extra time training specifically wouldn't have been more effective.

ged123

thanks for all ur input guys just when am short of time I try and put in a short run to keep fit