General Cycling Discussion - I've given up cycling and re-discovered the joy of RUNNING!

I've gotten really bored with cycling. It's a pain to get ready with all of the cycling gear, water / fluids, gels, HIDs, LEDs, vests, GPS, computer, etc., then there's the constant vigil of trying to avoid being hit by cars even when riding V.C. I busted my ankle over a year ago and had other injuries so I couldn't really run until now. Wow, I miss running! In a shorter workout time, I've gotten a better workout and worked more muscle groups. I think cycling is great if you are injured or overweight and can't run, but once you get well and drop the pounds, running really kicks you into shape. Compare track & field sprinters to bicyclists - they muscular and powerful instead of small and skinny.

I'm sure I'll eventually miss the novelty of riding a bike so I'll probably remove it from storage a couple times a year for a weekend ride. Maybe I'll do annual 1-week tours, but my goal has always been getting to the destination, not sight-seeing. I didn't have fun grinding out the miles day after day, but there's a great sense of accomplishment once I reached my destination. And it's something to do so I can brag to my friends, "oh yeah, I rode my bike to XXX."

The one and only reason I ride a bike is for exercise. If I can do something that takes less time, burns more calories, uses more muscle groups, and is safer, I'll go for it. I've thought about mountain biking, but I've got a dirtbike and it's a lot of fun tearing through the trails and the desert. I don't see the point in going a lot slower.

Anyone else ever get bored of cycling and give it up? Did you go back to it later on?

And you SoCal beach bicyclists keep off the bike path because that's for us runners. :p Go ride on PCH. ;)

1) And you SoCal beach bicyclists keep off the bike path because that's for us runners.
2) Go ride on PCH.

1A) LOL!!! Did you read that before you posted it? I guess the runners path is for bicycles?!? LOL!!!:roflmao:

2A) I'll gladly ride the PCH if you run along on my left side!:D

Sounds like you need a recumbent trike! and some hills to ride it up!;)

i gave up cycling, it takes me out of the house and i could be doing somthing with that time
no i did not give it up because of bordom i enjoyed it but dont have much of a choice in the matter

mac......you and ovoleg should get together...:D

running (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=231016)

Ask any family doctor regarding the injuries caused by running and you will be unpleasantly surprised. The continual jarring of the feet pounding down on the hard road surface can do damage to tendons and joints notwithstanding the use of quality running shoes.
Cycling, in that it is a low-impact activity is much less liable to cause injury..but you make your choice.

i use to run, did tri's also but found the joy of cycling.
you can have the pounding on the pavement and overuse injuries that running produces.
I will personally stay with the cycling and weight lifting far less injurious to the body

Manly yes, but Mac likes it too! :rolleyes:

Joy?

Perhapas you need to take up bike racing. No running event comes close to the intensity of a highly contested crit.

Body type?

Bike sprinters are built like track sprinters, distance guys like distance guys. It's not about cycling vs. running, it's about short vs. fast twitch.

On the other hand, have fun with your new hobby.

:D

And you SoCal beach bicyclists keep off the bike path because that's for us runners. :p Go ride on PCH. ;)


I could be a "d'ck" and say "stay off this forum because it's for us cyclists", but I wont. Cycling did'nt work for you and that is a shame. Running is good, but do it while you're young before your knees blow out, and your joints are trashed forever. Good idea to hang onto your bike though, just in case.

For me, it's not all completely about the exercise, though it's a significant part of it. I just take great joy in riding a well maintained high end bike to towns 30 and 40 miles away, feeling the breeze in my face, and all the different smells, knowing I'm doing good things for my mental and physical well being.

To me, it's priceless

I gave up running with my last season of lacrosse in college over 30 years ago. I never gave up cycling. To each his own. Just get out there. Anything beats sitting on the couch.

I think cycling is great if you are injured or overweight and can't run, but once you get well and drop the pounds, running really kicks you into shape. Compare track & field sprinters to bicyclists - they muscular and powerful instead of small and skinny.


I think you just need to dial up your cycling.
Maybe carry a ladder and some paint supplies on your next hill climb...

I think you just need to dial up your cycling.
Maybe carry a ladder and some paint supplies on your next hill climb...
And pick some real hills to climb too. Be a man, not a West Coast Wuss.

onbike, you hit the nail right on the head.
My brother used to run miles and miles. He can't do it anymore because his knees are shot. She had been to an orthopod and needs steroid shots and eventually will need knee transplants.
I have another friend that ran marathons and his knees are shot.

The way my knees reacted to running, I 'm lucky to have cycling. Can't imagine being bored. I see someting new each ride. Glad you have something to keep you from becomming a couch potato. Getting dressed for a ride to me is no different than anything else. If I hurry , it can take me 5 minutes.

Compare track & field sprinters to bicyclists - they muscular and powerful instead of small and skinny.


You mean buff like this guy?

http://www.sheanerinsurance.com/JSR/2002/Jesuit_distance_runner.jpg


Or like this guy?

http://www.uci.ch/data_2002/track/worldcup/wc_02/Sean_Eadie.jpg

Ask any family doctor regarding the injuries caused by running and you will be unpleasantly surprised. The continual jarring of the feet pounding down on the hard road surface can do damage to tendons and joints notwithstanding the use of quality running shoes.

Retinal detachment is another, rather nasty IMO, possibility... one for which (according to my optometrist) I'm at particularly high risk. :eek: I think I'll stick with cycling!

Don't you have to resign from BF now?

In all seriousness, there are plusses and minuses to both running and riding. As daylight gets short, I'll probably run a little for a change of pace, and weight control.

I know both a 60 year old cyclist and a 60 year old runner...without going into detail, I'd rather have the cyclists body by his age...he has virtually no health problems while the runner's back and knees are toast. Albeit there's some genetic differences I'm sure, but common knowledge also shows this should be the case for most people.

Think of it...we aren't evolved with any of the characteristics of good running creatures in the animal kingdom. while its true that no creature is evolved for cycling, we can (and do) design cycling around the known physical limitations of the human body.

Joy?

Perhapas you need to take up bike racing. No running event comes close to the intensity of a highly contested crit.
That would be halarious. I can see him now making fun of all other bikes that are cheaper then his, then promptly getting dropped about 5 minutes in to it. By a guy with a ladder and painting supplies on his bike.

I can't stand running.
I would rather take up swimming if I need a change. Or maybe rugby....wait...I live in the US. oops

Maybe you should've posted this in www.runnerforums.net

We'll welcome you back when your knees give out & you come back to cycling. Keep this in mind when you're running. The human knee was barely designed for walking, it was & is not designed for running. What it is perfectly designed to do quite well is cycling, or the motion of turning circles when the person is riding a bike. So go enjoy your running until your knees give out, see ya in a few years.

I think mac's time consuming excuse is rather poor. I ride a recumbent. Here is my preparation for a ride, this takes me anwywhere from 5 to 10 min:
1. Check bike, brakes, cables, etc.
2. Air up tires & Airzound
3. Attach computer to bracket
4. Attach Airzound
5. Attach camera if using it
6. Put Camel Bak bladder in pack & tighten straps. My Camel Bak is strapped to the back of my seat. It takes more time to put the bladder in the pack & tighten the straps then it would to put it on my back.
7. Put seat bag on, turn on MP3 player, secure straps so seat bag does not fall off.
8. Don my croakies eye glass strap, sweat gutr band, shoes, helmet & gloves.
9. Take bike outside, I am basing this on starting my ride form home or when I commute home from work.
10. Turn on speakers so I can hear my music.
11. Take off the Kool Covers from my Look cleats & put in seat bag.
12. Mount bike.
13. Secure Camel Bak tube to shirt.
14. Clip in left foot.
15. Take off.

I don't buy the time comsuming excuse. I probably take 3 times what you take to prepare for a ride mac.

I like the time of year when I add some running and cross training into my workout routine, but full-time, year-round running takes way more out of a body than it puts in. So in the training for fitness category, it doesn't stack too well as other folks have mentioned.

And if the one and only reason you were riding a bike was for exercise, no wonder you got tired of it. You completely missed out on the best part.

You might just want to look at your cycling training routine.

http://tinypic.com/io0yvk.jpg

'Bye. bk

I think mac's time consuming excuse is rather poor. I ride a recumbent. Here is my preparation for a ride, this takes me anwywhere from 5 to 10 min:
1. Check bike, brakes, cables, etc.
2. Air up tires & Airzound
3. Attach computer to bracket
4. Attach Airzound
5. Attach camera if using it
6. Put Camel Bak bladder in pack & tighten straps. My Camel Bak is strapped to the back of my seat. It takes more time to put the bladder in the pack & tighten the straps then it would to put it on my back.
7. Put seat bag on, turn on MP3 player, secure straps so seat bag does not fall off.
8. Don my croakies eye glass strap, sweat gutr band, shoes, helmet & gloves.
9. Take bike outside, I am basing this on starting my ride form home or when I commute home from work.
10. Turn on speakers so I can hear my music.
11. Take off the Kool Covers from my Look cleats & put in seat bag.
12. Mount bike.
13. Secure Camel Bak tube to shirt.
14. Clip in left foot.
15. Take off.

I don't buy the time comsuming excuse. I probably take 3 times what you take to prepare for a ride mac.


Whatever happened to just getting on a bike and riding?

mac.....then what was all that touring you did all about? Something must have interested you in that aspect of cycling. Perhaps you might try long distance cycling instead. It doesn't require too much group participation as most riders tend to ride in smaller groups or solo as in many cases.

I have to disagree with the contention that the human body has not evolved to run, and to interested runners, I recommend the book "Why We Run." I've also found that running strengthens my knees and has eliminated my problems with lower back pain.

That said, bicycling and running compliment each other quite nicely. One huge advantage that bicycling has is that you can cover much greater distances at much higher speeds, which translates into more fun.

You want to run and bike? Take up cyclocross.

I prefer cycling because I enjoy an adventure. With a bike, I can go three times as far using one half the energy and that allows me to see and experience more stuff. The "bang-for-buck" in running is simply too low for me (unless you count the damage it does to the knees and joints) although I might give trail running a try.

I have to disagree with the contention that the human body has not evolved to run, and to interested runners, I recommend the book "Why We Run." I've also found that running strengthens my knees and has eliminated my problems with lower back pain.

That said, bicycling and running compliment each other quite nicely. One huge advantage that bicycling has is that you can cover much greater distances at much higher speeds, which translates into more fun.

I never said the human body, I said the human knee. Maybe others made comments about the body not being designed to run.

Whatever happened to just getting on a bike and riding?

I have always had a ritual similar to this prior to a ride. It helps me mentally prepare & psyches me up for the ride. I always do this ritual in this order too. It is part of my organized personality.

I have always had a ritual similar to this prior to a ride. It helps me mentally prepare & psyches me up for the ride. I always do this ritual in this order too. It is part of my organized personality.

Dude, you seriously need to spend a month on some tropical island with 20 women who will cater to your every whim, a bottomless bottle of Tequila and an endless supply of fatties. You are wired way too tight!

I never said the human body, I said the human knee.

I'm pretty sure the knee is part of the body. :p

I think mac's time consuming excuse is rather poor. I ride a recumbent. Here is my preparation for a ride, this takes me anwywhere from 5 to 10 min:
1. Check bike, brakes, cables, etc.
2. Air up tires & Airzound
3. Attach computer to bracket
4. Attach Airzound
5. Attach camera if using it
6. Put Camel Bak bladder in pack & tighten straps. My Camel Bak is strapped to the back of my seat. It takes more time to put the bladder in the pack & tighten the straps then it would to put it on my back.
7. Put seat bag on, turn on MP3 player, secure straps so seat bag does not fall off.
8. Don my croakies eye glass strap, sweat gutr band, shoes, helmet & gloves.
9. Take bike outside, I am basing this on starting my ride form home or when I commute home from work.
10. Turn on speakers so I can hear my music.
11. Take off the Kool Covers from my Look cleats & put in seat bag.
12. Mount bike.
13. Secure Camel Bak tube to shirt.
14. Clip in left foot.
15. Take off.

I don't buy the time comsuming excuse. I probably take 3 times what you take to prepare for a ride mac.
That's way too much stuff.

Here's what I do:

1. Get neked
2. Put on helmet and shoes.
3. Clip-in and ride.

Chicks dig it.

Dude, you seriously need to spend a month on some tropical island with 20 women who will cater to your every whim, a bottomless bottle of Tequila and an endless supply of fatties. You are wired way too tight!

:lol:

i think i could use that vacation. seriously though, cycling can be a drag sometimes. you gotta figure out what works for you over the long term. typically i get burnt out about 4 or 5 times a year. i recognize, now, when i just need to sleep in rather than drag the bike out for a ride. taking regular bouts of time off keeps me interested longer than if i just rode every day straight through. know thyself.

Yea. I was thinking about becoming a triathlete...

Then I remembered I hate running and swimming.:p

I don't think you guys quite "get" Mac... He's obviously "pullin your chain" :)

I can see why too...after about 2 weeks in this forum, I see SOME of you just
drip with over-serious, rightous indignation, and I find it literally impossible to resist
doing the same.

-dave

Compare track & field sprinters to bicyclists - they muscular and powerful instead of small and skinny. That's sprinters. Doesn't sound like you're one though. Anything over a few hundred metres (e.g. marathon :D) - and the runners suddenly become as small and skinny as cyclists. :p

I could be a "d'ck" and say "stay off this forum because it's for us cyclists", but I wont. Cycling did'nt work for you and that is a shame. Running is good, but do it while you're young before your knees blow out, and your joints are trashed forever. Good idea to hang onto your bike though, just in case. My god, I can just imagine what converts into cycling get on jogger forums:

"I could be a sh't and say "stay off this forum because it's for us joggers" but I won't. Running didn't work for you and it's a shame. Cycling is good, but I hope the inevitable close calls will enlighten you and you quit it in time before a violent collision with an SUV turns you into a paraplegic. We bid you farewell and wish you good luck in your new world of road rash, road kill and road rage. Good idea to hang on to those running shoes though, just in case.":D

Yea. I was thinking about becoming a triathlete...

Then I remembered I hate running and swimming.:p


LOL!
That's hilarious!
I said the exact same thing to a triathlete I work with.
Except that I like noncompetitive swimming.
Heck, a crit sounds like more fun than bike,run, and swim.
Round and round in circles I go. Dizzy now.

Dude, you seriously need to spend a month on some tropical island with 20 women who will cater to your every whim, a bottomless bottle of Tequila and an endless supply of fatties. You are wired way too tight!


Don't we all need that, and where might it be available?

Don't we all need that? Replace "20 women" with "20 hot young guys" - and I'm in! :D

My god, I can just imagine what converts into cycling get on jogger forums:




Then why dont you go there!

I've gotten really bored with cycling. It's a pain to get ready with all of the cycling gear, )

I enjoy running and it is nice to just throw on the running shoes and go out the door.

You should really do both, just trim down some of the cycling gear. If I am going on a ride that's under an hour or even an hour and half, I just throw on shorts and a t-shirt.

If you like a certain aspect of cycling and you hate or are bored with others, then focus on the aspects you like and minimize the things that are negative.

Run, bike, swim......... play golf.:D

hummm.. I do both sports and love both sports and could not give up cycling.
running is a pain too but more then just a pain in the butt, it's a very hard sports on your joints and your body, just ask my knee.
But yet, I couldnt give up the high i get from it.
You think running is harder? I agreed till i started racing and doing hill work, now I cant say running takes more efforts.
when i only ran, you couldnt tell i was in a Boston marathon shape till Id be wearing shorts and I was actually running to show any muscle definition! with cycling.. my jeans by themselves could tell me that Ive been working hard.
Im gald you took up running, but Im afraid I dont agree that it's better or harder then cycling.

running? whats that?

I ride recumbents as well but my prep routine is more like:
1. fill and attach water bottles
2. take of jumper if wearing
3: put on helmet and glasses
4. go riding
For my faired trike as above but slip on my bike shoes as well.
I check tyres once a week with a gauge otherwise just give them a push test as I take off.
Anything else I need is permanently attached to each bike.
Prep time 1~2 minutes, bet it takes longer to get ready for a run.
Getting home after ride is:
1.Ride into family room
2.Put helmet and glasses on table
3.Put capuccino machine on :)

N_C that sounds like a take off check list for the Shuttle. ;)


I think mac's time consuming excuse is rather poor. I ride a recumbent. Here is my preparation for a ride, this takes me anwywhere from 5 to 10 min:
1. Check bike, brakes, cables, etc.
2. Air up tires & Airzound
3. Attach computer to bracket
4. Attach Airzound
5. Attach camera if using it
6. Put Camel Bak bladder in pack & tighten straps. My Camel Bak is strapped to the back of my seat. It takes more time to put the bladder in the pack & tighten the straps then it would to put it on my back.
7. Put seat bag on, turn on MP3 player, secure straps so seat bag does not fall off.
8. Don my croakies eye glass strap, sweat gutr band, shoes, helmet & gloves.
9. Take bike outside, I am basing this on starting my ride form home or when I commute home from work.
10. Turn on speakers so I can hear my music.
11. Take off the Kool Covers from my Look cleats & put in seat bag.
12. Mount bike.
13. Secure Camel Bak tube to shirt.
14. Clip in left foot.
15. Take off.

I don't buy the time comsuming excuse. I probably take 3 times what you take to prepare for a ride mac.

Then why dont you go there! 'Cause I'm into cycling and not into jogging?

I have long railed against racer burnout. Can't win always. How about just the love of cycling. Pedaling yourself down the road to some beautiful location, under your own power. Smelling the cow merde on a country road. One of lives pleasures.

Dude, you seriously need to spend a month on some tropical island with 20 women who will cater to your every whim, a bottomless bottle of Tequila and an endless supply of fatties. You are wired way too tight!

What is wrong with my ride preperation? What is your problem with it? It works quite well for me, in fact it helps me relaxe before my ride. I take pride in the fact that I make sure everything is perfect before I take off on the bike. I do these things to ensure I'll have a good ride. So why the attitude toward how I prepare for a ride? Just because it may not or does not work for you does not mean it does not work well for me. It seems you're uptight about another persons ride prep. Maybe you ought take your own advice & use it. Thanks for the advice but I'm not going to use it.

If you're this uptight about my ride prep. I hate to see how uptight you are if you knew what steps I am taking for my vacation trip to Hawaii so I can ride there before I even leave.

Here is the link: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=234587