Fifty Plus (50+) - Has cycling tempted you to start running?

Since I started cycling a year ago I have lost 30 lbs and achieved a higher level of fitness. With this new-found fitness level I have begun to try to jog/run. I find that the running is beating myself up. My knees hurt, my back hurts etc... I've got to learn to just stay on the bike! Anyone else ever go through this? I'll be 55 years old this summer, and I am really feeling it.

Oh god, no. Never. Not at all.

Unless it involves chasing a ball.

But running. That's just wrong.

No.

No way

cycling, no... but being fit and wanting to maintain that, yes. I dont like doing a training ride in the dark, so most of the year I run on Tues, Wed, and Thurs before work.

Ha! Looks like I've touched a nerve here. I agree with you guys! Why would anyone in their right mind want to run when you can ride? But, I guess I'm not always in my right mind, or sometimes I don't have time to go for 20 miler on the bike but jogging a 5K is within time restraints. But, then I pay for it with the nagging pain that running brings on. Still I love it when I'm loose and running.

cycling, no... but being fit and wanting to maintain that, yes. I dont like doing a training ride in the dark, so most of the year I run on Tues, Wed, and Thurs before work.

How do you keep the pain away?

I'm not so sure I could run if I was crazy enough to try it. When playing with the grand kids I kind of shuffle. Anyway as you discovered who would want to.

I started running a little over a year ago, but it was more out of curiousity to see if I could do it than anything else. Cycling has had nothing to do with it. In fact, the amount of time I prefer to be out riding is interfering with time for running, so you could say I started running in spite of cycling.

I'm really interested in any training techniques, nutrition, stretching etc... of people in the 50+ cycling group who do both; cycle and run. My goal is to keep jogging into my 60's and then if possible even my 70's.

Is this a trick question. No.

I started running a little over a year ago, but it was more out of curiousity to see if I could do it than anything else. Cycling has had nothing to do with it. In fact, the amount of time I prefer to be out riding is interfering with time for running, so you could say I started running in spite of cycling.
Yes, I know what you mean... I also started running because my weight loss rate has plateaued with cycling. Running combined with cycling renders a more efficient way of increasing my metabolism to achieve the weight loss. I've lost 30 through cycling... That came off easy within the first few months. Iwant to lose 25 more but its being very stubborn. I feel like I can reach my goal If I can keep running and cycling but avoid the injurys that running brings on.

I'm really interested in any training techniques, nutrition, stretching etc... of people in the 50+ cycling group who do both; cycle and run. My goal is to keep jogging into my 60's and then if possible even my 70's.

Why not 80s 90s or 100s?

I don't really have any training tips other than to say I run at a sustainable pace (for me, that's only about a 10:45 mile) for 2.5-3 miles at a time, with quarter-mile walks before and after, and I do it at least once a week, twice if I can squeeze it in. The only other running I do is about 3 or 4 5Ks a year. How I got to this advanced state of hyper-fitness ( ;) ) was the venerable Couch-to-5k program. Someday I may feel compelled to up the mileage, but it's not a priority at this point in my life, especially when you look at running injury statistics.

Is this a trick question. No.
No trick... Just trying to bring my level of fitness up, and at my age, its difficult to stay injury free in order to accomplish it. I may be wrong, but I feel cross- training would be very beneficial to my cycling and overall fitness.

Why not 80s 90s or 100s?
Trying to be realistic, but if you have any tips on how one can accomplish this...

I don't really have any training tips other than to say I run at a sustainable pace (for me, that's only about a 10:45 mile) for 2.5-3 miles at a time, with quarter-mile walks before and after, and I do it at least once a week, twice if I can squeeze it in. The only other running I do is about 3 or 4 5Ks a year. How I got to this advanced state of hyper-fitness ( ;) ) was the venerable Couch-to-5k program. Someday I may feel compelled to up the mileage, but it's not a priority at this point in my life, especially when you look at running injury statistics.

10:45 is a pretty good pace! I've been doing the fartlek training method alternating periods of jogging and walking. Usually I count my strides... I'll jog for 200 strides than walk for a hundred strides, usually covering a distance of 3 miles approx. Problem is inevitably the endorphins kick in and I find myself running at a 10min/mile pace and thats when the joint pain comes in.

Since I started cycling a year ago I have lost 30 lbs and achieved a higher level of fitness. With this new-found fitness level I have begun to try to jog/run. I find that the running is beating myself up. My knees hurt, my back hurts etc... I've got to learn to just stay on the bike! Anyone else ever go through this? I'll be 55 years old this summer, and I am really feeling it. There is a young and very fit trainer at my gym who only very rarely rides a bike. I can drop her on a bike ride. If we went running together I would be done in 100 yards. I try to tell her running is bad for your knees, but instead, she just went and got her knee operated on and plans to keep on running. I commented, "Let's hope the technology of knee repair keeps getting better as you get older and persist in running and messing up your knees." She said that's what she is planning on.

Don in Austin

Trying to be realistic, but if you have any tips on how one can accomplish this...

Yes, I think it starts with a mindset. If you visualize failure, it most certainly will happen. We cannot control age related degeneration but we can certainly visualize ourselves as healthy and capable for a long time. Realism, has nothing to do with that equation.

Running is not going to improve your cycling per se or vice versa. Energy is a zero sum game to an extent. Running may be good for bone health and is certainly easier to do when traveling. And there is evidence showing that modern running shoes with max cushion are a source of injury due to promoting a heal strike with a locked knee versus a mid sole strike with a bent knee. I used to run but I like cycling a lot more. I have a pair of the new slip over shoes that look like feet that offer no padding. In those, you have to land mid sole and maintain a slightly bent knee.

So running much like cycling is about technique and training to prevent injury. And running for a long time in the future is about taking care of your body and strengthening those muscles that running weakens and stretching those that running shortens.

I love running and cycling. teachme, running does utilize a totally (almost) different set of muscles and you will be sore in different places than when you cycle. One of the biggest causes for running discomfort is inappopriate footwear. If you haven't done so already, you should go to a running shoe store - not big box store, but a specialized runners store - and get fitted for your shoes much like you would be fitted for a bike. It will cost nothing. They will analyze your gait and ask you a lot of questions. Take a pair of shoes that you have used for some time along with you. They could be athletic shoes, but don't need to be. That will help them understand your gait and foot-strike even more.

You will be surprised what the correct shoes will do for your facility to run. Yes, inappropriate shoes do cause knee pain, back pain, foot pain of many varieties that just may go away with the correct shoes. Be prepared to spend a hundred bucks or more on the correct shoes. It will be worth every penny and may very well be the difference in whether you choose to run for the long term or not.

I find cross training to be beneficial to my cycling, and it also serves to keep me interested in staying fit overall. And during the worst of weather, I can always run on a treadmill as well as ride the trainer. BTW, running on a treadmill is far lower impact than running outside, and will result in a bit less soreness overall.

I encourage you to give it a shot.

No. Make that HELL NO! I ride because I don't want to run. Never did like running. Plus it's hard on the knees. I want them around for a long time.

Yes, I know what you mean... I also started running because my weight loss rate has plateaued with cycling. Running combined with cycling renders a more efficient way of increasing my metabolism to achieve the weight loss. I've lost 30 through cycling... That came off easy within the first few months. Iwant to lose 25 more but its being very stubborn. I feel like I can reach my goal If I can keep running and cycling but avoid the injurys that running brings on.

Almost any well thought out cross-training program will kick you metabolism into gear again. Your last sentence hits the nail on the head as to why running isn't part of my cross training.

There is a young and very fit trainer at my gym who only very rarely rides a bike. I can drop her on a bike ride. If we went running together I would be done in 100 yards. I try to tell her running is bad for your knees, but instead, she just went and got her knee operated on and plans to keep on running. I commented, "Let's hope the technology of knee repair keeps getting better as you get older and persist in running and messing up your knees." She said that's what she is planning on.

Don in Austin

Yeah, I can see where the pounding of running is going to cost the knees.

I have been tempted since a 5K charity run a few years ago, but so far I've managed to resist the temptation. It wasn't that the run was enjoyable, but because I hadn't run at all for about 30 years my time was so bad that it's hard to just leave it at that.

Yes, I think it starts with a mindset. If you visualize failure, it most certainly will happen. We cannot control age related degeneration that is out of our control but we can certainly visualize ourselves as healthy and capable for a long time. Realism, has nothing to do with that equation.

Running is not going to improve your cycling per se or vice versa. Energy is a zero sum game to an extent. Running may be good for bone health and is certainly easier to do when traveling. And there is evidence showing that modern running shoes with max cushion are a source of injury due to promoting a heal strike with a locked knee versus a mid sole strike with a bent knee. I used to run but I like cycling a lot more. I have a pair of the new slip over shoes that look like feet that offer no padding. In those, you have to land mid sole and maintain a slightly bent knee.

So running much like cycling is about technique and training to prevent injury. And running for a long time in the future is about taking care of your body and strengthening those muscles that running weakens and stretching those that running shortens.

I have a pair of the lites shoes and I agree that less is more when it comes to running shoes. Haven't tried the slip ons that look like feet, but I'm open to the idea. Some proclaim barefoot running as the best for joints.

I love running and cycling. teachme, running does utilize a totally (almost) different set of muscles and you will be sore in different places than when you cycle. One of the biggest causes for running discomfort is inappopriate footwear. If you haven't done so already, you should go to a running shoe store - not big box store, but a specialized runners store - and get fitted for your shoes much like you would be fitted for a bike. It will cost nothing. They will analyze your gait and ask you a lot of questions. Take a pair of shoes that you have used for some time along with you. They could be athletic shoes, but don't need to be. That will help them understand your gait and foot-strike even more.

You will be surprised what the correct shoes will do for your facility to run. Yes, inappropriate shoes do cause knee pain, back pain, foot pain of many varieties that just may go away with the correct shoes. Be prepared to spend a hundred bucks or more on the correct shoes. It will be worth every penny and may very well be the difference in whether you choose to run for the long term or not.

I find cross training to be beneficial to my cycling, and it also serves to keep me interested in staying fit overall. And during the worst of weather, I can always run on a treadmill as well as ride the trainer. BTW, running on a treadmill is far lower impact than running outside, and will result in a bit less soreness overall.

I encourage you to give it a shot.

Thanks for the encouragement! Visiting a shoe store is definitely on the list.

No. Make that HELL NO! I ride because I don't want to run. Never did like running. Plus it's hard on the knees. I want them around for a long time.

OK, I like to run. when I played basketball we had to run a sub 6 minute mile, just to be able to try out for the team. I don't think I'll ever hit that mark again but 15 minute mile is doable. It is hard on the knees, I agree with you on that.

I have been tempted since a 5K charity run a few years ago, but so far I've managed to resist the temptation. It wasn't that the run was enjoyable, but because I hadn't run at all for about 30 years my time was so bad that it's hard to just leave it at that.
I know the feeling...

Almost any well thought out cross-training program will kick you metabolism into gear again. Your last sentence hits the nail on the head as to why running isn't part of my cross training.
Yes,
I thought about joining a gym with a swimming pool, but time constraints prevent that. I teach full time and own a driver's ed school part time keeps me busy from can to can't...

Running is a wonderful activity that I've not been able to do for many years because it screws up and exacerbates a bad back. This is especially true if running on pavement.

About 10 years ago I played quite a bit of tennis when I lived in the South where clay courts are common. If I played on hard courts more than once a week, my knees would complain. In fact, it is interesting that even young and very fit elite tennis players are having knee problems due to so many events occurring on hard courts there days.

Running is great if you stay on dirt trails and pay attention to stride.

Running is a wonderful activity that I've not been able to do for many years because it screws up and exacerbates a bad back. This is especially true if running on pavement.

About 10 years ago I played quite a bit of tennis when I lived in the South where clay courts are common. If I played on hard courts more than once a week, my knees would complain. In fact, it is interesting that even young and very fit elite tennis players are having knee problems due to so many events occurring on hard courts there days.

Running is great if you stay on dirt trails and pay attention to stride.
Excellent idea! I was just thinking about running trails or staying on the school grounds/fields might be better than running on the pavement. I like cycling more, but running fits into the schedule better sometimes.

Running is for criminals

I'm a former runner who took up racewalking about 17 years ago. My knees would not allow me to run today even if I wanted to, but I can racewalk with no problems. Last weekend I finished my third half marathon of this year.

Cycling is a great workout, but it's not weight-bearing. I'm starting to have some bone density loss so I'm going to keep the weight-bearing exercise as long as I can.

I'm a former runner who took up racewalking about 17 years ago. My knees would not allow me to run today even if I wanted to, but I can racewalk with no problems. Last weekend I finished my third half marathon of this year.

Cycling is a great workout, but it's not weight-bearing. I'm starting to have some bone density loss so I'm going to keep the weight-bearing exercise as long as I can.

You hit the trifecta on that one! Exactly the reason I was looking for, to keep running in my cross-training program!

I run run, swim and bike throughout the week, it is a very busy schedule with two workouts on most days. I make sure I take one full day off at least once a week. If you slowly increase your mileage or time you will ease into a steady improvement in fitness. You might also want to talk to a running or triathlon coach to help you develop a program that will keep you injury free and progressively getting fitter.

The hardest part of being a triathlete is.....

Yes, I know what you mean... I also started running because my weight loss rate has plateaued with cycling. Running combined with cycling renders a more efficient way of increasing my metabolism to achieve the weight loss. I've lost 30 through cycling... That came off easy within the first few months. Iwant to lose 25 more but its being very stubborn. I feel like I can reach my goal If I can keep running and cycling but avoid the injurys that running brings on.

I've found the best weight loss equipment is the knowledgeable use of a fork. I exercise for fitness and eat healthy for weight loss/maintenance. If I can't exercise, my fitness goes down, but the weight doesn't go up.

For me.

.....having to.....

I ride 2x a week with a bunch of Triathletes. I'm getting tempted to do a tri. :eek:

No. Because the harshness on the joints and protecting my feet(diabetic), I ride for cardio, fitness, and fun.

I have a bad knee that prevents me from running or jogging. It has no effect on my bike riding other than keeping me from standing up while riding. Not much of a loss.

OK, I like to run. when I played basketball we had to run a sub 6 minute mile, just to be able to try out for the team. I don't think I'll ever hit that mark again but 15 minute mile is doable. It is hard on the knees, I agree with you on that.

This must be a typo. 15 minute mile is moderate walking. A 12 minute mile is fast walking and 11 minute starts a slow jog or race walking. If that pace is correct, you would be better off brisk walking and not take any impact loading on your skeleton.

I ran cross-country in high school and continued running for fitness into my mid-20's. However, I have not run in any sustained way for over 30 years. This thread (and others like it on other sub-forums) leave me wondering if I could get back into decent running shape. I've been very pleasantly surprised at the gains in fitness I have experienced in just one year of cycling. I am reluctant to start a running program due to fear of the injuries I might sustain from the pounding.

Like a lot of others here I found that running was killing my knees. I gave it up before I hit 45 over a decade ago. I do sometimes walk for exercise, but I would rather be on one of my bikes.

I did enjoy running in high school, but any desire I would have for it now is easily outweighed by the wish to keep my back functioning. Bike riding keeps my damaged back stronger, but not strong enough to keep one misplaced step while running from turning me into a hobbling wretch.

>>>Has cycling tempted you to start running?<<<

BWAHAHAHA!! LOL!!!! LMAO!!!!!

Oh, wait. You were serious!?!?!?!

Absolutely. I think I enjoy my runs more than my rides...though riding brought me back to running after I burned out on riding. But, I can only do treadmills, -.5 decline...my knees can't deal with more. A 45 minute run, and then a cool down and a little yoga; that's a good sweaty workout.

Cycling is encouraging me to keep running.... odd man out, I guess. It really helps on the bike when max. cardio output is needed, such as during long climbs at higher altitudes. I can tell the difference when I haven't been running. Been doing both activities for decades, don't want to quit either one.

Oh god, no. Never. Not at all.

Unless it involves chasing a ball.

But running. That's just wrong.
+1
If someone stole one of my bikes, I'd run after it/them.

Put me in the "No, never, no way" category. I'm 5' 11", thin build, and people comment to me frequently that "you must be a great runner".
When I tell them I hate running, and prefer cycling, the response is generally a blank stare. I just dislike the pounding on feet, knees, and
everything else. It also seems very inefficient, but maybe that's just me.