musicmaster

As my sophomore collegiate Track season comes to an end, I realize that my competitive days of running are running out. Although I realize that I have some talent, I do recognize that my body type doesn't really go with running and being competitive outside of Division III meets and low-key road races.

I'd venture to guess that if I trained for a marathon / half, I could probably get myself down to 1:14/2:45 at the moment, but much faster than that would be the luck of the draw.

I have recently seriously thought about taking up competitive biking and possibly turning it into a future sport.

I'm 5'6 and just under 150lbs. I can't drop weight. When running 90-100 mile weeks, I'd occasionally get down to around 146 or whatnot, but could never get below 145 except when dehydrated. A lot of the weight is in natural muscle. I have a lot of muscle in my lower body (from just running, I never lift lower) and have begun to wonder if maybe I would actually be better suited for biking. Its not my diet, I eat lots of pasta, fruits and veggies and no fried foods or junk foods.

I realize that obviously like any endurance sport, you have to practice a lot, but it seems like (from photos at least) many bikers tend to be a bit bulkier in their legs, which could benefit me?

Garfield Cat

Just ride and not think about competing. If it presents itself, you will know. As you ride, learn about form like in running. That form is mostly the pedal stroke and its many facets.

umd

Competitive endurance runners and endurance cyclists have similar body types: small. If you weren't happy with your performance as a runner you probably shouldn't expect cycling (competitively) to be much different. However you may want to look at track cycling which favors being stronger over endurance (to a point), or shorter road events like criteriums. But really just start riding and see how you like it. Joint group rides to get experience riding with other people, then try a race.

There is a good thread in the racing forum for information on getting started:
New to Racing? Here's a tip or two

frankenmike 

Look around any pro peleton and you are bound to see a variety of types. Magnus is a huge viking, Bettini is a small cricket. It's more about the ability to use your body type efficiently.

StephenH

Somebody on here once said "You're either having fun or getting better or just wearing out parts" or something to that effect.

Look at it this way: You're either going to be a pro rider and make a good living at it. Or Not. And if Not, you'd better be having fun at it. With that in mind, I'd do whatever sounded like more fun, whether running or cycling or what. If they seem equally fun, at least cycling is a little easier on your joints and gets you more breeze when it's hot. It also costs more, come to think of it, so that could be a factor.

People think of bicycle racing as the Tour de France, but they also have endurance races, BMX racing, mountain bike racing, etc. And there's a lot of events that are not high-profile, so you can go do a bunch of competing without being in college or in pro cycling.

pwdeegan

try Cyclecross (CX): multiple terrain courses, bicycling, running, and if you're lucky, copious amounts of mud.
check the BF forum: https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...?23-Cyclocross