RPK79

I've been doing intervals in the gym (2x2s) during the week and then one outside run with extended run time on the weekend.

Baldy1953

I hope running is not stupid as I just began a routine that will hopefully get me in shaped to do a duathalon in March. Going to be a 3.1 mile run, 10 mile bike ride, and another 3.1 miles. Been almost 35 years since i have done any running and am not looking forward to getting the feet working again. Did 1/2 mile today and thought I was going to fall out. Definitely got the heart rate up (157) for a while. A little over my max for my age (62) ,but made it. I say if your wife wants you to do it, then you will be better off to continue.

KonaRider125

I either walk/hike or ride my bike.

Running just feels too hard on my body, and unnatural.

Stucky

What's the problem? I still have a free hand with which to hold my teddy!

Stucky

Yeah, some of us just weren't cut-pout to be runners. Thank goodness they invented the bicycle, or I don't know what we'd do! (In how many other anaerobic sports do you get to sit down while participating?)

RPK79

Funny thing is she hasn't been sticking to it very well while I have been taking to it consistently. She's actually gotten a little mad at me because we were supposed to do it together and I've already jumped in with both feet and have been making improvements.

I was looking at duathalons as well. I figure if I can find one around May it would work out well as it would be around the time I'm transitioning away from running and building back up my cycling base.

FrenchFit 

I was a daily runner (geezer) until a couple of unrelated surgeries totally messed with my workout plan. It's been 10 months and I'm still trying to get my running legs back. My sense is running translates to great cardio output for climbing, but it does not help you generate power/watts. In my experience being a runner tends to slow your biking cadence and mess with your pedal stroke. It is great training for standing climbs, but doesn't really translate to speed or endurance. So...I would be surprised to hear that pro cyclists use running much for training, unless they are working on firing the glutes.

Lastly, there are no Freds in running - nuf said.

RISKDR1

winter rains often keep me off the bike. Snowshoeing and XC skiing and winter hiking can fill in. Keeps the heart and vascular system working well even though not cycling specific.

Seattle Forrest

XC skiing feels a lot more like cycling to me. You can coast a little bit if you build up some speed, you can't glide when you run. It's high enough output to keep you warm, it's kind of amazing how little you wear for 25 to 30 F. And you can do it in zone 2, I can't run below mid zone 3. But I've got to drive a long way to find a ski trail and I can run from my door after work.

kevmk81

Pony up and fix your trainer. Running half an hour sux more than riding 4 hours on the trainer. Everyone has an opinion though. Have to admit though, love a run while the snow is falling. Hate it when it's hot out. Would rather suffer on the bike. And by all means, if you try hard on the bike, it can be just a good workout as running.

garciawork

I have an energetic dog, so several runs per week are mandatory. Once I got a pair of maximalist shoes (Hoke One One), running has been MUCH better. 5 miles left my knees demolished and barely able to walk, now I don't even notice. Given the need to run my dog, I run more than I ride unfortunately, but I try to keep my heart rate up while running, and I have noticed a benefit to my riding in the past vs periods of low activity period. No, the muscles aren't the same, but the aerobic training is applicable. And hey, either one beats the heck outta swimming!

Stucky

NOTHING is worse than riding on a trainer! NOTHING! Not even enduring the Chinese water torture while listening to Celine Dion!

Thanks to some of the posts in this thread, I just may give running another try- If I can just do 20 minute runs maybe 3x a week for now, maybe I'll be able to ease myself into some real running. What have I got to lose?

Maelochs

Wouldn't riding a trainer and listening to Celine Dion be worse than just riding a trainer? All the cartilage in your knees?

Leinster

Even if that were true (and in my neighbourhood it demonstrably isn't) what if you only have half an hour to work out?

Maelochs

Don't waste it running, 'cause that would suck. Ultimately we have another "My favorite color is faster" thread. And my favorite color is faster---on a bike, than when it is running.

All we need is one photo of a fat guy on a beach cruiser pacing a runner in training to see which works best ... if I can keep up with a marathoner while I am on a singlespeed with 2.25-inch tires and springs in the seat ....

How many watts can you run?

Seattle Forrest

Earlier we had "cycling can be just as good exercise as running," now ^^^ we have a fat guy on a beach cruiser keeping up with a well trained marathoner.

Seattle Forrest

There's a power meter for runners called Stryd. Far as I know only the Ambits truly support it as everything else refuses to accept power except in bike mode.

Maelochs

Well ... a World-Class marathoner averages just under 13 mph. I can do that for a couple hours on a beach cruiser ... maybe .... it the road stays flat ... on a good day ... with a tailwind.

Okay, so I only pace slower marathoners, all right?

StanSeven

Before I took up cycling I hated cyclists on the MUP because many came close as I ran. My fun was passing slow cyclists and saying on your left.

Stucky

I'd like to think that I'd have expired before it even got to that point!


Even on grass? (I mean running on the grass...not "being on grass".... )

Seattle Forrest

I was trying to say you have a point and you've more or less proven that cycling is easier than running.

StanSeven

Even on grass? (I mean running on the grass...not "being on grass".... )[/QUOTE]

If someone doesn't have a biomechcanical problem, running does absolutely no damage. However if you have an unstable gait, a structural problem with feet, or something like that, you might put stress on knees. If you have pain running, a sports podiatrist or doctor can tell you if anything is wrong or needs correction.

Maelochs

If someone doesn't have a biomechcanical problem, running does absolutely no damage. However if you have an unstable gait, a structural problem with feet, or something like that, you might put stress on knees. If you have pain running, a sports podiatrist or doctor can tell you if anything is wrong or needs correction.[/QUOTE] A little grass might help as well ... I've heard.

Ray9

I started running in 1973. I ran in department store shoes until 1975 when I got my first pair of running shoes. I ran my first race in 1979 on the fourth of July, a five miler. My time was 29:14 and I got fifth place out of 170 runners. After that I trained very seriously and by 1985 I was running 70 mile weeks and my five mile times were under 26 minutes. In 1985 I and one of my running buddies ran 65 races. It took its toll. I have three herniated discs in my spine which is why I began cycling in 1983 while I was injured. Running is high impact and for a forefoot striker like me injuries are unavoidable. My experience taught me that running does little to compliment cycling because it uses a different muscle group. It can maintain weight if you don't get hurt but that's about it.

Stucky

How do you know that those herniated discs are from running though? I know sedentary guys who have sat in chairs for 40 years, and ended up with herniated discs. (Only they have a lot of other ailments to go along with it...like clogged arteries and diabetes....)