bhgoode

There was one other thread on this topic but it wasn't very helpful. Since it is cold where I live and I hate riding in the cold I got the idea to start running to help build some base endurance until it warms up because I am disgusted with the trainer after 40 or so minutes, I will still use it for interval training. I intend to start racing this spring in April or about then, and I was a decent rider last summer and fall, but the winter has shot my endurance, so will running help?

GuitarWizard

Running and cycling use different muscle groups, so take that for whatever it's worth. I can easily pedal 100 miles, but right now I'd probably die if I had to run 5 miles.

I just got in a little while ago from a 20 degree ride....with the right clothing, it's not that bad.

Pizza Man

I was a runner for 20 years before I started cycling and my endurance carried over pretty well.
You can definitely get a great aerobic base from running.

I've gradually decreased my running over the past year to the point now where I run 4-5 miles about 2 times a month, since it really seems to make me sore now (never used to).

Must be the monster quads I've built up from cycling.

I'd say it's better than nothing if you can't get out on the bike.

FrankBattle 

It will help your cardiovascular endurance. You will have to get used to using the bike-specific again once the weather breaks. Sometimes I tire of these ironmen who tell you to suck it up and ride regardless of what the weather is. Good for those who go out below freezing.

For many, it's not only the temperature, but the darkness also (matters only to those who work late sometimes). I say go ahead and run, use the ellpitical, stationary bike etc anything you do to get the heart rate up a few times a week will put you that much closer to having a decent base once you can start riding outside.

This thread comes up a few times every winter. One of the better points on this is that taking some time off to cross train (i.e. do something equally as hard) not only helps your overall fitness, but also keeps you from becoming bored from overuse [of the bike]. The important distinctions are that 1. Not everyone can ride outdoors all year. 2. Not everyone can commute to work 3. Not everyone can take time off during the day to ride. 4. We all love our bikes.

So, yes, you can run etc to maintain cardio fitness. If you want to race and win, you really do need to suck it up and get out. Or move south.

bhgoode

I agree with all of that and maintaining cardiovascular fitness is all I'm really worried about, as I can still ride the trainer to do high intensity workouts and not want to kill myself from boredom. But I feel I need to ask the question, can I maintain pack finishes and maybe better if I don't start riding reguarly until maybe... mid February, if it warms up enough, maybe I will have to suck it up then, but January is toooo cold.

P.S. I will be racing Cat 5

Hammertoe

Ya, but running hurts...

rufvelo

I tried running for endurance but it never really helped. Only more mileage did it for me. 2hrs on a trainer shouldn't be a problem if you're very serious about cycling. Sure nothing like the outdoors, but sitting in the pack for 4hrs sometimes is just as boring.

GuitarWizard

Just remember.....if you're racing, chances are your competitors are out riding right now. Would I rather be riding in 80 degree and sunny weather? Of course I would....but, I live in New England, so that's not realistic. What is realistic is that I can buy gear that enables me to A) ride when it's dark out, and B) ride when it's cold out. And when riding outside is not an option, my CycleOps Fluid 2 fits the bill...when it's not leaking. Hell, I racked up over 7 hours of trainer time over this past weekend. Boring? It's all in how you look at it. If you're properly motivated, it's not that bad.

As for running, if you're not already a runner, you need to be careful and do it very gradually, otherwise you can injure yourself. Shin splints are fairly easy to get if you try to do too much too soon. Me, I was training for a marathon a few years back, and crushed my shin with my motorcycle when I was taking it out of my basement one day. That ended my "running career"; I can no longer run more than 1-2 miles without my right shin feeling like it's going to explode. After a year off and gaining 30 pounds, I went back to cycling. I've shed the 30 pounds (and would still like to lose another 10), and will be racing this year.

DRLski

and cycling doesn't?

DRLski

How on Earth do you spend that much time on the trainer. I'd love to spend that kind of time on my trainer but after 30-45 minutes I can hardly feel anything downstairs and I have a hard time believing it's my saddle since I can be out on the road for hours at a time and never have an issue.

ovoleg

and cycling on the road is dangerous

kingsfan4life

Yeah, I wouldn't say it drastically boosts the performance of your cycling, but it never hurts to build up an overall strong endurance.

Hammertoe

I can ride in the house with Coach Troy yelling at me...

I can climb, climb, climb...

I can suffer...

But running hurts...

So is breathing....

Life is a death sentence...

ovoleg

Running can hurt if you are out of shape imo.

Riding at 15mph on flats is equivalent to walking...Does walking hurt?

NealH

I would recommend swimming in the winter months, as well as warm weather months as a once or twice per week alternate to cycling. I don't like cycling in cold weather anymore than I like running in cold weather. It's a combination of cold temperatures and darkness as commented on by others. It's a preference thing though, I simply don't prefer exercising in cold weather, others may prefer it.

Swimming works and conditions virtually all muscle groups in addition to being a refreshing escape. There are public and YMCA pools in virtually all locations now days. They are not expensive to join and, in the case of the YMCA they offer several other exercise alternatives not to mention meeting new friends.

ovoleg

What if I'm white and nerdy...Will they still be my friend?

slvoid

I usually hit the gym nowadays and put in about 2 miles on 8-10 degrees of incline, it really seems to use my bike muscles a lot better than running on flat ground.

FrankBattle 

Yeah. It's not for everyone. I did agree with you there that if you want to race [and win], riding outdoors should not even be a question.

Lights and cold weather gear isn't all everyone needs, unfortunately. I live atop a hill with narrow, windy, unlit roads with blind corners. I live in the country, not a development with street lights like many people. I am scared for my life when I ride in the heart of summer at noon. I can't even imagine what it would be like at night. If I got hit and left for dead, it wouldn't surprise me as people routinely run over animals .. and large ones too.

You wanna race? You gotta sacrifice. Get lights, Assos gear, find a safe road and pedal. And the occasional trainer session.

*so, yes, I am agreeing with you, Wizard*

bhgoode

Ok..Ok..I understand, I have to ride, but how much training does it take do alright racing Cat 5, not even winning, just alright, like pack finishes?

DRLski

why would you want to just do "alright"? If you need to ask that why even train? As far as I'm concern if you're gonna train, it's to kick ass or kick ass, otherwise it's not even worth it

jrmohan

The man has a simple question, will he be alright racing, don't question his motives, just answer, I dont have any racing background, so I wont.

DRLski

point taken, ride for 2hrs each day on the weekends and maybe once during the week on the trainer for an hour and that should keep you in the cat 5 pack till it warms up, then again what do I know?

bhgoode

How much experience do you have?
just curious

Hammertoe

Start a new thread with the real question you want answered....

Then everyone can bash you there too...

TheKillerPenguin

it shouldn't take a lot of riding, but how much you need to ride to get in shape is different for everyone. try out a cat5 race. if you can hang you have enough fitness. if not, ride more.