Leg Muscles used Running or Biking
 

I've been riding outside when I can (Chicago weather) and also using a traininer. My rides are go for 45 min to 1.5 hrs depending. I'm averaging around 13-14mph during those rides. Not really excessive by any means but also not poking along either. I try to do this every other day.

The other night I went for a 1+ jog with my 12yr old daughter. I'm not a runner and never was, actually kinda hate it. Anyway during the run my lungs felt fine, probably from the biking. My quads on the other hand were throbbing! Especially in the upper area of my quads. Different area that what I would normally feel when they start burning during a bike ride.

I woke up in the am with pretty sore quads. Still went for a hour ride yesterday. My quads are still sore today.

So my question is...different muscles used running compared to biking? Obviously I'm now thinking maybe run one day and bike another. BTW I'm 44 and am clocking in at 253, although down 7 in the last month.

Thoughts?

Thanks

totally differnt muscles... I just started running last October after the time change, and bike repairs kept me from riding as much as I wanted.... I thought I was in pretty good shape with all the riding I was doing... but running, even 1/2 mile kicked my butt... it took me a few months, and plenty of sore quads to get up to 2 miles of solid running... I also think a lot of it is the weight bearing down on the quads... higher impact as opposed to riding which is basically no impact...


like I saw someone else write on here awhile ago...

"running gets you in shape to ride, but riding doesn't get you in shape to run"

good luck

jeff

Pretty much what I thought. Just wanted some validation. Will have to go out and give the running another try. As much as I hate it, if it's making me sore like that ther must be a benefit.

Thanks

yeah.. the more you do it, the better you get.. jusy don't overdo it

Me too. It's too dark here to ride after work when the days are short.

The first two runs (4k run/walk) crippled me to the point of having to walk down stairs backwards.

After two more runs everything adjusted. Just take it easy at the beginning, stretch lots and do the run/walk thing.

its because you can't coast while running....seriously though, you only use your quads from the 1:00 to 5:00 position without weight while riding vs. supporting your entire weight on each leg & springing that weight forward.

bikers benefit from leg lifts, extensions etc. to increase leg strength/ runners will never lift weights to supplement their leg muscles. they don't need it.

running takes a certain rhythm <like cycling> and cadence.

just watch your hamstrings

Just don't watch them too closely, people will begin to talk.

Did any of you guys read the article in Bicycling magazine this month about bone loss? They say that bone mass loss is a serious problem with cyclists, and that we should all lift weights and run in order to help build bone mass.