lshaped

I've been off the bike for the past week due to left knee pain. Judging by where the pain is located I suspected it was caused by not having my new bike properly fitted and by too many large hills during my 21 mile commute to work everyday.

I had my new bike properly fitted and the guy that did the fitting, who also happens to be an exercise physiologist, confirmed my suspicions. He said my seat was too low and I need to spin and not hammer up hills. I know, I need to spin but just can't help myself when going down a large hill, I love the speed and try to see how high I can get my mph to. Here's my question- in order to maintain cv fitness while I'm off the bike is it okay to run since running uses different muscles than cycling? I hate being in-active but don't want to do more damage to my knee which would mean even more time away from cycling.

Pi}{ie

Running is harder on the body than cycling, particularly the knees. It is good cross training and builds different muscles but not good if you're already injured. Perhaps try swimming, if done right it developes the back and upper body. Also core classes would be good as well, since a strong core means strong pedaling. Consider pilates, or yoga.

Denny Koll

+1

I swim during down time. Running could really be a mistake.

lshaped

Don't laugh but unfortunately I can't swim- i mean i can keep myself afloat but anything other than that forget it- you might as well put cement shoes on me. i haven't ridden since friday of last week- the pain is gone and it doesn't hurt to climb stairs or walk , but it feels a bit tender if i push on it. i think i'm going to ditch the running idea- what about doing a few miles tomorrow in the granny gear on a local rail trail or should i not do anything other than upper body conditioning until next week?

Pi}{ie

Master swim classes your local gym with a pool has them. Swimming is all about technique. I dont get too many knee problems but its best to rest injuries rather than retest them. I do lots of running, and soon lots of swimmng with my biking.

Johnny Colnago

You should switch to rest during an injury rest period.

socalrider

Running is hard on the body... At a minimum just try some power walking, fast walking still is a decent workout, you will not get your HR up real high but will have some positive benefit without tearing down your body or re-injuring yourself..

alexvpaq

Yes... That damn seatpost, same thing was actually starting to happen to me like 2 days ago, I found the solution by myself... Though running is really really good on the cardio so when you are okay and feel ready for it start jogging and alternate with cycling, and even though it's really different from cycling both are really enjoyable but get some good running shoes. I've seen so many people trying to run with some of those silly skate shoes they offer no shock absorbtion at all and you will most likely injure yourself.
but for the moment, recover, it's long, it's boring but if you take the time to recover, you will be better a lot faster.

rumrunn6

walk

Jakedatc

shallow water jogging wouldn't be bad either . then you wouldn't have to worry about the swimming issue but still get the benefits of being in the water..