Originally Posted by
Menel
Running is an impact activity. It is far more cardio intense, I can't get my heartrate as high on the bike as I can running. You also don't get a break where you can stop your legs from moving and let momentum carry you, there are no long stretches of descents steep enough 30mph+ where you don't move legs. Downhills are not easier, you may move faster but your pounding your quads to bits.
I'm the opposite, I can recover from runs easier than I can bike rides. I do my long (18-24mile) training runs on Sat. AM, because there is no lasting soreness, and bike on Sun (60-120mi) part for fun part for non-impact recovery. Depending on the intensity and the mountains I climb I gotta have Mon for my leg muscles to recover, though that is dwindling. The last month or so of 60-90mile Sundays haven't left me sore like they were back in the summer, and I've jumped right back into my weekday running routine.
Expanding a bit more.
Originally Posted by
mathwheels
I mean we do 30-40 mile weekend rides at good pace and sure i am sore but feel great when done with no major aches or pains.
You're not pushing hard enough.
Originally Posted by
mathwheels
I know it was my first run
See previous post about impact sport.
Couch to 5k. You might make a Gradual growth.
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
You *might* skip to week 4 or 5, and then from there gradual 10% weekly mileage increases to reach whatever goal you want to achieve.
Originally Posted by
mathwheels
ripe young age of 40 (6'2"/180 lbs) I think I would develop many running related ailments and impact issues if I ran regularly.
Co-worker I train with regularly runs 30-40mpw week with me. 6'2", 190lb, 42yrs old. Doesn't phase him. Another guy who is 41yrs, shorter, but still probably 170-180lb, does similar Marathon training runs. Plenty of 50 and 60 yr olds out there who run Marathons. You go all out without building your body up to it and you will hurt yourself. It has nothing to do with age, it's all intelligent training.
Originally Posted by
mathwheels
Anyone ever cross train and have the same experience?
Yes, see my post above, road cycling makes my leg muscles sore.