Tis a reason why there are so many runners. That and it is simple. Shoes, shorts, and you go.
Heck of a better workout IMHO.
I detested it at first but I told my SO I would run a 10K with her and eventually I started loving it. However, I think a half will be my longest run. One of my club member's husband runs ultra marathons. No thanks.

+1.
IMHO just running for the sake of running is not fun. I have friends who enjoy body piercing and suspension for various reasons ranging from the spiritual to pleasurable but just like the act of running it's not for me.

i've got really bad knees, i've already had reconstructive surgery on the right knee for a torn meniscus and i will most likely have suregery on the left at some point in the not too distant future (and i'm only 34). my doc has told me that i'm a prime candidate for early age knee replacement surgery because my knees are so poorly designed, so he's ordered a strict "no running" policy for me.

I was a runner before I had a bike. Not so much now, although I managed a trail marathon last month. Riding helped my running a lot.

I was a rower before I got a bike, but long runs were part of the training. I did enjoy those a lot, especially when they were a few hours long on the deserted beach bike path. Runners high was very pleasant, but my knees can't take that abuse anymore

That's why running for beer is the way to go.


Every year my wife and I say we're going to do one of those couch-to-5K programs, but we never get around to it.

My dad pointed this out to me once and now I always try to look happy when I pass someone! I love running as much if not more than the bike. I run my 16 mile commute at least twice a week and usually add a couple miles onto the morning portion. I believe most pain is caused from poor form and once you learn the proper way to run you can alleviate a lot of the normal pain most people complain of.

Running is more of a therapeutic exercise than anything for me. I've always enjoyed running as a way to clear my head.

I'm gonna get back into regular running with running a 5K by the end of the summer as my goal.

You have to reach a certain level of fitness before running begins to get enjoyable. Let's say your goal is to run 4 miles a day for 3 days a week. It's going to take a while starting from scratch before you can do that and longer still until it becomes comfortable, but eventually you'll be able to do it with little perceived effort. When I was doing marathons I considered running 3 or 4 miles barely worth it.

Before kids my wife and I used to run together all the time and still do when we can. Like cycling it can also be a social activity but you don't have to worry about cars honking at you because you're taking up too much of the road.

As far as transportation goes, knowing that I can run a distance if need be makes me a little less concerned about mechanical issues while riding. I always have a pair of running shoes at work and more than once I've jogged home or to the train during a snow storm when the snow got too deep for me to be able to ride. It's pretty close to a 10K between home and work.

Aside from just exercise running is a great way to reduce stress, clear your head, and energize you. There are other ways to do this of course and I'm not trying to talk anyone into anything. It is one of these thing where YMMV applies. I've had a few minor leg issues from running but I've had worse problems from cycling. Most of it has been alleviated with proper fit and technique but I still haven't completely eliminated the numbness in my left toes I sometimes get on long hard rides. Speaking of numbness, I never heard of anyone becoming impotent from running.

Yeah, I have a 5.5 mile commute, and I figured I'd mix it up one day and run in to work. It's less than 10K, right? I push pretty hard on my ride, so my aerobic shape was great.

It. Kicked. My. Ass.

My body was totally not ready for the pounding. I had to call in the sag wagon for the ride home! I have a newfound appreciation for the efficiency of the bicycle.

I'm somewhere back a few blocks in this picture. Just imagine the mess if they were cyclists instead or 55,000 runners.
My goodness that was a fun day.

Running jiggles me and that's not something I like to do to myself. Also I like the low impact aspects of cycling coupled with the "speed" and distance I get from my expended effort. So I can get all the benefits of a cardio workout with less physical wear and tear when I ride. Furthermore, cycling is my hobby. I like to build and maintain my bike which can be slightly more involved than puzzling over the most aerodynamic shoelaces I should use to give me the .0000000000000000000001 second boost.

I'm w/genec. I swim 3 days a week. Run twice. I should do a little more weightbearing stuff but I'm bored by it.

I can handle a 3 or 4 mile run but I don't really try anything longer. I prefer to ride a bike as it is a lot more fun but running is deffinetly a better workout for the time put in. I also play lacrosse and that's a fun way to run and not be bored!

This is a big appeal that has cycling has for me too. Unfortunately it's also a bigger drain on my wallet. However, with all the heart rate monitors, GPSes, and things like Nike+ coming out, there's a lot toys to satisfy geeky runners too.

I love running, but my doctor has advised me against it. I broke my hip in a bike race, and the x-rays revealed a condition they called "impingement", which basically means that running pounds on a portion of my hip socket that would eventually turn arthritic. Bummed me out.

As a workout, running is way more time efficient than cycling, and as someone mentioned is very therapeutic. Over 25 years, my best bud / running buddy and I worked through a lot of life issues while wearing out multple pairs of running shoes.

I've been thinking I'll start running in the mornings to supplement my cycling - my kids are finally getting to an age where I can be out of the house for a little while, which has been the big impediment (I'm a single dad).

I may start now - I've been running a lot the past few days as I've been teaching my older son to ride a bike, and since he's got the balance thing down pretty well but is still shaky on starting and stopping, it entails a lot of running alongside (and the occasional OMFG sprint!). I'm sore, which I suppose is the price for starting; since I'm already paying the price, I may as well continue.

Throughout my life, I've alternated between running and cycling as my main sports. I tend to do one with a fair amount of intensity for about 5-10 years, then switch to the other for 5-10 years. Right now, I'm into cycling again, but it wasn't that long ago that I was doing some serious running. I agree that as long as I don't crash, cycling is easier on my body, particularly the knees and feet. However, I tend to be leaner and fitter as a runner than as a cyclist. It's relatively easy for a cyclist to carry some extra weight in the middle and still be a strong cyclist, but it's very hard for a pudgy runner to be fast. I enjoy both activities and do not think running for the sake of running is pointless or boring. I often ride my bike for the sake of riding and I don't find that pointless or boring either.

My wife often runs with the kids tagging along on their bikes.

I do that as well. My son is 6 and his riding speed is similar to my running speed. Going up hill I tend to run faster than he rides.
Since I am a single dad this works out well on weeks he is at my house. In my case that is a more convenient option than hooking up the tag along and grabbing everything we need to ride together. I save that for the weekend.

After running 12 marathons in a year I decided to jump on the full time injury list to recover as my right leg suffers from triple threat: Sciatica, ITBS and Tendonitis. Swimming 6 days a week and cycling help but are not enough for me. Soon I will begin a marathon training plan so that I can train for an ironman.

Oh my goodness. That is amazing.

I'm teaching my granddaughter how to ride a bike so I'm the one tagging along on foot (with my arms spread around her to catch her if she falls)

I run as well as bike. After a few days on the bike commuting I find it helps sooth the soreness in my leg muscles. I've ran 2 5k's so far first one 33:35 and 33:00 (only been running since April). Ran 4 miles today it's hard to run after biking 50 miles a week but it's getting easier by the day. Thinking about doing the Rock the Cross Walk next weekend. I was hoping to do a 10k by August and half-marathon by next spring I'll get there!

Balance Buddy FTW!