Will too much running hinder my cycling potential?
 

I run every other morning for at least 30 minutes or 4 miles; which ever comes first. I'm still slowly increasing my cycling potential but I'm wondering if too much runnining would in fact hurt more than help. Should I just concentrate more on just spinning, intervals, and one leg drills other than running. How bout some of you experienced guys out there help me out,,,,,,,thanks.

;)

Depends on your goals. Unless you are interested in training to race, you can run and cycle as much as you like.

If you intend to specialise in cycling competition, that running time is better spent on the bike.

Several decent distance runners have switched to cycling and done pretty well. That being said, cross-training between several sports to increase performance in one particular sport has been pretty well discredited.

Plenty of pro cyclists run in the off-season, but once training is underway that all ends. Like any physical activity, the body adapts to repetitive motion with muscle memory and synaptic efficiency. That is why pro cyclist train for hours on end even if they are not riding hard.

FWIW, I tend to run more during the winter (maybe 2-3 times per week, about the same time and distance as you) and phase running out as the weather gets better and the centuries get closer. :)

I've been a runner for about the last 10 years. I run about 20-30 miles a week, year round. I am just starting up cycling again after a loooong break.

In regards to running, I am finding that it is actually improving. Even though I stretch a bit after a run, my legs feel much better since I started cycling and my long run times are dropping. Some may be due to it seems that cycling works the "core" part of the body better. (?)

As for cycling, I just started about a month ago and I ride 3-4 times a week. I am up to 30 miles at what I consider a brisk pace. I am suprised that I was up to this pace fairly easily. I'm sure the cardio from running is 90% of it.

I want to get increase my cycling more as the weather gets better so I will probably decrease my running to 2X a week. We'll see how it goes!

Ken

After being a competitive runner for 20 years, I am making a serious attempt at cycling this season.

When I was running only I averaged about 70 miles a week, often much more than that. Now that I'm mainly cycling I only run about 20-25 miles a week (usually 3-4 runs of 4 to 7 miles). I don't think that short easy runs of 30 minutes or so will hinder cycling, and if you only have 30 minutes to workout you can get more of a workout from a run, but I try to bike instead of run whenever I can.

Also, if possible try to do your running on soft surfaces, such as trails. Running a lot on pavement can really tear up your legs, and hinder your ability to build up new cycling muscles.

I was a runner, got the bike, and quit running for 6 months. I couple weeks ago I went out and ran 5 miles only 1 minute slower than when I was running daily. I'm serious about racing, but I'm going to be doing some adventure races which require some running fitness, and since I'm the weak link in the team I feel like I need to improve my running at least a little.

I also tend to run more in the winter. Usually three times a week for 4 miles each time as well as a lot of time on an eliptical machine. What that allows me to do is get a jump start on cycling in the spring, since I'm already in pretty good condition in terms of cardio. Makes it easy to get ready for long rides.

In addition, mixing up my training keeps me motivated and interested. I've never had to deal with burnout from a particular sport. I also found out last summer that if I would work in a couple of easy runs every week during cycling season, it makes it easier to transition over to running in the fall....seems to keep my calve muscles stretched and stronger.

If, however, you're only interested in cycling, and are working toward the "next level", you probably should only concentrate on cycling specific training.

I was a runner before a biker. I found when I started to ride that it helped my running. Riding & calastentics (sp?) made my legs & trunk much, much stronger. Bob

Actually it seems to me the real question is: How much time do you have to devote to training?

Competitive triathletes are easily clicking well sub-six minute miles for the 10K and will smoke most any internet warriors on the bike.

So it is very possible to be good at both if you have the time and dedication to put it.

-Z

I beg to differ....

I do a training ride now and then from the local tri shop. I can stomp any of those dudes into the ground excepting the shop owner who is more than 20 years my junior. I have been smoked by a total of 2 trigeeks in 20 years of cycling - one national and one international class competitors.

John Howard won the Ironman when he was way past his prime.......

Boy it didn't take long for someone to start in on the tri geek baloney. Seriously folks the OP asked would running hurt his cycling. Absolutely not would be my vote, plus along with weight lifting it's the only way to build bone mass in the legs. Really, unless you're racing, it's a bit embarrassing to be able to ride 100 miles and not be able to run a couple miles, or swim a few lengths in a pool with your kids.

...said the big fish in the small pond.

Come down to San Diego and do some of the Tri-rides, then get back to me.

John Howard won Ironman in a much different era of Ironman. His winning time is off the back in modern tri history.

My point was not Tri vs. Cycling (I am actually not a tri-guy) but to point out that running and high-level cycling are not mutually exclusive.

-Z

Dino ol' buddy....

We have Masters 55 + riders that ride a 54 minute 40k in this district. Not too shabby for a small pond.

And again I would beg to differ...

High-level running and cycling may not be mutually exclusive. As long as the person doing the running and cycling does not have a regular 40-hour/week job other than running and cycling......

And it's all relative. A pro trigeek is not going to beat a pro cyclist in a time trial or beat a world-class marathoner in a marathon or beat a world-class swimmer in a long distance swim.

And the vast majority of part-time trigeeks are slower on the bike than part-time cyclists.

Greatest quote in cycling. "Why stand when you can sit? Why sit when you can lie down".

Bike racing is about recovery and SUPPLE muscles. No top level racer would be found standing around for too long, let alone jogging.

That said, unless you are a budding Pro, I wouldn't much worry about a few 4 mile runs each week. They'll probably actually help you from getting stale from riding all the time.

Agree here, kind of. Sure they can be running these sub 6 minute mile. But honestly the times the top international athletes are running are nothing special. 28 minute 10k? Bah, nothing by world running standards. You will not be seeing the next Olympics being won in that time. Yet if it was ran in a triathlon they would think it is amazing (and it would be! Just amazing in a triathlon and not a run by itself), although I'd wonder if the course was short (the number of times that has happend is a lot... Take the time a woman ran a faster time than the men's track world record!). Anyway, the point is when you compare these triathletes' time to anything you can do (and most of the other people here) they are very very fast. But when you compare apples to apples, and see how fast an average triathlete goes next to an average cyclist (or runner (or swimmer), as a runner I can totally kick their asses. Pity I come so far down out of the water... :rolleyes: ) then they suck. They only thing which can overcome this is more time and/or freak genetics. Which the "average" athlete doesn't have. Now the pro triathletes do have this, but so do the pro cyclists/runners/swimmers. And back they go to sucking when compared to them...

Oops, getting kind of back on track to what the original post was about.....

My experience from cycling is that it tends to make my running suffer (ok, not exactly back on track. :rolleyes: But the opposite way round, I do come from running!). My guesses as to why is that different muscles get looser and tighter from use than what happens in running (after hundreds of hours of cycling and basically no running I just did a short run today, my calves felt as tight as hell while I was running! Very weird feeling and nothing like what I'd had before as a runner), also I suspect I pick up a lot of bulk from cycling. Partly because cycling is more of a strength sport than running, partly because cyclists' bodies don't tend to be such a skinny build, and partly because various muscles that had been smaller start to be used more and gain mass. Plus there are sure to be other reasons.

I'd expect to a certain extent what I'm guessing is happening here would also apply to the reverse.

What many people that run and/or cycle don't realize is the two activities use mostly different sets of muscles. Cycling uses chiefly the quads and hip flexors while running uses the calves and hamstrings. I've done a lot of both and hit 2600 miles one year in running in between a dozen years of 2000+ miles. I never really felt a carry over from one sport to the other. Running won't really detract from cycling and vice versa if you do it just for fitness. However if you have limited time and energy, one will suffer. Also it's not possible to perform at peak level doing both.

This post gets right at the heart of the matter. To be a good cyclist (from a racer's perspective) you are either riding or recovering. So the answer to The Rockets original question depends on goals.

I seriously considered creating a new ID before doing this post. Yes I am a closet Tri geek. (Tom Cruise will you please come out of the closet!)

I did a group ride with my Tri friends and discovered they don't really know how to ride with a group. Hence they don't. I would agree the best roadies can crush some of the best Tri guys. However, a Tri guy who rides with roadies, in addition to his/her regular training should be able to crush most challengers on the bike. If you are fast on a bike, you are fast on a bike.

Group rides are harder training than going out on a bike with aerobars for a 3 hour solo ride IMHO. My HR monitor says I work harder on group rides. That's why I try to ride with a group whenever possible.

As far as running goes, I joined a masters track group. I found the same thing. It pushes you more than running solo EVER would.

So regarding the orginal post, run, bike, do whatever. If you enjoy it, keep doing it. I do however subscribe to the math that 1 hour running is equal to 3-4 hours on the bike. Again only MHO. You get slower only if you think you do. You mind is the biggest limiter you have.

I think it really depends at what level of fitness you're at , and what you're trying to accomplish. Running will definitely help with overall fitness, and also weight control. However, at an elite level, you need to be sports specific, and time and effort spent on running is time and effort that can't be spent on cycling and recovery.
If you want to be the fastest competitive cyclist you can be, I think you shouldn't run, other than as some cross training in the off season. If you want to be a generally fit strong person, with strong bones, definitely mix in some running.

This off season I'm running for the first time, did a triathlon, and am trainging for a 15k. It's help keeping my weight down, but I feel like my on bike performance is down.
As the bike training gets into the prepreation phase, I'm going to stop running so that I have the strength to devote fully to the cycling drills and intervals.

Are you one of them?

I understand there are many fast older riders. I have been humbled by a couple of 50+ champions myself. But the population of these athletes in your town is much smaller compared to a larger city more oriented towards competetive/pro athletes.

No need to beg or to differ. This was actually EXACTLY the point of my first post.

Agreed. Never said otherwise.


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That is my experience as well. Although the fit, form and style of part-time tri's I frequently is just so bad I often wonder if a bit of coaching would narrow the gap considerably.


Ride hard, stay safe. We really aren't so far off here.

-Z

Dude,

You might want to check your census statistic. There twice as many people in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area as in your entire state....

My racing district is Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC and northern Virginia...

So who is in a small town????

Hey, I just got called "Dude" by an old guy. I think that's kind of cool.

You seem really good at reading infomation into a post that just isn't there. While missing the important info at the same time.

Portland is of course a small town. Did I ever say it wasn't? What is your point? I am a SoCal native and know what it is like to be in cities where there are high concentrations of high-level and pro-athletes. (big deal, nobody cares, right...) But I can tell you the level of talent here is a huge step down from CA.

My point is that there is both a greater number and a higher percentage of COMPETITIVE and HIGH-LEVEL athletes in areas geared toward sports and where you can train year round like: San Diego, L.A. CO, etc... than in your area.

I've heard that top athletes flock to MD so they can train in the great weather. :rolleyes:

Sure you can name a handful of local pros and fast guys from your area, but the vast majority of them are in the Southwest and Rocky Mountain states. Go race or train in an area like this and you will see the difference.

How many people show us to these Tri-rides where you crush the competetion?
How many of them are nationally ranked?
Go to some of the SoCal cities to find out how you really stack up. Otherwise, like I said, big fish-small pond.

-Z

So now we are comparing SoCal? What happened to Eugene? little colder and wetter than MD? No doubt California has one of the largest and most competitive USCF districts in the country. But the Baltimore/Washington area in particular and the east coast in general are hardly a 'small pond'. Pennsylvania has a very competitive district (a certain World Champion track cyclist hailed from there I think....) I am sure NYC is plenty competitive. As for my size, I am just a minnow.....

You would be surprised who shows up around these parts on a bicycle -

Brian Walton (Canada) - '96 Olympic silver medalist on the track - lives in Carroll County, MD
Brian Moroni - former Olympic Development Team and Euro trade team cyclist - Howard County native
Ken Anderson - former Canadian Nation Team rider (retired from cycling) - Baltimore
Matt Brick (NZ) - 7 time IronMan and former world duathlon champion - was in Baltimore for 6 months
Ramon Benitez - won Tour of Somerville, NJ (national calendar event) several times - Howard County

and I am just scratching the surface of folks I have bumped into or ridden with