cedricbosch

I train for about 2 hours a day on my road bike. Two nights ago, I decided to go running for the first time in about 6 months (I used to run cross country.) I only ran 5 miles at a 9 minute mile average- nothing too fast.

My legs are hurting more than they ever have from any cycling ride I've done, especially my quads and ankles.

Why is this? Is it a good idea to cross-train for cycling by running?

DataJunkie

In my case it seems that neither one helps each other. Train for cycling by cycling. Train for running by running. While they both use your leg muscles, running and cycling use them in different ways. Not to mention the fact that running is significantly more load bearing than cycling.

blue_nose

Several reasons:

- You haven't run in over six months, so 5 miles is quite a lot. You didn't exactly ease back into running.

- By nature, running is more harsh on your body.

- There are some benefits, to cross training. You will share the benefits of cardiovascular fitness between the two sports. There are also some benefits to doing some weight baring exercise that cycling does not give you. However, I still think that running is destructive. Take it from a former runner - unless you are blessed with good body mechanics, watch out for over-use injuries when running.

Tri JP

I'm just throwin' this out there, but your problem is probably related to haulin' off and doing a 45 minute 5 miler after not running for 6 months. Even if you're in primo cycling shape, that isn't a good idea. I figured your shins would be jacked up, but your quads and ankles make sense, too. Running is great cross training for cycling and vice versa. However, if I haven't been cycling in 6 months I'm not going to pull out the bike and go for a 50 miler and not expect to be feeling it the next day.

Stretch, ibuprofen, and ice if it hurts really bad. A massage will help the "angry fascia" release. And finally, a nice easy spin on the bike will get you back to where you can walk normally again.

Strong Bad

Previous posts are hitting the nail on the head. No running for 6 months = hammered legs.
I run and bike.... a lot. No problem.

DrPete 

Cycling and running don't translate at all. If you haven't run in 6 months, it's gonna hurt. blue_nose summed it up nicely.

But basically, your legs hurt after running because running is evil and painful and sucks.

jschatz

You're using different muscle groups when you run, so these unused muscles are bound to be sore. Go easy, stretch and alternate days if you want to include running in your regimen. Uphill running simulates cycling more, so start with hills.

aham23

+1

just because you ride doesnt mean you can run. you went too long, too fast, too soon.

later.

stbiker

I run as seldom as possible. Only when it's raining too much to cycle, or if I wake up too late to make the swimming pool.

I recommend trying to land on the front of your feet when running, rather than your heels. Maybe you're already doing that ! It takes some getting used to, but if you try that (and shorten your stride), I think the pains should diminish. A bit harder on the calf muscles for the first few runs, but I really think it helps to avoid destroying your knees. You'll get faster when you run too.

merlinextraligh

In addition to the muscles being different, the fact you've been cycling gives you the aerobic fitness to yourself running.

If you'd been sedentary for that 6 months your lack of aerobic fitness would have forced you take it easier. So lots of cycling, then running just gives you the capability to hurt yourself.

chzman

i did the same thing 2 months ago... it hurt, but recovery was way faster than i expected.

i like running because when compared to cycling, i can keep my heart rate up much easier without burning up... although, it is much rougher on your body.

blonduathlongrl

your lower legs hurts because you went all out on your first day back and because you didnt stretch.. right?
If you dont stretch you get tight calf muscles, you can get lot of different pain from tight calf muscles, including pulling on your heel,it puts strain on the muscles in the front of your leg, you can get ankle pain and shin's splints, aww all this joy caused by running, and usually running too far, too soon and not properly stretch, not pointing fingers at you, but referring to me, Ive done this way too many times!

a little rest, put your ankle in an ice bath and a lot of stretching should get you back running again

MIN 

You crossed the Lactic Threshold. Get a HRM.

ravenmore

More or less +1. You use different muscles in some cases, but also the same muscles but in different ways. As someone else mentioned, you have the cardio to push harder than the muscles are used to because of the cycling. Running will come back quick for you, but you need to cut back the mileage initially. I'd say try 2 miles 3 times a week and see how that goes, then go from there. You should be able to build back up much more quickly than someone who has never run though.

I have to admit, even though I love cycling I feel much better over all (health, sleep, attitude/mood) when I run on a regular basis. I think we were just designed to run.

warp9

Yes, that has been my experience too.

If I've been out of running for awhile, I force myself to start slowly. I'd suggest not more than 2 miles starting off, then work back into longer distances.

EvilGoodGuy

Interesting, I've been off running for a year. I've taken a couple extended breaks from running (6months). In both cases, I haven't lost any speed. My first run back was a sub 20min 5km without injury or pain. However, my endurance was crap (i.e., running more than 10km). Anything further than 10km I'd have to reduce my pace significantly.

blonduathlongrl

^^ wow, evilgoodguy, that's impressive, I had to take about 8 months off from running because of an achille's tendon injury and I felt like I was running for the first time in my life when I went back, my breathing was fine but wow, did I lose a LOT of speed and endurance.

Squint

Cycling involves only concentric muscle contractions.

mleess

Um, maybe because running is a more physically demanding sport than cycling?

mleess

The average weekend warrior can ride 20-30 miles easily. He would not be able to run 3-5 miles without resting. Just a fact.

Hocam

People aren't meant to run, we evolved riding bicycles made from bamboo and monkey bones.

2Tired2Shift

Because running is STUPID. Now post some pics of that nice new bike you got.

Ryanf

no. my legs are ruined if i run but running is no problem.

Snicklefritz

I started running in February after a really long hiatus (I ran in high school). It took me a good 6-8 weeks before my muscles felt comfortable while running. It was a long adaptation period, but I was glad I brought things along slowly.

the problem is that you probably have a decent engine built up from cycling and when you run, your cardio system wants to push really hard! However, your muscles, tendons, etc. aren't used to the pounding and so you experience some early fatigue and soreness. If you really want to do both sports, take the other posters advice and start at a low mileage. Perhaps start by running for 30 minutes and then over a few weeks build to 40 minutes. Whatever you do, just make it gradual. If you increase slowly then by the time you get up to 60 minute runs it will feel like no big deal.

At Christmas last year I did something similar to you, where I just hopped off the sofa and ran a 10k during a workout. I was going pretty fast but the next day, BAM!!! I was so sore. Stiff as a board for a whole week. After starting in february and training in a more structured way I'm now up to racing 10 and 12k and feel pretty good about it.

cyclezealot

That is why I turned to cycling. If I had kept up the running, I'd be crippled by now. The joints just felt on fire. Still I ran for like five years.