agarose2000

There is actually strong evidence in a recent paper published by Stanford University which followed knees of runners with MRI over a 15-year period and compared to controls who were non-runners.

There was a significant difference in the MRIs - with the RUNNERS knees being significantly less degenerated than the non-runners. These were folks who ran 3-6 miles, 4-5x week in the running group.

The conclusion was that in the absence of a known knee injury (usually one that requires surgery like an ACL tear), running does NOT necessarily lead to knee degeneration - and in fact, likely is protective.

This was not "new" news to most sports medicine experts, as they've suspected this for a long time, but this was the most concerete and recent evidence of this phenomena. It was newsworthy enough for the NY Times to cover it a few months ago.

The notion that running necessarily leads to "bad knees" is not true and one of the most widespread perpetuated falsehoods. It stems from a real phenomena that if you've had a bad knee injury, often one that requires surgery, it IS true that heavy usage (like lots of running) will lead to accelerated wear. But this cannot be generalized to relatively uninjured knees, which seem to undergo LESS degernation with regular running.

Jay-W

the bike "carries" your weight.

with running if you're a clyde the extra weight can be a problem for the joints etc.

Varns269

Thanks for the backup. Did you look at my link? It is the report on that study.

FL_MarkD

For what it is worth I use a recumbent exercise bike for my weeknight exercise. It isn't the same as riding outside, isn't nearly as enjoyable, but it allows me to get 60 minutes of cardio when my schedule permits. Turn on the ballgame, sweat for 60 minutes. I can safely do whatever pace I want, including intervals without worry of traffic.

Nothing beats riding outside. However I much rather get my inside cardio workout than riding in the heat and rain I see here durng the 7 month summer in Florida.

Mark

Glynis27

I much prefer riding at night. Less cars, less noise, no sun cooking you, etc. I can't stand riding a trainer or exercising indoors. Get yourself some good lights and have fun!

rover

Run. Riding at night is fun, but the safety and workout aspects depend on your local setting. Trainers and exercise bikes are boring. Running keeps my weight down. When I've been off of the bike for a while, my biggest challenge is always cardio. Running maintains cardio in the off-season.

Pendergast

I vote for running. I enjoy biking much more, but I think running is a much more efficient way to improve fitness which is important to me as the daylight grows short. If you decide to run, explore "soft running" techniques such as Evolution Running, Chi Running, or the Pose Method. They basically advocate short strides with a mid-foot to fore-foot strike and high cadence which helps get your foot strike more under your center of gravity rather than out in front of it. Running that way reduces the shock to the knees.

juniorhornlicks

Excellent advice

Palomar01

Thanks for all the great advice.

The reason I'm a bit hesitant about riding in the dark is the fear of not seeing where I'm going. I think I will try some LED's and see how that goes before I completely write that option off. Being in SoCal, the weather is not an issue. I do enjoy being outside rather than inside.

Having said that, I will also run maybe twice a week. I used to run in years past when I wasn't a Clyde and I remember enjoying it--just not as enjoyable as cycling. I have no past injuries and my legs are very healthy and strong. In addition, getting a workout in a shorter period of time would be nice during the darkest days of winter. Luckily for me, there is a greenbelt/park a block from my house so running in that area works out real well. Now that my cardio is relatively healthy, I'm confident I can do a decent run without passing out!

At this time, I will put the Turbo Trainer and stationary bike idea aside. Unless it's raining or the wind is howling (we get strong winds out where I live; strong enough to down trees).

kleinboogie

Running is great compliment. If you're riding 5 days a week I'd take it down a notch, do more running as it will burn a lot more calories in a shorter time. Problem you probably already know is running is almost as boring as the trainer. Also look at your diet. I was a clyde just a few months ago and I avoided the white death (flour, sugar, milk) and ate good food combos. I lost 40 lbs since April. That's more than two bikes. Food by far will make a bigger dent in the gut than cycling or running alone. It makes cycling a lot more fun. GL

Hayden06F4i

i picked up a cycleops trainer on craiglist for $15. if you find a deal on one, grab it, its great for when its too late/dark/rainy to go out, and your wanting to ride.....i would still work running into the equation though....

Bah Humbug

If your goal is weight loss and general fitness, add some running in, since cross-training is very helpful for that. I do two days of running per week and 3-4 days of cycling. The running is all slow distance type work, and the cycling is either the same or shorter, faster work, since I've only been at it a few months. I will start with intervals in the spring. It's been working well.

gregf83 

How so? Lots of big guys can ride for hours at a time without any problems. How many 250lb guys do you see long distance runnnig? Unlike muscles, those poor little knee joints don't adapt to the extra weight and they just wear and get sore faster if you're packing an extra 50-100 lbs.

If you want to lose weight and you're over 200lbs and have the time, cycling is going to be more effective.

cshell

I want THAT deal!

bigtea

+1 a lesson I learned the hard way with my horrible accident last December. You lifetime cyclists should be very very careful about accidents after you turn 50. The consequences are shattered, not broken bones.

Unfortunately I cannot run now because of the damage to and reconstruction of my hip and pelvis. But I no longer ride 5x a week. I ride 2x a week and mix it up with swimming laps and using an elliptical trainer the other 3x.

bigtea

Also...being a clyde does not mean that you aren't fit. It just means you are big, a mesomorph.

rmwun54

Running is the king of all exercise stated by the late Bruce Lee; with that in mind it would be the quickest way to lose some weight and get stronger, but do not run on asphalt or cement, it will wear out your cartilage in the knee joint; because it lacks give. I run on dirt trails or a rubber track only.
But from my experience running does not improve your riding pace much; you have to ride to improve that. Running and riding are not the same in terms of muscular performance; believe me I run and bike. When I want to improve on my riding I just ride more and run less and visa versa. Riding is better on your knees in the long run in terms of less wear and tear on the body, but it doesn't give you any weight bearing effects as running does; which is good for maintaining bone density. So it is good to run or walk as a supplement to your physical stature. Biking is great because you can really crank your body into shape without to much stress to it, and it helps to improve your flexibility in you body; the back, legs, neck, you know the routine.

enjoi

have you looked into rollers. Way more entertaining than a trainer

Carbon Unit

Great post and very informative. I tried running before I took up biking. Running hurt my back and knees and I didn't have the lungs for it. As it turns out I had a health problem that I didn't know about which caused the lack of oxygen. It has since been fixed by surgery. After I recovery from my surgery, I might try running again. What I'll do is go to the local high school and run around the dirt track a couple of nights per week.

Any idea how to reduce the pounding on my knees and lower back?

Bah Humbug

Best thing is trails. They have softer terrain, nicer scenery, and great air. Tracks suck.

Turnin2

Yup- if you can find good off road paths that is the best surface to run on. Dirt roads, things like that. running on slightly uneven surfaces will also help strengthen the muscles that stabilize the ankle. Try not to pick rough trails to start with tho.

Running around in a circle is almost as bad as a treadmill for me.

Carbon Unit

Thanks for the advice. I will look for some trails to run and avoid running at circles at the local high school.

RoboCheme

I've run for 40 years with no knee problems. I think that running is a great way to get in a quick workout. My recommendation is to get a good pair of shoes from a running store where they know what they're selling.