Does multi-sport training build the leg muscles?
 

I've been cycling and swimming.. Just got fitted for the correct running shoes according to this fitting system so I'm starting training for the run tomorrow.. Well actually it'll be more of a jog/walk beginning for me seeing that I really have never run before competitively for endurance..

Background on myself:

6'6"
255, 25% bodyfat, muscular build but just fat piled on top because of laziness and fast food. I played baseball, football, wrestled, golf, pretty much everything when I was younger. I'm hoping to get down to 225 at 15% body fat within a year. I would like to keep or maybe even raise my LBM, which is 192 right now. I have completely changed my diet: lean proteins, excellent carbs, and healthy fats now as opposed to earlier diet of fast food.

I'm excited about training!! I was shooting for a sprint tri early in the spring of 09 but now I'm thinking im just gonna go ahead and jump in the competition this october (4 months away) at a duathlon.. 2 miles running, 15 miles cycling, 2 miles running..

Question 1: Even though I have really never done running for endurance, will 4 months of committed training for triathlons suffice for the upcoming October Duathlon?? Or should I wait and train more?? As said earlier, I've not been cycling and swimming that long, and now starting tomorrow (with my FITTED shoes, which feel so much better then those nike shoks) i'll be starting the training for the run leg (walk/jog since i'm a beginner w/o endurance base). But this monday is when i start organized training, thanks to BT.com.

Question 2: Will running help build up my legs and calves?? I'm tall with longer legs but I want stronger and more built legs.. I'm doing squats and lunges every 6 days along with other core exercises but I'm hoping running will build up a stronger lower base.

Given my current situation are these things attainable even though I'm out of shape and at 25% bodyfat??

Thanks for your help

The answer to both questions is yes. 2/15/2 is, after all, just 4 miles of running, which I'm sure you could get through in 4 months. Running, combined with cycling, will make your legs functionally strong (though you won't get the big muscles from running).

I guarantee you that your 25% body fat will turn into 20% body fat if you train hard for 4 months. Even at 25% body fat, your goals are absolutely attainable. Go for it!