Bike Riding vs. Running

[Ferus]

Well I just took up riding bike for exercise over running now. I have been running for about a year now for exercise. I usually run for about 20-30 minutes and try to stop and do push ups every 5 or so minutes. Same with riding bike.

But am I going to notice a big change in my workouts from switching. I'm thinking riding bike is a bit easier stamina wise, but is it going to make me worse off in the end? Like loosing the stamina I have built up. Also am I going to loose the muscles I have built up in my legs from running? I'm guessing bike riding works different muscles than running does but I'm not sure.

I know that in police academies you run and I want to be ready for that but it's getting so old. Bike riding is a lot more fun for me right now.

Any thoughts or advice. I know there are a few bike riders around this forum.

[bluelightzgrl]

But am I going to notice a big change in my workouts from switching.

Yes, but it will not be the change you are hoping for. Switching completely from running to riding your run times will suffer.

I am an avid runner and one of those insane mountain bikers. This past summer, I let my runs drop off in favor of my rides. I was riding 20-30 miles (a day, 3 times a week) of hilly, skill challenging mountain bike trails -and I am talking the advance rider trails absolutely nothing paved or nice. About 3 months later when I went back to running I suffered severely. My legs were in great shape from riding, but it took away the endurance that running gives you.

Now that I am back to doing both...I find the running improves my riding endurance more than the reverse.


Train for how you will be tested. If you are not going to be tested on a bike, then use the bike rarely or for a more relaxed cardio. Consider running at least 2 days a week and 1 day of riding.

[Ferus]

Sounds like a good plan. Mix it up a bit with the bike riding but still get the running in.

Too bad winter is approaching and about the only thing I will be doing is running on the treadmill. Well, I'll try to get out and run in the cold as much as I can because I know that the agency I want to work for when I am old enough makes you run outside no matter what the weather when you are going through their academy.

Thanks bluelightsgrl.

[bluelightzgrl]

No problem.

I'm in southeast Michigan and I still run outside in the winter. Buy outdoor running gear (I prefer UnderArmour & Nike). Only on the days where the temp drops into the low single digits and I have to deal with a lot of ice, do I resort to a treadmill. I'm too dang tall for them and I hate them with a passion; not to mention that I get horridly bored on them. ;) Personally, I've gone back to trail running and I love it. I know there are a few other runners who will voice their love (if they see this thread) for trail running as well.

Heck, until we get a few feet of snow that sticks I'll still be hitting the bike trails. Yea, 30 is a tad cold, but it's sooo worth it. :D

-blue
:cool:

[Switchback]

For altogether different reasons, I run very little these days. That's why I went to crossfit. There is some running in the routines and, if I could run, I would follow them. Even without me doing any running in crossfit, my run times have still improved. I could not imagine how good they would be with me doing the running workouts, too!

Back when I was running, I did almost all trail running. I equate trail running v. running on the roads to be about the same as free weight lifting v. nautilus. There is so much more stabilizing going on... that, and I have the attention span of a puppy when it comes to running. I have always been a fan of mixing the running up with biking or some other cardio. Without doing that, you will really feel it (and see it in your times).

With that said, crossfit does seem to do a good job at shocking your body. I can't seem to do any activities that really make me sore. Without regular mountain biking, I have done some hardcore trail riding without getting the least bit sore. Without running in the last 7 months (or really going out there, trying to kill myself), I did my most recent fit test run (1.5 mile) in less than 9:45... which I consider respectable. Keep in mind that I am a 210 lb 36 year old.

[Ferus]

Well I do happen to have some Underarmour Coldgear just laying around and I totally agree about getting extremely bored on a treadmill. How do you not get sick when running outside in the cold months?

The only other problem I can think of is the streets not being cleared off and having nowhere to run at. But you've inspired me to continue running outside through winter. I really, really don't want to put any pounds back on and it would be nice to get rid of the rest of the small amount of body fat that will not seem to go away so I can get out there and swim and not be embarrassed about my weight by summertime.

Wow Switchback that's a really good 1.5 mile time IMO. I don't think I've ever done that well excluding maybe once or twice in track last year. You know I've heard a lot about Cross Fit and even checked out their website once but I had no idea where to go from the homepage. Do they have an area where you select a workout program according to what your goals are like wight loss or toning or working certain muscles and such?

[Switchback]

Go to www.crossfit.com. Top center is today's workout of the day (WOD). Below that are several previous days' workouts. On the left is a link to Exercises & Demos to get vids and descriptions of some of the workouts.

Just be careful jumping in without scaling back a bit. I was sore for a month straight and I was already in what most would call decent shape.

[bluelightzgrl]

How do you not get sick when running outside in the cold months?

I layer properly for the temp and conditions (not too much & not too little; also I ditch the sweaty clothes shortly after ending my run), take my vitamins and (find whatever works to remind yourself to) drink plenty of water.

I have a Nike cold gear running jacket & pants; when the temp drops into the 30s I add the UnderArmour cold gear underneath the Nike stuff. I switch to wool socks, add gloves (I have a few different kinds like knit, fleece; pending on the weather), a knit cap (with a sweat band is a good idea) and for when I run in a moderate to heavy snow fall -I add clear glasses so that I can see. Yes, I do run when it is considered a heavy snow fall! I love those runs!!

The only other problem I can think of is the streets not being cleared off and having nowhere to run at. But you've inspired me to continue running outside through winter. I really, really don't want to put any pounds back on and it would be nice to get rid of the rest of the small amount of body fat that will not seem to go away so I can get out there and swim and not be embarrassed about my weight by summertime.

I have that same problem here in southeast MI. The slightly hill sloped streets become a gamble when the icy weather hits; and frankly I have zero interest in playing that game with traffic. That was just another reason I switched to trail running. See if there is a nature trail anywhere near you. Now, there is no guarantee what kind of condition it will be in during the winter months, but some of it's visitors should drop off the colder the weather gets (and especially once the snow hits).

One other bit of advise...make sure you have good running shoes. I change mine out ever 350-450 miles. ...and if you do start trail running make sure you are buying running shoes designed for trails.

Go to www.crossfit.com.

Switchback = Crossfit recruitor. :p

[Ferus]

I have a Nike cold gear running jacket & pants; when the temp drops into the 30s I add the UnderArmour cold gear underneath the Nike stuff. I switch to wool socks, add gloves (I have a few different kinds like knit, fleece; pending on the weather), a knit cap (with a sweat band is a good idea) and for when I run in a moderate to heavy snow fall -I add clear glasses so that I can see. Yes, I do run when it is considered a heavy snow fall! I love those runs!!
Is the Nike Coldgear about the same price as the Underarmour gear?


I have that same problem here in southeast MI. The slightly hill sloped streets become a gamble when the icy weather hits; and frankly I have zero interest in playing that game with traffic. That was just another reason I switched to trail running. See if there is a nature trail anywhere near you. Now, there is no guarantee what kind of condition it will be in during the winter months, but some of it's visitors should drop off the colder the weather gets (and especially once the snow hits).

One other bit of advise...make sure you have good running shoes. I change mine out ever 350-450 miles. ...and if you do start trail running make sure you are buying running shoes designed for trails.

I'm not sure if we have any nature trails around here but I know we have a bike path that leads around town. But I doubt that will be plowed in the winter months. I could always go to the rec center too. They have a track thing I could always use and there usually aren't too many people there.

Haha well I'll keep the shoes in mind but I doubt I'm even close to 350-450 miles yet!

Thanks Bluelightsgrl and Switchback for the info.