Does running do cyclists any good ?

[thistle]

Dec 17, 2011 19:27:05 GMT rallybiker said:

Join an aerobics class like this lad. You know it makes sense!

It's like that every time I go to the gym

[jezza169]

As both a runner and biker, I would also reccommend a wee bit of running. Any Aerobic exercise will benefit your riding. We use different muscle groups whilst riding, thats why we have a bulge of muscle on the inside of our legs, right above the knee cap, runners dont develop this. If you think about when youre riding, the muscles are working in a cramped position as youre sat down.

I dont like running road, its very boring, very much like tread mills. XC is the way to go, grab an OS map, plot a route and get lost

Spend on good shoes though - saucony or asics are my personal favourites

[garnish]

I'd recommend asics trail trainers too. I also prefer xc than road. Great winter training in my book.

[Stocky]

Bit dull as an answer but cross training wise I read in the mtb mags that swimming is great cross training low impact etc etc.

Even in the summer I do a spin class every week and twice a week at the moment. Its great for aerobic fitness with interval training that I wouldn't do otherwise. The longest is an hour so it doesn't build up stamina and the bikes the only way for that. I am a stone (or two) overweight really and even cycling quite a bit doesn't shift it. With this in mind I have just also started body pump classes which are meant to be great for fat burning and toning the torso, it isnt too tedious for a weight based exercise either. I skip the lunges as they are a knee eater for me.

Find running on the road mind numbingly boring hence the above.

[priceyla]

I think for the "casual" rider a bit of running is good, it all helps build fitness. Swimming also is great as Nick says, low impact.

Personally I enjoy circuit training in the winter when the weather's rotten, good craic if you can rope a couple of mates to scream abuse at encourage each other.

[thistle]

Went out for a run yesterday morning, can hardly walk today

I'd like to think it's doing me some good but I'm not so sure.

[priceyla]

Jan 29, 2012 18:01:49 GMT thistle said:

Went out for a run yesterday morning, can hardly walk today

I'd like to think it's doing me some good but I'm not so sure.

I've had this problem in the past (it was shin splints) are you doing loads of stretching before and after? Or maybe it's from running on too hard a surface?

PS I'm clearly in the wrong gym.. where do you go again

[summittoppler]

I'm doing the London marathon in 12 weeks for the kids cancer charity Clic Sargent, who have been great with my lad over the last 2 years during his treatment for leukeamia. So obviously I'm supposed to be in training for it. However, I'm finding it so mind numbingly boring, its not like you ever see runner with a smile on their face is it?

So answer to the original question, I suppose it does wake some muscle up that you dont use on the bike and then its handy for pushing the bike up hills

[Rob]

Dont do loads of stretching before a run as that causes problems with the muscles being cold.

Dont know how many people do it but stretching should be 1min per stretch...30sec strech,release,30sec stretch otherwise it achieves nothing and must be to the point of discomfort and obviously not painful.

Always stretch after a run as lactic acid builds up and that causes sore muscles the morning after

[rallybiker]

youtu.be/iiRvEH1BTfw

[thistle]

Jan 29, 2012 18:13:15 GMT priceyla said:

are you doing loads of stretching before and after?

stretch after for 2-3 minutes, just do what the docs told me to do years ago when they were last interested

Jan 29, 2012 18:13:15 GMT priceyla said:

PS I'm clearly in the wrong gym.. where do you go again

was going to Eirias / John Bright but billy no gym mates at the moment ;D