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Should Runners Cycle More?

Feb 6, 2017 | Cross Training, Running, Uncategorized | 6 comments

Should runners cycle more

Eek, thanks so much for so many lovely comments about running the Boston marathon, I am so excited! I’m hoping to make some vlogs about my training (as I was planning to do for Tokyo) as I’ve got some awesome locations for my long runs over the next few months. Is there anything in particular you guys would like to see? I’ll definitely be filming in Boston too!! Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel here.

I had planned this blog post about cycling and the benefits for runners in advance of another London tube strike as the bike was going to be my mode of transport around the city, however it thankfully got called off.

I’m running a lot higher mileage this training cycle than ever before, but I’m still worried about my fitness levels, which is why I’m adding some cycling to my commute and routine.

How Cycling Could Help Runners 

  • It’s a great low impact cardio workout, giving your joints a break from the constant pounding on the road or trails whilst still improving your fitness levels (if you push the pace/route!). It also has a quicker recovery time than running.
  • Cycling is perfect for active recovery – I usually have an easy run the day after a long run to shake the legs out and flush our the lactate, however this could easily be swapped for a bike ride or cycle commute to increase blood flow and ease you back into the training week.
  • Increase your cadence both on the bike and on the run, world class marathoners have a leg turnover of 180 steps per minute – you can improve yours by trying to average 90rpm on the bike.
  • You’ll work complementary muscles, improving your leg and core strength, as well as making you a more efficient, faster runner!

Should runners cycle more

I have a lot of friends that love cycling, and each summer we take on a girls cycling adventure, last year it was to Amsterdam, the previous year it was to Paris. I need to improve my confidence, as well as my speed and strength on the bike.

I also thought getting back on the bike would be a good way of meeting new people in cycling mad Henley! I’m going with a group for a ride and cake on Saturday – if you’re around the Henley area come and join us! Send me an email at therunnerbeans@gmail.com for more details!

Should runners cycle more

6 Comments

  1. oscar

    Hi cycling is great as you say yes high cadence over a 100 is good get yourself a speedo with rpm or one of those Garmin ones that go by GPS shows routes and details then can see on pc what you did and plan routes out picking flatter ones for spinning days its also good for the cardiovascular system clears lactate but also works on it by a constant speed.
    Those recumbent bikes are good for runners to as uses the whole of the legs in a more powerful position as one of the issues with triathlons is coming from cycle to running the leg positions been used are different to running one way they combat that is to have saddle right forward with nose above/ahead of bottom bracket (Regs dependent)

    As you say impact free’er than running many i know ran marathons but went to cycling as got/had micro fractures in bones from running! something to check if legs ache a lot!

    Reply
  2. Tess @ FitBits

    I love cycling so much, I ride my bike every single day to work, to town, on long rides, in races, on the trails. I think I love it more than running but I would never tell running that! 😉

    Reply
  3. gymbagsandjetlags

    I love that cycling really gets you places. I totally agree that its a great thing for runners or anyone who wants an extra fun workout to do!

    xx, Pia
    http://gymbagsandjetlags.com

    Reply
  4. Lee Dalton

    As a cyclist using running to help improve my performance on the bike, I absolutely agree that the pair are very good complementary exercises.
    I remember the first ever 5km run I did, and I could barely walk afterwards, however I was absolutely fine on the bike 🙂

    Reply
  5. marutz

    It’s a great combination foe legs muscles. I’m training for a half marathon right now with SportMe running app which calculates distance, pace, time and calories and adjusts running plans to my progress.

    Reply
  6. oscar

    Another great one if you can take bike to your run esp if take turbo trainer also is after race etc with bike set up on trainer is low gear and gentle riding with heart rate very low use as recovery but more importantly to remove lactic acid from muscles which is what you want for healthier muscles and keeps them supple.

    also a gentle cycle is good for day after

    Reply

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