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OPINION

So is running worth it then?

by James Warrener
Tue, Dec 01, 2009 13:37
11

As summer turned to autumn around Huntingdonshire I did my usual and started to replace one cycling session a week with some jogging with my good lady. It was (as 2008) nice to take some time away from the bike to enjoy the countryside at a more sedate pace!

I enjoyed the running and it certainly felt like I was working other parts of my body. I liked running 2 miles and feeling as tired as if I had cycled 30. It felt good, the heart rate numbers were ok and we spent quality time together in the fresh air and out in the middle of nowhere.

Lovely.

Fast forward a couple of months and I am feeling a bit of pressure thanks to some shocking recent weather and lots of extra work hours. I am still getting up at 0630 a couple of mornings a week for the turbo but my weekend rides are being swallowed up by wedding planning that isnt getting done mid-week (amongst plenty of other things).

So I have hatched a plan (don't I always!) to get a night of jogging in once a week too. 3.3 miles tonight with Steve (fromYaxley Riders) as a way of getting into a discipline that usually only lasts 6 weeks over the autumn before I get back into cycling.

There are a number of things I want to get out of these sessions and I hope that the plan rings a number of bells with some of you who can offer advice and tweaks...

 

  • I want to get some variety into my training and still get some fresh air midweek without having to venture onto the road.
  • I want to do something that works cardio wise.
  • I want to be socialble and have a laugh.
  • I want to do something that makes me feel more like riding the turbo or getting out on weekends.

I will let you know how I go tomorrow !!!

Running

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11 comments

Avatar
James Warrener | 15 years ago
0 likes

It was ok... I am going to go running again 13

Avatar
AdamML | 15 years ago
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canyonsi wrote:

Running i find i can relax

That doesn't mean you're not going hard enough, it just means you don't have to concentrate as hard on running as you do on cycling.

See here for my waffle about that very topic...

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Lara Dunn | 15 years ago
0 likes

I try and run once a week. I find it's an excellent partner to pedalling, working complementary muscles and giving an all round leg workout.

It's also a great short sharp way of getting out into the fresh air at times when the weather mean you'd stay at home instead of getting out on the bike. Running in the wind and rain is far less unpleasant than cycling in the same conditions!

I don't own a turbo trainer and have only used one briefly, infinitely preferring the fresh air option, so I'd rather be out running than sweating in my own front room going nowhere.

Rubbish for the knees though, especially when I'm getting back into it. After a few runs that eases off, but still grumbles there. Off road is MUCH better than on road for not knackering the joints, and also better for the soul 4

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OldRidgeback | 15 years ago
0 likes

I run as well - not so good for the knees though. I've taken my elder son running and he can do short distances. I also run with my nephews. I still prefer cycling, given a choice.

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canyonsi | 15 years ago
0 likes

Running i find i can relax (ok not going "hard enough then) but as soon as i get on the bike, no matter how hard I try I always get into hard mode!

Spinning - views - is it a extra or a replacement session?

Avatar
DaSy | 15 years ago
0 likes

C'mon guys, the turbo is a good thing...repeat after me...I love my turbo, I love my turbo, I love my turbo.

dave atkinson wrote:

that explains some things

It mostly explains why we have no children, but are still happily married, we rarely see each other, what with our various training schedules, and when we do we are knackered!

Keep chanting, I love my turbo...

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dave atkinson | 15 years ago
0 likes

i keep meaning to go running, if only so i look forward to turbo training 3

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Fringe replied to dave atkinson | 15 years ago
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dave_atkinson wrote:

i keep meaning to go running, if only so i look forward to turbo training 3

i find running the lesser of the two evils.

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dave atkinson | 15 years ago
0 likes
Quote:

My missus is an elite marathon runner

that explains some things 1

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DaSy | 15 years ago
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My missus is an elite marathon runner, who even when not in training is covering around 60miles a week!

She reckons that cycling is a sport for those who like sitting down!

I'm not sure what good you will do cardiovascular-wise when you are only elevating HR to whatever zone for a relatively short period on a 3 mile run, compared to what is required on a bike.

It will benefit core strength though, and is also good in that it works a lot of the complimentary muscles that get isolated out by the very restricted motion of cycling.

I love the turbo though, since Saturday I have put in 7 hours, I love the intensity...

Avatar
Flo K | 15 years ago
0 likes

never seen a happy runner!

I only run when being chased.

Grab a bike.

Flo K

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