I used to mix it up a lot. I found uphill offroad running worked really well with my mtb training. In both directions. I was always very carefully when I transitioned back into a running phase and took it super easy. I did this again this year, after probably a 15 year gap, and I had zero transitional pain issues in my legs. I put it down to the super cushioned Hoka shoes I was given. If you are time crunched, a 30 minute run is time we’ll spent. Mind you, I am always going to want to run/ride outside rather than zwift or something like that. Build up slow with cushioned shoes. I just cant get the same endorphin buzz from cycling that I do from running, despite being 100% cyclist for a very long time now
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That’s interesting—I always say firmly the opposite (largely I think because the speed of cycling is so much higher).
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That is a super impressive streak Peter! To go nearly a decade without illness/injury/life stopping you running is remarkable!
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A big benefit to running is travel. I love going away with the bike, but it’s a whole thing. If I’m just on a short trip with work or the family, then the ability to get out of the door for a run is a lifesaver. It’s exercise, movement, and a way to explore wherever I’m visiting.
It’s the primary reason I started running regularly again after a ten year gap. Not to ‘be a runner’, just to have enough comfort that I can go out for an easy hour run and still be able to walk down stairs for the rest of the week.
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My rhythm is to run 3 times a week, ride 3 times a week with some variance around events. I find it a good balance and it gives me a lot of flexibility when the weather is bad or I am travelling for work. I don’t think either helps much with the other but collectively they contribute to my general sense of fitness and well being. Having said that, if I do VO2 efforts, I can push my HR higher running than I can when riding ( my legs will tend to give out first) which may be of some benefit.
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I was nodding in agreement until the Entertainment section. Running definitely allows you to dedicate a day to it and explore - our holidays often involve leaving the bike at home and exploring running trails. An hour of running on the road translates well to several hours on trails as you are usually changing pace, running on softer ground etc. We’ve had quite a few looks as we run past people with nothing more than a running vest, while they are in ‘the middle of nowhere’ carrying 20-30kg packs.
But an hour of running on the road; I tend to agree with you.
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Same here Stu. Seeing cities and other holiday locations with a morning run is an underrated pleasure.
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I just remembered this. In 2003 we had a 2 week holiday with the kids in the US. Disneyland, San Diego, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon etc. A jam.packed itinary.. I tried to run most mornings. 30 to 60 mins max. 2 weeks after we got back I had the national road and TT champs in Hawkes Bay,I came 2nd in the TT in my age group. My best result. I came 3rd a couple of years later without any running.
EDIT: I Actually found my training logs the other day. It was closer to 4 weeks.
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