So I'm not really new to cycling, but I am a runner at heart. I'm in training for the High School Illinois State track meet in May, but want to bike a century ride to benefit diabetes. So I'm running 60+ miles per week so I have the endurance, but will training on a bike for the 2 weeks after my season be enough preparation for my legs? I know I can mentally, and will have 2 weeks off to recover before I start summer training. So do you think I should go for it? Or do the 62 mile option.
So I'm not really new to cycling, but I am a runner at heart. I'm in training for the High School Illinois State track meet in May, but want to bike a century ride to benefit diabetes. So I'm running 60+ miles per week so I have the endurance, but will training on a bike for the 2 weeks after my season be enough preparation for my legs? I know I can mentally, and will have 2 weeks off to recover before I start summer training. So do you think I should go for it? Or do the 62 mile option.
Thanks!
If you can run 60 miles a week then you've got a big aerobic base to work off. If you just ride the bike casually, just to shake out the legs inbetween the running sessions then it'll get you some seat time without delving into on the bike training.
I say go for it. Cycling will tax your legs way less than running will and around 6 hours on the bike shouldn't be a massive ordeal for you. Have at it - and have fun. Just remember to eat and drink all the right stuff.
If you can run 60 miles a week then you've got a big aerobic base to work off. If you just ride the bike casually, just to shake out the legs inbetween the running sessions then it'll get you some seat time without delving into on the bike training.
I say go for it. Cycling will tax your legs way less than running will and around 6 hours on the bike shouldn't be a massive ordeal for you. Have at it - and have fun. Just remember to eat and drink all the right stuff.
Well put, cycling will be a great way to loosen up the legs after a long run.
You definately want to put more time on the bike than just two weeks. Like swampy said, you have a great aerobic base. Riding and running are very similar and use a lot of common muscles, but each uses some muscles that the other does not. Therefore, you will still need to build endurance in the muscles that are not used for running. Given your level of conditioning, it probably won't take much but it will take more than two weeks.
Endurance wise, no doubt you can hang. I was running last summer ~ 30+ miles a week in 90-100degF temps no problem. Then I took up cycling...it took me about a month or two to get to a point where I could ride that far...first it was having the legs to do it but most importantly...a tough enough rear end to ride that long without hurting badly. I'd take the bike out and put in a few long rides just to see if your butt (literally) could handle it...do a thirty miler...then step it up to a 60 miler. If your rump is "up to it" then go for it!
