Running for Bike training

The Flesh said:

Consider also I biked when I was 14 and 15 years old, ran from age 15 to 19 years old, and returned to biking also at the age of 19.

Honestly, I think that 4-5 year age difference is mostly responsible for the improvement you've noticed. Also, the consensus I've seen seems to be that running fitness does translate to the bike, but not the other way around, so those years of running would be expected to help (at least aerobically) as well.

As far as Powercranks, you can search the forum for several discusson threads about them (haven't read them myself).

The Flesh said:

Hi, this is my first post. This is a great site. I looked over a thread of this subject and the virdict seemed to be that running was not very helpfull for bike training. I'm not too sure about that.
I have recently returned to the cycling world after being a full time competitive runner for five years. As a result of an injury this summer, I got back into bike riding. When I came back I found that I was a better biker than I ever was before. What I noticed most was that I felt incredibly powerfull on the hills. Infact, my riding companion (who has been an avid biker for the duration of my running and even before then) was no match for me up long steep hills. In a 50 mile mtb race I did, no riders could contend with me on the hills.
Now, obviously my aerobic values were way better now than when I biked before my running bout and I am older. But after not biking in 5 years and doing so well (especially on the hills) I have to wonder if running conditioned my upper leg prime movers to be relatively more powerful. I thought about this a lot after reading about "power cranks" where the main idea seems to be that you can derive immense power by pedaling with only one leg at time without the help of the other leg. I think this may be similar to running, where you also lift only one leg at a time.
Is there any truth to this, or has my immense power and strength increase just been a result of the years of aerobic conditioning I got with running of other factors?

Consider also I biked when I was 14 and 15 years old, ran from age 15 to 19 years old, and returned to biking also at the age of 19. I am 140 lbs and 5' 11

Hi, I agree.

I would not say that running can't improve biking. I would not say that.

But biking for 5 years in a row, instead of running, would have had made you even better cyclist. Cycling is probably the best way to improve cycling.

Personnally, I come from the triathlon back ground, and I love mixing these two sports.

A triathlete I coached in the 90s, has retired this year from a professionnal career. He did a couple of cycling races, this summer, just for fun, and did very well. But he would probably not be able to do well at the national level in cycling, even if in triathlon, he was competing at the international level.

Sorry about the incoherence of my post, it was kind of late and was tired.

Anyway, thanks for responding. Those are some good points. You see, after I came back to mountain bike, I did so well that I decided to get back into it and start racing at the elite level. I was just wondering if it would be a good idea to incorporate running into my winter training.

Also, I plan on training up to 21 hours a week, would this be an inordinate training volume for someone who hasn't really biked in a long time?

The Flesh said:

Sorry about the incoherence of my post, it was kind of late and was tired.

Anyway, thanks for responding. Those are some good points. You see, after I came back to mountain bike, I did so well that I decided to get back into it and start racing at the elite level. I was just wondering if it would be a good idea to incorporate running into my winter training.

Also, I plan on training up to 21 hours a week, would this be an inordinate training volume for someone who hasn't really biked in a long time?

If you are planning to compete at the elite level, things become different.

You must find a good coach. One that has enough experiance and skill to build a yearly plan for you. It use to take me at least two weeks (including weekends) to prepare yearly plans for around 15 athletes (split in 3 or 4 groups). So it is a long process.

For a senior athlete, the volume you plan to do is ok (12 to 24 hours, maybe more, sometimes less). I would not think you need it right at the begining but you may want to aim toward it. Again, this has to be confirmed by your coach, and will depend on the main objectives of your yearly plan.

I see no reason for not running during winter, as long as it does not conflict other activities. Of course, you need to meet the minimum requirement in term of cycling maintenance (trainer). But if you like running, and your knees and back are without any injuries or pain, it could be a good cardio exercice during the general preparation phase of your yearly plan.

BTW, I'm very glad for you that you discovered your true cycling skills. Most people have to work very hard in their sport to foresee an elite career. In your case, even after a pause, you find yourself capable of good performances. I'm glad. Enjoye!🙂

I don't think I need a coach. I have a relatively good knowledge of excersise science, specifically in running. I read many books and learned about different training methods from around the world, like in Kenya, Ethiopia and Morrocco.

The training of running and biking appear to be similar in my view, there are just some cycling specific things I need to learn about. For example, when I first started my design for this winter, I had to ask myself "What is the 100 mile week of biking?" I needed some comparison. I had to learn about cycling related injuries, I had to think in terms of 2 hour races instead of 15 minute and 30 minute races. I would like to learn about the different training methods of cycling, as in running there is Lydiard, Coe, Daniels, etc...

Solar Energy, I assume you are one of the board's "gurus." I appreciate the feedback. I'd like to know about the athletes you coached. Also, if you or anyone else is interested in seeing the training I have designed (which is probably very different from what the cycling world usually sees) I'd be happy to post about it.

The Flesh said:

I don't think I need a coach. I have a relatively good knowledge of excersise science, specifically in running. I read many books and learned about different training methods from around the world, like in Kenya, Ethiopia and Morrocco.

The training of running and biking appear to be similar in my view, there are just some cycling specific things I need to learn about. For example, when I first started my design for this winter, I had to ask myself "What is the 100 mile week of biking?" I needed some comparison. I had to learn about cycling related injuries, I had to think in terms of 2 hour races instead of 15 minute and 30 minute races. I would like to learn about the different training methods of cycling, as in running there is Lydiard, Coe, Daniels, etc...

Solar Energy, I assume you are one of the board's "gurus." I appreciate the feedback. I'd like to know about the athletes you coached. Also, if you or anyone else is interested in seeing the training I have designed (which is probably very different from what the cycling world usually sees) I'd be happy to post about it.

I'm not a Guru or really qualified to critique your training but I'd still like to see it.

What level in running were you at? What level in cycling would you guess that you are at now?

The Flesh said:

I don't think I need a coach. I have a relatively good knowledge of excersise science, specifically in running. I read many books and learned about different training methods from around the world, like in Kenya, Ethiopia and Morrocco.

Well, a coach does more for an aspiring elite level athlete than just put the training plan together. It's also about entering the correct races so that you get noticed by the right teams, get the correct preparation for races, learn the correct tactics, etc.

I agree with Solar Energy that if you're intending to train 21 hours a week at 19 yrs old, and race bikes at the elite level, an experienced racing coach is in order.