running vs biking

I'm no expert, but I read somewhere the cycling can improve your running both by increasing your cardiovascular capabilities (without impact), and by improving your cadence. However, I can't remember my source so...

madie said:

I'm no expert, but I read somewhere the cycling can improve your running both by increasing your cardiovascular capabilities (without impact), and by improving your cadence. However, I can't remember my source so...

Yes, but biking in itself will lead to problems with calfs, lumber regions and other areas when you eventually do run. If you want to avoid running but still have the ability to run, you can replace some of the running with calf raises, lunges and morning glorys at the gym. But it does sound like you need to do some more running to get yourself up to speed.

Keep your run training as is and throw cycling on top and it will make you faster. I got a 5k PR this summer with less running than in the past but throwing in cycling. A fast run requires tons of cardio power and cycling will help with that. Keep turnover high.

@ 160 lbs. you ain't manhandling jack. may as well lose the extra pounds.

JAPANic said:

I've found that running helps my cycling but cycling doesn't help my running...
Cycling has shrunk my calves... and they get very painful after running..even with lots of stretching however after I've been running a lot my cycling average speeds imrpove...

Hmm, I've found that running hurts my cycling.

For years I rode a lot, but somewhere along the way running became my primary exercise.
Then my knees got messed up so I stopped running and only biked. It took a long time to build up decent cycling times.

When my knees got better I went back to running which I prefer, and my running wasn't negatively affected by cycling.

OldRoads said:

Hmm, I've found that running hurts my cycling.

For years I rode a lot, but somewhere along the way running became my primary exercise.
Then my knees got messed up so I stopped running and only biked. It took a long time to build up decent cycling times.

When my knees got better I went back to running which I prefer, and my running wasn't negatively affected by cycling.

Running would only help it if you don't cut back your cycling. If you replace cycling with running, obviously your cycling will suffer. Compare an elite cyclist to an elite runner. They have substantially different bodies. A distance runner will never get the burning quads from a hill climb and the same mass in the legs.

biking+cycling=good
running everyday is probably not the best on your bones/joints, the crosstraining offers a bit of relief, but improves different muscle groups and your cardio. The more I bike the better I run.

As a high school cross-country and track athlete who also loves cycling i am impartial but...
Running is hamstring dominant and cycling is quad dominant. I find that after cycling over the summer my hamstrings hurt when i go back to running in fall.

nccycling09 said:

As a high school cross-country and track athlete who also loves cycling i am impartial but...
Running is hamstring dominant and cycling is quad dominant. I find that after cycling over the summer my hamstrings hurt when i go back to running in fall.

One-footed pedal exercises on the trainer should help that.

Funny question. So technical as Nike says "just do it." It will add to your fitness level. I is really good to cross train the body. Many people alternate running and cycling. It kind of breaks it up. If you've got some sore areas when you switch to the bike it is kind of a break. You get to sit down and take the pressure off the area. You could alternate your days and just make sure you get right back to your usual to keep it steady.

I do both regularly. I cycle 10 miles a day (commuting to and from work) and then I throw in 2-3 runs per week (normally anything between 3-5 miles at the moment as I am just starting out).

I used to hate running however since riding more often and having the extra cardio excercise I have found it to be quite enjoyable (not as much as my bike though).

No reason why you can't have your cake AND eat it!

I've heard that running is harder on your knees than cycling is, which is actually why I got into cycling in the first place. However, I think that running would work your full body more than cycling would. It's definitely sort of an implied give-and-take.

I definitely prefer cylcing over running, especially if the running is not taking place in a sport of sorts.

I like biking better since its better for my legs and my joints. I used to run a lot, but it just teared my ligaments up...

I love cycling and will settle for it if I have to make a choice. Running is good but I find that cycling involves most of my body muscles meaning I get more out of it. If you want an all-round exercise I think cycling will do it. It is so much fun too!

Much prefer cycling to running. Running is OK but I do prefer walking to running. So cycling is what I do, and if I want to slow things down a bit and think for a while I take a stroll somewhere.

I would prefer something that has a low impact on my knees and legs so cycling it is. Very enjoyable to ride and not that too tiring for me compared to running or jogging. The closest I could get is walking with less stress on the joints.

I'd say do the two of them. Each does different things in your body thus will aid in achieving your goal. I am sure you will be able to alternate the running and biking at different times of the day. Good luck!