Biking - will it help strengthen legs for better runs?

[NancyR]

I've been upping my biking a bit, finding it quite enjoyable. I'd like to think it will help my runs, by conditioning/strengthening my legs, am I correct? It doesn't bother my knee at all.

Here is an example of a casual bike ride - I am trying to get in 4-5 per week.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/36997396

If the link doesn't work, I went just over 8km, 25 min or so. I could go further, but am slowly venturing out of my area..I am not out of breath at all.

Also, how do you guys stay safe? WOW, guess you get more in-tune to what drivers might do.  I was heading south on Haig, approaching Victoria, I see a young man in a car sitting there at the stop, I can tell he is texting, looking down, he glances up, starts to go, looks right at me and stops, continues with his phone - I signal that I am continuing through, he is still sitting there stopped, looking down, then just as I get almost in front of him, what does he do???????...goes.. then stops just barely nailing me, I swerve to avoid him and right out in the intersection he is stopped and STILL texting! I should have swore at him!

[Rachel]

Or perhaps taken his licence plate number and called the cops!  JERK!!!   

[Rhonda]

You just have to be so aware of everything around you. Try to make eye contact with drivers. In a one week stretch last summer while running, I was almost clipped twice by cars coming out of a parking lot that thought they only had to look one way when entering front street. Some cyclists think the sidewalk is only for them and runners should get on the grass when we meet. Had a near miss with one of them too. I always have my kids slow down to a crawl or stop or even pull off onto the grass when we are on a sidewalk and meet someone. It's just a respect thing they should learn. There are also lots of very nice drivers and cyclists out there. One older gentleman actually pulled his car back away from the intersection so I could have a straight line across the road. Always make sure I smile and wave at them and say thanks! Keep your head up and your eyes and ears open!

[Jon]

Hey,

The short answer - it won't hurt your running, but it won't replace it either    The cardio fitness gained will transfer between sports, so it is definitely a good way to improve that area, without the pounding that running can give you.  Just be aware that specificity is always 'king' (in my opinion) for improvement - if you want to be a better runner, then run more. 
Sounds to me like your slowly creeping to the darkside, into tri training!  Enjoy! 

Jon

[QATS3]

It is always an adventure riding or running in Belleville.
Doesn't matter where or when.
Riding down Airport Road one day and one car pulls out to pass another one as they are coming towards me. And there is nothing like running or riding on the waterfront train and having people walking with dogs or kids and they are spread across the entire trail...then they act like it is your fault they have to move to one side....there are two lanes on the trail, there is even a line down the middle of it to seperate the two lanes.
You do seem to get a sense of what people are doing after riding for a bit...but it is always best to expect the unexpected!!!
Cheers.

[David]

Always wear a helmet! Try and wear bright colours but that to may have no effect on some people. Like others said just be aware always scan the road and driveways. Good luck. It doesn't take long to get the distance. You will actually be surprised if you join a group on just how far you can actually ride. Keep a watch on the forum and come on out and join the group. I consider myself a beginner and I enjoy the rides, forces me to push myself beyound what I ever thought I could do.


Dave   

[NancyR]

Rachel, I did glance back and start to take a mental note of the details, car type, colour, then just decided to lose it and carry on... my brain was overwhelmed and the info was not staying in there (needed a notepad and pen), I suppose if this happens enough and depending on the severity one would definitely notify the police..yes a JERK!

runner7, the eye contact I will do, thanks, and I agree there is a respect thing out there, good of you to teach your children this.  Also agree there are definitely good drivers, and they do out number the bad, thank heavens! From walking a lot I have learned to be polite back, (sorta spread the kindness attitude) and I make a point to smile, nod, gesture if not say thanks.

Jon, yes the aim is to improve my cardio, and make my quads stronger, (I have been having a bit of an issue with one knee, and need to make it stronger around the quad I believe) but in the process of adding more biking I find I quite enjoy it..so yes maybe a tri-rookie in the making lol I had a really good run last night, NO PAIN and I am so happy about that, cautiously eager, and I'd like to think the biking has helped plus doing as Mike suggested and take time off while it healed.

QATS3 I have experienced exactly that on the trail! spread across or not but then decide to spread out just as you arrive..how frustrating, or no control of their dog who wants to play with you! Love dogs but not right now please! What a scary experience on Airport Road, what ARE people thinking???

Dave bright colours, good idea, I did have a black top on, I usually wear colour, will make a point to. Driveways, good point, to watch. I agree with you about the distance, hadn't biked much and hopped on a few weeks ago, wow could I feel it, now I am good to go much further.  I only have a Sportchek bought CCM about $300 bike, 21 speed, would this be ok for a tour which included beginners?

Thanks everyone!!
 

Nancy

[Glo]

Hint when on the waterfront trail - I practice religiously when I cycle   - when you are approaching, in a loud voice, but try not to scare them  say  ' On your left' they tend to look behind them and move to the right.

I learned this in Stowe, Vermont where they have similar trails.   

The scary part is those with dogs on long/loose leashes, I'm so paranoid that the dog will cross in front of me just as I'm passing.  The owners don't hold the leash tight while people go by either walking or cycling.

Maybe I'll see you on the trail some day.

Happy cycling. 

[NancyR]

Great idea wannabe.

I can see how that would be a fear, the dogs crossing your path.

I wonder if I see some people from here while I am out... in time I will get to know faces.

Thanks!
Nancy

[David]

I am not sure what kind of bike you have. Last year I went out with Sandy and a few others on Saturday mornings. The ride was challenging but not to overwhlemimg that would scare a person. Although I haven't seen many of the Saturday rides posted lately. I am sure if you were to ask Sandy a ride could be put together just to get the experience of cycling in a group. It can be intimidating when you see people pulling expensive bikes off the back of their cars. I was wonderinf a few times, what have I gotten myself into. Normally if there are slower riders Sandy or Jeff will hang with them. That's the great thing about Tri&Run they seem to have the moto, no one gets left behind. It is motivating to see these guys and gals cycle. 

Cheers
Dave   

[QATS3]

A great way to see what it is like would be to come out to the ride on the 27th....It will be a nice easy ride (so i understand). Ride with a pack and try out some new bikes. It is a fundraiser as well so should be fun. And there is a BBQ after so even better...
If you are interested in doing some small rides to start around Belleville let me know, I am sure we could get a couple of people together and do a ride here...even if it is in the evening and not on a weekend. Always looking for an excuse to get on my bike....much more fun then running!!!!
Cheers,
Bryan

[NancyR]

Good Morning!

Dave I think it is what you'd call a mountain bike, larger tires, 21 speed, 3 on the left and 7 on the right, I usually have it at 20-21 to give my legs a good workout. According to my Garmin I am averaging 18+km per hour, so I need to work on that.  I am riding around in town so not sure how much faster I could go and watch for cars, dogs etc.. your post is reassuring and like the motto, I will definitely hook up when I feel I am a bit more ready. Thanks!!

Bryan, lol (laughing at the running comment) thanks, I will take you up on it when I can, and I will consider the 27th too, sounds like a good time to come out and try something newish. It all feels a bit intimidating but you are a great group and everyone starts somewhere right?

Thanks for the wonderfully encouraging support!
 

Nancy

[Sandy]

Exactly.  We all started at the same place you are, the beginning.  Don't be intimidated, the ride on the 27th is just about getting out and enjoying the scenery....then BBQ!   

[The Moose1]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...BBQ.

[NancyR]

Thanks Sandy 

LOL Mike