Biking - will it help strengthen legs for better runs?

[Craig]

I would advise against riding in your higher gears at lower speeds as this puts a lot of strain on your knees and ligaments etc. Ideally you want to select a gear that doesn't create too much resistance.

Getting out with other cyclists is a great way to learn more about cycling.

I remember a few summers ago when I was completing 8km rides. 
Like Dave mentioned, the distance you can ride increases fairly quickly. Keep at it and you'll be amazed what you can do.

A MTB is fine for a slower paced ride.

I always prefer to ride secondary rds. whenever possible. Low traffic volume, nicer scenery, fresh air.

Always glad to see people taking up cycling.

Definitely try and hook up with some other cyclists for some rides.

Enjoy

[NancyR]

Thanks Craig.  I thought I'd go for a walk last night after dinner, but it was painful, so I hopped (slowly) on my bike and it didn't hurt at all. Only did about 6km. I have gone about 18km and felt great, but run out of places to ride and time...

I only have a MTB, funny I was wondering why I couldn't get speeds anywhere near experienced riders, I am averaging 20km/h or so, a few laps higher. You are so right, as easy as it is to ride after some years you can quickly build up distance, that is awesome.

Funny - only a month ago, one hill in my area, which is a slow gradual climb, I was thinking wow, this is working my legs, now it is nothing..

I really like how with biking you seem to progress much faster than running :)

Nancy

[Kate]

What amazes me is it is so easy to go so much farther on a bike (or even roller blades) versus the distance you can run ... doesn't seem fair.

[NancyR]

Me too Kate, not fair is right!

I find when I tell people I am doing a 5k or I did 5k, they sorta have that look like it's no big deal (non-runners) and maybe when I can do a marathon one day 5k will seem a long time ago, but for me right now it is a huge feat!!

...and if I mention I did 15k on my bike, they are like ooooooh wow...lol but the 5k run was much harder!

[Rhonda]

5k IS a big deal! You should be very proud of your accomplishment.

[runningwild]

I know a lot of "non-runners" that think 5k is no big deal, but don't have the fitness to get out there and do it themselves.  My retort for those who turn their noses up at 5k is "Come on out for a run with me sometime!"  You know what they normally say???  No thanks, lol.

It just goes to show how easy it is to think something isn't a challenge until you are tasked with actually accomplishing it!

[Kate]

I agree with Rhonda ... 5K IS a big deal and you have every right to be proud.  Once times are posted, don't forget to write the name of the event, date and your finishing time on the back of your race number.  Soon you will discover you have quite the collection of them and it is fun to look back through them and see how you have progressed.

Like Sandy said with the biking ... everybody, no matter what their endurance is now, started at the beginning.  Sounds like some of these people that you are talking to have yet to even take those first steps so try not to pay too much attention to them.

Your enthusiasm is AWESOME Nancy.  Keep up the good work!! 

[NancyR]

Thanks SO MUCH for the support - it's people like yourself (yourselves? lol suddenly that sounded wrong) that keep my enthusiasm way up!

I will definitely write down all the race day info. I think it will be really neat to reflect back and see where I started.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Nancy

[Kate]

That is one of the best things about this forum Nancy.  It doesn't matter what you can do or what you are stiving to do, there is always someone who has been there who is behind you every step of the way.

 

[The Moose1]

I agree, 5k is a huge step.  Enjoy every moment of your accomplishment.

Mike

[NancyR]

Thanks Mike, I think so