Cycling and running โ thereโs a โrunningโ joke (๐คฃ) that cyclists make terrible runners! Youโd think being good at one would mean being good at the other, since both rely on cardiovascular fitness. But actually, fitness from one doesnโt necessarily transfer to the other. But why?! Dan Lloydโs been doing some digging…
โฑ๏ธ Timestamps: โฑ๏ธ
00:00 Why do cyclists make such awful runners?
00:43 Why doesn’t running & cycling fitness transfer?
03:26 What is it that makes the two sports so different?
05:41 What happens when runners cycle?
08:15 More runners are going over to cycling. Why? ๐ดโโ๏ธ
09:13 Runners cycling: What are the biggest hurdles?
15:23 Understanding physiological differences between runners & cyclists with Dan Lorang
20:28 Could running benefit your cycling?
23:05 The risks of supplementing your cycling with running
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What are your thoughts and own experiences running? ๐๐ป Let us know in the comments!
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37 Comments
What are your thoughts and own experiences with running? ๐๐ป Let us know in the comments!
I used to play soccer and ride a bike. One season my team was lax about pre-season training and I thought OK I'll push harder on the bike to improve my aerobic capacity and muscle strength. Worked wonderfully until I sprinted for a ball 3rd game in and tore my quads to shreds. The physio I saw said that by building muscle strength on the bike alone I had powerful but shortened muscles and ultimately the power release in a sprint overstretched the muscle to the point of failure. Took 6 months to recover and I learned that running and stretching were a must if you are going to play at both sports. I was not a competitive cyclist however I did piss off a couple of team mates when, after finishing soccer training, I climbed some very steep hills on the ride home. They were pissed because I am the shape of a bean and was 15+ kilos overweight. So running and stretching to do both safely
very useful and interesting. thanks for this!
As usual Dan, a great video with excellent information. Thank you!
Every decade or so I try running, get an injury in the first effort, then say "never again" for another decade.
That teaser thumbnail of froome running is an odd example – by far the most awkward form on a bike I ever saw. Pogi – poetry in motion on wheels (and I assume he can run if he wants). Froome – rides a bike like an alien insect swarm that woke up in a … skin suit. ;-p
I ran 380 miles in March. Improved my running plus my cycling once my body recovered from it ๐๐ 19.04-18.53 for 5km running cycling- 4min pb on my 35km route and 2 min PB on my 20km route.
Cycling makes you a bad runner, because it gives you the wrong tan lines.
The remarkable John Howard (olympic cycling, iron man winner, RAAM winner, land speed cycling record, author …) supposedly took up running after he walked home after a flat, then felt super sore then next day. Maybe impossible in these days of super specialization, but did it all. https://youtu.be/N5mDv2RKFD0
Cycling still gives makes me happy, but when I could run it was sublime joy.
How does one acquire the ability to read peoples thoughts?
I was carrying a fair bit of heft when I started running, those lengthy cafรฉ stops being a factor for sure. That meant I couldn't go too quick to begin with! Still got a stress fracture in my metatarsal four years in, though not in a marathon training block.
Since I upped the ante on the running aspect, I find I go really well on the bike, certainly compared to my fellow runners. I remember finishing the London Marathon and seeing Dr Hutch at the end as he'd run around the same time as me, he was in a state but I think he'd still been keeping the cycling going as well as running, whereas I'd focussed far more on the running part.
Played tennis for 10 years, running was always easy for me. That being said 90 percent of an orthopedic surgeons business is knee surgery for runners and it's a silly practice overall.
I started racing cycling at 11 years old and despite doing much better in races as i got older my 1500m runs at school were faster at 12 years old than at 14 at which age my knees would hurt with every stroke..
Emma Pooley is a total legend. I miss her still and would always be happy for a guest appearance on Gcn.
Van Aert, van der Poel en Dumoulin are amazing runners though
Cyclist: I think I'll try a little running. It takes less time, and it's good for your bones.
Runner: I've been injured running. I'll try cycling while I recover.
To be good at running, you have to work your ass off. To be good at cycling, you need to work your credit card off.
Very informative and interesting video. But Danโs lightning response with โgood salesmanโ got me good.
I thought cycling was hard until I found out the French were good at it.
Interesting video! Thanks GCN
My focus is running 12km-19km everyday (easy run, tempo, lactate, etc). I also cycle everyday but for work porpose (8km 30min and a long ride at night 18km 1h). In my days off from work I just run, dont cycle and I feel a bit worse the day after. Riding bike easy everyday while listening to podcast or some music is fun and also, and more importante, the run next day feels much better. Running and then shower and relax in bed is worse for me. I force myself to go shopping something, in my days off after running, just so I have benefits and feel better. I love to run but cycle I only like if I have to go to work, buy something, go somewhere. It's fun riding bike but i can't relax in the same way as when i'm running.
I did my first triathlon this year and the switch on the day from bike to run was so hard. Im slow and fat at both activities but the run was a nightmare!
The hip flexor thing is so right!
I think there are a few examples of speed skaters who are also excellent cyclists.
I cannot run 20 or 30 m before my heart, lungs, and legs simply explode, yet I can pedal between 103 and 107 rpm over rolling and hilly courses without my heart, lungs, and lungs exploding.
You own a bike (let's be honest, it's probably more like 3 or 4 bikes). Why would you go for a run? Utter tosh.
Thanks!
There's a reason why cyclists are in danger of muscular imbalances, because cycling doesn't evenly distribute the work amongst the muscles. Using underdeveloped leg muscles leads to a higher heart rate and fatigue a lot quicker than what should be expected for an aerobically fit person.
My favorite rhetorical question is: what about being mediocre at both? ๐คก
From what I understand biking translates to running quite well, but not the other way around.
My only marathon time is 3:19, got into cycling because of injuries, FTP=3.1W/kg. Both mediocre
Long ago and far away–high school and college–I was a sprinter. "Running", in terms of distance, was primarily a means to an end, for training. The focus was the 200m and 400m dash. Speed plus pain. I've wondered how well that old discipline would translate to the velodrome.
I've been running on and off next to the bike for a while with mixed results (and some predictable injuries). Been very consistent last few weeks though, feeling good after running, but a lot has been on trails. Went to a proper running store today and treated myself to some proper shoes. Hopefully and with a bit of care, that will give me some extra comfort on the concrete. We'll see……
I can only get into max heart rate with running. My muscles on the bike give out with too much lactic acid before I get there. And cycling I am better at.
Great video! Nice interviews! Iโm a very committed runner who mainly bikes to get places and for fun. Really interesting stuff.
I started running, then was told cycling could help my running. Eventually I just went full on into cycling. After a few endurance cycling events I decided to try running again. I was worse than before I started cycling lol…
Great episode with all the various experts and commentators ๐ Interesting topic.
I am an ex average ultramarathoner. Certainly, no where near the podium. I used to run about 10 hours a week, 15-20 when in a training cycle. With my transition to cycling, I now take less than 20% of the steps as I used to to as a runner. If I wanted to go back to ultramarathoning, I think I'd need a three year build-up to my first event for my body to literally harden back up to absorb the impact. I do miss running, but I don't miss walking on the ultra-running tightrope between fitness and injury.