Cycling or Cycling and Jogging?

[Deleted member 20519]

So anyway, I'm trying to lose a bit of weight before the end of summer. I was wondering, would I get better results if I started doing a bit of jogging as well as cycling? The weather's been pretty miserable lately and there's no signs of it improving. This has put me off cycling as much as I normally would.

There's two nice routes to run, Google Maps says they're both around the two mile mark. Would running these routes (varied) each day along with a bit of cycling be better than cycling alone? I suppose that you're using different muscles so jogging would give my cycling muscles a bit of a break? (I might be totally wrong.)

Who knows? I might even become a triathlete

Just something else here, I'm looking for a decent mountain bike so I guess it would be a combination of road cycling, jogging and mountain biking.

 

[MrJamie]

I think its good, jogging uses some different muscles which probably help a bit for out of the saddle stuff. Its also awesome for cardio and will probably push cardio more intensively than cycling (unless you keep up a very high effort level while cycling).

I tend to favour cycling in the summer and running in the winter. I lost weight faster when I was running 3 times a week than when i focussed mainly on cycling, but I think diet was probably more to do with that.

To start with youll probably knacker your legs jogging and it might impact your cycling, but once you get used to both it gives you options so you dont get bored as quickly.

Check out this beginner programme: http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/beginner-5km/ Very similar to couch to 5k but also has other followup programmes http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/ and you can get the idea and make your own to suit yourself

 

[Deleted member 20519]

I think its good, jogging uses some different muscles which probably help a bit for out of the saddle stuff. Its also awesome for cardio and will probably push cardio more intensively than cycling (unless you keep up a very high effort level while cycling).

I tend to favour cycling in the summer and running in the winter. I lost weight faster when I was running 3 times a week than when i focussed mainly on cycling, but I think diet was probably more to do with that.

To start with youll probably knacker your legs jogging and it might impact your cycling, but once you get used to both it gives you options so you dont get bored as quickly.

Check out this beginner programme: http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/beginner-5km/ Very similar to couch to 5k but also has other followup programmes http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/ and you can get the idea and make your own to suit yourself

Thanks for the links! On the 'rest days', do you think I could go out for a leisurely cycle?

 

[MrJamie]

Yeah I dont see why not, once your leg muscles have got used to it anyway. You cant really push yourself at both on alternating days though, you do need rest days or at least easy days imho.

 

[BrumJim]

Only if you enjoy jogging. Or have a target.

 

[PaulB]

Running is much more preferable-r than cycling so run.

Here are de benefits:

you use more muscles; your heart rate will go higher than cycling alone; if you have 40 spare minutes, run as it's not worth taking a bike out for 40 minutes AND it would take you longer than that to get kitted out and get the bike ready; it's MUCH cheaper; no-one will demand you should pay a road tax for your use of the road; falling is far less damaging if you subtract the height of your position on the bike and the speed you are travelling.

 

[Crackle]

Mixing it is good. Running is great in foul weather, it doesn't matter and in 30 minutes you can do a good workout with a run. Running off road is best if you've got that choice, it'll improve your cycling too.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Running is shit.

 

[Crackle]

Running is shit.

Don't take any notice of 3stridesmcginty

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Go for it Jaz, running in the rain is fun. I can't, because I have a knackered knee, but yesterday I went for a 7 mile walk in the rain, forgot how much I enjoy it, mp3 player and all.
I lost a lot of weight last year, when I was training for a 20 mile charity walk, it stands to reason running will help your weight loss.
PS: don't buy any bike till I take you to that shop, I'll pm you, need to dash now

 

[calibanzwei]

Started running myself recently (3 weeks), in training for a Tough Mudder (also half marathon in Sept) in November - it's hard initially, jogging uses more muscles than cycling and is a higher impact activity. Start slowly, accept that you WILL suffer from DOMS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_onset_muscle_soreness) of some kind and gradually increase your distances - don't worry about speed...yet!

 

[007fair]

Do both. .. and swimming. Add tennis and 5-a-side footy too plus hill climbing and long walks. A bit of weights and stretch regularly. Drink moderately only at weekends. That should do it.

 

[swampyseifer]

tbh tho looking at your diet is going to be the most effective way to loose weight.

As far as I know I think the average calories burned in a mile of running is about 100. I'm sure you could save more than that with some small changes to your diet...for example, a Mars Bar is nearly 300 calories, just choosing not to eat that has saved you running 3 miles!

 

[Crackle]

Don't worry, it's some kind of bizarre joke.