Running; how hard can it be!?

[WindyRob]

I used to run in my late teens and early 20's, best half marathon of 1hr 35mins. Then as i got in to early fatherhood in my 20's kept starting and stopping, did another couple of half marathons (1-45 when i trained and 2-15 when i didn't!) Moved to Hampshire and did a few 10k's in my early 30's.

I'm now 42, i've been riding for 3 years and up until July could ride for 100k without too much trouble. due to a virus i've been off the bike a bit and have only done 320 miles over the last 2.5 months. i've just gone back to working mon-fri 9 -5 having been on shift for the last three years. Worried that not being able to ride (37 mile commute each way) i thought i'd run to keep my fitness level up.

Well i've just been for my 2nd run this week a pathetic 2.3 flat miles and I'm shagged.... I know it'll get easier but it's not like riding a bike is it!?

 

[mr Mag00]

hahaha very similar to me, i used to run in teens and 20's.....now puff, pant, struggle

 

[Mr Pig]

I never could run. I can cycle thirty miles but am half dead if I run for a bus!

 

[Crackle]

I definitely find cycling easier than running but when you do get running fit it's a great feeling eating up the miles.

 

[Wigsie]

I never could run. I can cycle thirty miles but am half dead if I run for a bus!

Same here... can swim for 3-4 miles straight at a decent pace and be fine, not ache after a 60 mile ride... but make me run more than a quarter mile and I am all over the place for days!

 

[rich p]

There are many other differences but when running you have to run every step - there's no free-wheeling on the flat or downhill so the effort is continuous.

 

[Fnaar]

Iused to run, nothing serious, but regular jogging, occasional 5 or 6 miles, but then not do any for a year or so, and go back to it (erratic, that's me!)
Now I run when I can't get out for a cycle for whatever reason, and even if I haven't run for 3 months or so, I can easily do 6 or 7 miles and feel no worse for wear

 

[Pottsy]

Funnily enough WindyRob, I'm also 42 and started running again about 6 weeks ago after a few years off. It was tough to start with but it gets easier remarkably quickly. I'm now up to about 8 miles longest run and I have a 10 mile race a week on Sunday. I'm loving it too, great stress relief and takes less time after work too. Also works well on dark and wet winter's evenings.

I've even taken the plunge of entering the inaugral Brighton Marathon next April!

My main advice is to build up slowly, increase both weekly and long run mileage by no more than about 10% (total per week or long run mileage). Also only run alternate days to start with so that you get plenty of recovery time. I'm actually following a 3 runs a week program that enables you to also cross-train 2 or 3 other days (yes, out on the bike or swim).

I guess I need to start looking for a running forum to post on until next spring.

 

[fossyant]

Someone else mentioned running.....argh...did you not get two wheels between the legs when you were born...bad stuff this running, it's not fast enough........

 

[Perfect Virgo]

There are many other differences but when running you have to run every step - there's no free-wheeling on the flat or downhill so the effort is continuous.

Quite right. And with every pace you launch your entire weight airborne (for a fraction of a second between strides) and over many miles that requires a huge sustained effort.

I have run for several years and my best half marathon is 2 hours 1 min. I would equate the feeling of exhaustion with that after a 100 mile ride - for me. I cycle about 100 miles a week for pleasure/fitness and run up to 20 miles a week over 3 days. When I took up cycling a couple of years ago I found the longer distances relatively easy to achieve but if when I took a few weeks' break from running I felt very unfit going back to it, despite having increased my cycling in the meantime.

Nope it's not like riding a bike! In short I believe it's different muscle use and a harder sustained effort that make running so energy sapping. But I like both. Keep at it.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

There are many other differences but when running you have to run every step - there's no free-wheeling on the flat or downhill so the effort is continuous.

bit like riding fixed then…

 

[Dayvo]

Surely it's just putting one foot in front of the other!

No, I know what you mean. I played rugby and cricket for many years, and although I was never the fastest one out of the blocks, I could run for a fair distance.

Now I can just about do 100 yards! Seems like my running muscles have forgotten what to do, and the cycling muscles don't like the running movement!

But I don't think age has much to do with it! Much!

 

[rich p]

bit like riding fixed then…

With my knees that has never entered my consciousness, but yes, I suppose it is!

 

[Stig-OT-Dump]

Learn to love your inner runner. He is to be cherished, nurtured and coaxed into action. He will give you hours of pleasure and make you laugh. He can take you to wondrous places where wheels can't roll.

I was feeling pants after work today - didn't want to do anything. I forced myself out for a run and after a mile I was wanting to jump, dance and frolic (but there were too many people around).

13 miles in the last two days. I would've done more tonight but I would've been late for tea. I'm working overseas just now, so couldn't bring my bike, but the running has more than made up for it.

I picked up running again after my lad was in hospital 3 1/2 years ago. I struggled to do 10 minutes first time back out. This year I did a 1/2 marathon in 1:26:00 (and I'm not young). I don't know where I'd be without it.

 

[darkstar]

Of course cycling is easier than running, your sitting down! But seriously it is a awesome feeling when you can run for hours, finishing my first marathon was the best feeling of accomplishment i've ever felt, it' also addictive. I am in my 20s though and will no doubt soon give up.