Cycling and running

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Since the clocks went back last autumn I've been running on my cycling days - 5.4 miles on Monday and Friday lunchtimes as well as a Sunday long run (that's the pattern most weeks, when events allow!)

When the clocks go forward in the spring I'll be wanting to resume cycling (Monday and Friday commute to work - 16 miles each way).

I can't cycle other days (family commitments) and as I play football on Wednesdays and can't often manage successive exercise days (too many injuries and weaknesses) I can't generally run on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Currently, my priority is to improve my running - both distance and pace, so you can see my dilemma. From a training point of view, am I better off doing one lunchtime run, one weekend run and 32 miles hard cycling per week, or should I skip the cycling and concentrate on running alone?

Cheers,

Dave.

candy ollier

depends what you're training for, primarily running or primarily cycling

[Deleted User]

The cycling is not 'for' anything in particular. My priority is to improve my running... ultimately to do a (hopefully respectable) half marathon before I'm 40 in November.

popsider

Then do as much running as you can without getting yourself injured - everything else will have relatively less benefit.

candy ollier

absolutely - cycling will have not nearly as good an effect as running

ditch the cycling

Dutch Johnny

Drop the football (more chance of picking up an injury, as I can vouch for) and go for a run instead

[Deleted User]

I knew someone would suggest that... BUT I LOVE FOOTIE!!!!

I've been playing around with training plans and that Wednesday night footie really causes problems, but I can't give it up, I can't, d'ya hear?!

Sensible advice though :-}

Hilly

IG-you don't have to give up footie, it's good for you!:o)

You'll just have to think of another way to increase the running.

How about one day a week getting a lift/bus/train to work and running the 16 miles back home. A good way to get a long run in!

Dutch Johnny

I know how you feel I loved playing as well but found that it was really easy to pick up a knock, it being a contact sport, and with being older than when I first started playing the game, any injury took longer to clear up, meaning I couldn't run and lost fitness.