Running vs. Biking.
Triathlon training is a go!
Running vs. Biking
I got back on my bike this week to officially begin training for the Timberman Half Ironman triathlon which I will be racing in August. I didn’t do any biking on my trainer this winter as I was all in for Boston and all of my time was consumed with running. It felt strange to be back on my bike but my body is welcoming the change. Last winter I spent most of my time biking or in the pool because I was unable to run due to a back injury that was caused by piroformis issues so when I got on the road biking felt great and I had no new soreness. However after biking on Monday I was reminded of all of the different ways that muscle groups are activated. On Tuesday I was sore!
Running vs. Biking Muscles
Here are some great articles that detail the different ways that the major muscle groups are used in running and cycling:
Some other surprising places that I find to be sore after returning to biking are my wrists and hands because they absorb some of the shock from bumps in the road. Also, you may find that back is sore due to the increased load. Your back muscles are engaged when cycling to help keep your body stabilized. Also, if you are new to cycling you may not be prepared for the soreness on your gluteus maximus, yes! your butt and other unmentionable places from spending time in the “saddle” (on your bike seat). It is best to work your way into the miles and to make sure that you have the best saddle for your most comfortable ride. But don’t go too crazy and run out and get a banana seat or a cruiser bike seat . . . Another issue that you might discover is that your toes go numb after some miles on the bike, if this is the case then you may need to make some pedal adjustments to get the angle just right.
If you are truly getting serious about biking and/0r triathlon then I would highly recommend getting a professional bike fitting. Getting your bike fitted will ensure that your bike is adjusted perfectly for you. A good bike fitter will take pictures and videos as well as body measurements to make proper adjustments for maximum comfort when riding. Some of the adjustments may be as minor as adding a shim under one of your bike shoe cleats to adjust for leg length differential.
What’s next for me?
CLICK to join my CROWDRISE to support the Clarke Schools For Hearing and Speech at the NYC Marathon
It will take a little time for my body to adjust to the changes in my training but I can’t wait! I am still going to be running a ton this summer as I have the ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon coming up in June, the half marathon leg of the Half Ironman and then the NYC Marathon this Fall!
Zooma Women’s Race Series Discount Code
What races do you have coming up next? What is the biggest difficulty for you when switching from running to biking?
24 responses
Leave a Reply to Tina@GottaRunNow Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
My biggest difficulty would be not having a bike, lol. Right now I’m having difficulty transition back to running. BOO but yay for you!
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Post Run or Workout Gym Bag Essentials – Coaches Corner
I always get sore in my forearms when I switch back to biking! It is such a funny place to feel sore. I’m just now switching from half marathon training to training for a cycling event next month, and then a triathlon this summer (sprint distance). I have a lot of friends doing Timberman – it seems like a fun race!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…Earth Rock Run Race Review & Recap!
I only ride my bike leisurely and to commute to work. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I can get back to that. Time to prep my bum! haha
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Honor Your Days With Reebok + a GIVEAWAY!
I don’t bike a lot but I always find it funny because I assume since I have running endurance I will for biking too, nope! The muscles seem so different.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…What Moderation & Balance Really Mean
I am back on the bike too and our weather has not been cooperating too much. Tomorrow I’ve got a brick on the schedule-kind of scared have not done one in a long time
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Tour De Cookie-Yes please!
When I started spinning, my butt and arms were SO sore!
Carmy recently posted…5 Tips For a Better Performance
Good for you! I’m definitely not a biker, and realized that pretty hardcore when I last went on a long bike ride with my friends. A long run seemed much easier than that!!
Christina recently posted…Roasted Cherry Tomato & Black Bean Pasta
this is the second post im reading on biking today, this is a sign that i need to get one 🙂
dixya @food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Spring Veggies with Tahini Turmeric Dressing
Big gears to fast. I often find myself trying to get my pace back to fall #’s too soon, and get injured. The small ring is your friend when transitioning.
My bike is a Walmart special bike that I coast around on at the campgrounds. But hey I do love it and 10 miles on that thing is something.
I would love to get into some duathlons I think that would be neat!
One of my goals is to get a nice bike. I really enjoy doing it but have no clue on how to get started! Now that the weather is getting nicer I look forward to going on a few rides and I have to get used to the soreness!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…5 Silliest Myths About Mud Runs + Discount to Muckfest MS
I definitely feel the difference between biking and running! I need to get my biked tuned up and out on the road!
My upper back gets sore, but I think that’s from the death grip I have for fear of crashing! Good luck with your new adventure!
Coco recently posted…Fitting It All In
I am registered for a corporate 5k through work, and a memorial day 5K. I’m taking it slow right now.
The hardest thing I found when going from running to biking is how dull and also stressful it is. I am terrified of being taken out by a motorist, so my whole body is just a bundle of nerves. I also have the pain in my wrists and forearms, although my butt has been fine. So there’s that LOL. I will get used to it as time goes on.
Good luck with your training cycle! I will be paying close attention as I am thinking about signing up for my first tri soon.
Jenn recently posted…wednesday word: dilemma
I love my bike for cross training. Sometimes my hands go numb but that’s really the only issue I have.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…It’s a Dilemma: What’s a runner to do after she finishes a goal race?
I don’t do much biking (cycling? I don’t even know the proper term LOL)….but I’d like to do more. I have a mountain bike, but probably need to bite the bullet and get a road bike.
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Got any Dilemmas?
Jerold and I used to do triathlons together and had nice road bikes. Then the kiddos started coming and we eventually sold our bikes. I miss it!! 🙂
Yes, def works different muscles. I would like to get back into triathlons sometime – they are so fun! So excited for your training!
Natalie recently posted…Staying Safe On The Trails: 6 Tips For Trail Running
That would be cool if you got back into tri and then we could do one of those together too!
I use my bike to cross train so I’ve never had to transition from running to biking. It seems like the tough part would be transitioning with speed.
jill conyers recently posted…Strong Bicep and Tricep Super Set Workout
The transition is so rough as your legs feel like lead and like the won’t move the right way when you get off the bike. Definitely great cross-training!
I forgot that you’ll also be at ZOOMA Annapolis. Hopefully I’ll see you there and can finally meet you in person!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2016 Jaguar 5k Recap
Oh! I so hope we get to meet! Looking forward to a fun weekend away!
When I get back to riding, there’s soreness in new places, but I love how much faster I go down the road!
Tina@GottaRunNow recently posted…Snow at the Grand Canyon
Me too! I love getting back on the bike and the wind in my hair! Haha!