The Impact Of Running On Cycling | Is Running Good For Bike Riding?

Clearly as a triathlete you can’t escape the need to run! We know that many cyclists really don’t like the idea of running due to its effect on their ride. So we thought we would take a closer look at this, and explore the impact of running on cycling.

Cycling is a non-weight bearing sport, with little impact, whereas running is a weight bearing sport with an impact on every stride, equivalent to 5 to 7 times our bodyweight.

So is there any way that they can really compliment each other?

Clearly, as a triathlete you can’t escape the need run! But having spent a fair bit of time with cyclists we know that many of them really don’t like the idea of running due to its effect on their ride. In this video Heather and Fraser take a closer look at this, and explore the impact of running on cycling.

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Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
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Jay Troit - Da Tooby
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Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images

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Do you think running benefits your cycling? Let us know!

[makemebadfan]

I think the best cyclists come from running backgrounds. I started out a runner back in 2012 and picked up cycling late 2017. In just a year on the bike I'm already passing and pulling people in my cycling team who have been doing it for decades due to me having a much larger VO2 max. I also find that my running & cycling wattage are pretty similar and that power gains on the bike help me tremendously on my runs.

[freewheels]

Today i reached 67 days of running 5 km a day, improved a lot my cycling 👍

[tapieromateo]

I've improved more in the last 3 months since I started running than in previous years just focused in cycling. My Peak HR is higher, and my FTP has increased almost 20w (more than 10%) for my weight. Also, running is very fun, and you get to see places that you otherwise couldn't access on the bike.

[ontoya]

Cyclists who hate running. Hmmmm. I love both, always have since I was a kid. Both give you the maximum freedom the human body can produce. Case and point running is the freedom of being able to go the distance with purely what you were born with and cycling is the freedom of the fusion between your body and the greatest human locomotive machine ever invented. Learn to love both because they can both take you to a physical destination but a mental and spiritual peak as well

[ArabellaWright]

I love using running to build my base - living in Bermuda where it's hard to stay in Zone 2 on the bike due to the constant undulation, I tend to do most of my aerobic building through running (also, let's be honest, running is the best of the three).

[Karollenart]

Running uphill increased my cycling so much... Much better results than running on flat. I recommend it sooo much. It made my legs and cardio so much stronger. Also do not forget about some weightlifting for legs and for core (e.g. with kettlebells).

[andrenewell]

I found this video very informative. Could you please do one discussing if swimming helps running and or cycling and vice versa.

[fendercornford]

As an older cyclist I had problems when I started running due to decades of adaptive muscle shortening. This is where muscles work over a shorter length in cycling and as you get older you lose some flexibility in the range your muscles can easily adapt to. Cycling due to the hip position highlighted in the video means muscles get shortened, especially if coupled with a desk or driving job. This for me led to 12 months of achilles issues when I took up running. I believe this is quite a common situation and I should have been much more conservative with my increase in training. It was all to easy with my cardio fitness from cycling to push my running way too hard. I also had excruciating quad pain running downhill. I have persisted with the running as it is so easy to fit in, my running has improved with an overall increase in fitness, the jury is still out on any improvement on my cycling. For me taking long recovery walks in flat shoes, avoiding both speed work and the treadmill has allowed me to build up my running injury free.

[mattgardiner]

Running uphill and up stairs is a good way to recruit your cycling muscles too. Plus it is just harder so improves your mental strength. Good vid by the way 👍

[recyclespinning]

I have done both, running a and cycling, semi competitive, >>> running really a true test of fitness. To run say 5 miles full speed, say at 5 minutes per mile pace. You really really need to be in shape. On a bike you can go out and ride 40 miles and not be to sore next day. Just saying.

[kojack]

I’m a cyclist and I run 5k (ish) first thing in the morning 3 or 4 times a week. Probably not on the days after a race or a mental turbo session but more when I feel like it. I don’t consider it training and I don’t include it as part of a plan. I do it because it makes me feel good and I enjoy it - I think that’s important. There’s no recovery free wheeling, or soft pedalling with running, it’s either carry on or stop and walk. I do feel like thats helped me ‘dig in’ on long sustained bike efforts but that might just be a mental thing 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[bruda]

Some cycling pros do running in their regular training (Nino Schurter e.g.) for stability and core strenght

[RCPBMX]

I run 8 miles a week up and down hill. I feel the difference from my legs. So, biking and running is good to gain resistance.

[thibod]

As a word of wisdom: as a triathlete you are more likely to get injured while running if you under train in that subset of your triathlon preparation. So you simply do not have that much choice. I do not believe that running will contribute to improve your biking experience but it will surely improve your triathlon performance and this is what a triathlon is about, managing to the best you can all three disciplines. I think biking will impact negatively your running if it takes too much of your training time. I know so many triathletes who get injured while running because they like biking so much more or they simply do not train appropriately when they run. Just become a cycliste and forget about doing triathlons if you find running too hard for you. you will live happier happier.

[Fruity-Amy]

I think cycling and running compliment each other. Informative video!

[jahanzaibilyas]

It fascinates me how much my mental and physical health has improved since I started using the Forwago. And I was not even thinking that there is something to be improved lolll. Definitely more people should find out about this program.

[chandlerjohnson]

You guys were definitely at Fiesta Island in San Diego!

[stormfox]

Running really helps my cycling and vice versa since my condition improves and my leg muscles increase

[CreRay]

I'd like to add one major plus: Weight loss!
It may be a personal thing, but I hardly lose any weight during cycling, only after a 100+mile endurance ride I lose maybe 0, 5-1kg. When running on the other hand, after 10-12 miles I can see the weight loss just by looking in the mirror! No joke.