Why Cyclists Should Run | Can Running Really Help Your Cycling?

Brace yourselves! Chris and Emma are on hand to give you the case for why cyclists should run - sometimes...

Running gives you sore legs if you’re not used to it because the muscles are loaded eccentrically - ie while extending. Cycling uses the same muscles, but they are almost entirely loaded only while contracting - which is called concentric loading. When a muscle works during extension, it causes much more damage to muscle fibres. The muscles do adapt and get used to it, but it takes a little time. So if you only ever ride a bike, and never ever run, then the first run you try is going to makes your legs ache like crazy afterwards.

Firstly, running can help balance your muscle groups and avoid injury by working muscles that are under-developed by cycling. Over-specification for cycling is great while it works, but you’ll regret neglecting that balance if you get injured because some muscles are too weak. Running is also great for developing core strength. Basically, it can help you be all-around stronger and more robust, which you’ll value for your long-term health.

Cycling is not weight-bearing, so if it’s the only sport you do then it can lead to decreased bone density. Calorie restriction can contribute to this if you’re super strict with keeping your weight low. Why is low bone density a problem? Because it means your bones are weaker and you’re at higher risk of fractures when you crash. Supplementing your cycling with any weight bearing sport will help to increase your bone density - that could be weight training or running (or any sport involving running) to avoid these problems.

Do you run? Or do you just cycle? Let us know in the comments. 👇

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Leave us a comment below!

[gcn]

Do you use running to complement your cycling?

[roydos]

Be warned, i took this advice 5 years ago, to alleviate the soreness in my legs after running i started swimming and now the only competitions i compete in are triathlons!

[karlmathew]

I do both and personally I find they complement each other.

[trashpix]

I am a trail runner and i came to cycling for cross training and i came to enjoy it a lot and now i can't live without both.

[florianbappler]

I just love the simplicity of running. Can do it almost everywhere, in any weather, super time-efficient, and it's easy to make friends

[andypaul]

Running on the road is a snoozefest. Trail running in the mountains, Thats something else👍

[OUTDOORS]

We are made to run. The reason most cyclist dont run is because its hard. Theres no hiding during a run. You cant coast, you are always putting out "power".

[nicolemitsi]

I cycle because I have injuries that prevent me from running. As a personal trainer, I see a lot of clients get injuries from running due to bad form or poor muscular conditioning. If you want to work different muscles and build bone density through more weight bearing exercise, specific weight training is a much better option than running in my personal opinion. Less chance of injury, more effective for building bone density and creating better muscular balance throughout the body.

[spencerlemon]

As someone who started out running and moved to cycling I think that the most important thing that running does for cyclists is teaches patience. Going running can be super frustrating for cyclists because you're going a fraction of the speed for the same effort. You have to have the patience and willpower to pursue a goal that won't come quickly or easily and I think that's what all endurance sports are really about

[johngault]

I absolutely agree. Running is tough to get started with, but once you get past that "break-in" period, running actually becomes addictive; there is something to the "Runner's High". I don't think running does much for my cardio system, thanks to years and years of cycling, but it does wonders for my musculoskeletal system.

[mireyalopez]

I just started ascending 46 floors every day before starting my job. The first week was really hard, then it was better and then I participated in a vertical competition. I made it to the 276/3000 people. Not bad. My cycling has improved by doing this exercise everyday. It just takes me 10 minutes.

[stevemansfield]

Great video guys and bang on the nail!! When I started out racing nearly four decades ago, running was a swear word and still is (think it’s because what triathletes do!!) however, I find it’s the only way to lose those few extra pounds and will get you properly fit!! Basically you can’t freewheel when you’re running so you’re working all the time. Try it, you’ll get fitter

[DylanJohnsonCycling]

I ran cross country in high school. By the end of the season I was limping around like an old man and I was only 16. I do enjoy running but it's very easy for me to hurt myself doing it.

[zingerbox]

Good to extend your hip flexors which get tight from cycling

[aroundandround]

You two look all so cool-fitnessy attired that I’m tempted to tolerate and give running yet another chance after all.

[spaizemunkie]

I needed this video! I'm a pretty decent cyclist... Started late when I was about 36.... I'm now a very fit 40 year old. With the clocks changing and there being less opportunities to get out on my bike, I was petrified that I was going to lose my fitness! I started running. Like you said, it's surprisingly magical to run in the rain! Running makes me feel bouncy and lighter. I'm cycling up bigger hills and cycling up them faster than before I started running! Would recommend running to anyone who can 😉 Thanks 😊

[nstrug]

Blimey Emma is a lovely runner, especially compared with Captain Heelstrike here 😁

[jeffmcilroy]

If anyone sees me running.. they’d better start running too because something bads happened

[kevin._.farren]

Chris is the only man who can make running shorts fit like Lycra.

[sirBumpyCase]

3:25 I've found that cycling has improved the quality of my day-to-day activities. I feel more stable standing and walking, and even can run up a flight of stairs without feeling it anymore. This is likely because I'm finally getting fitter due to cycling, but clearly you have been fit for a while.