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Thread: Is biking a good substitute?

  1. #1

    Is biking a good substitute?

    Giving an injury a rest from running at the moment, and want to keep up my fitness so I'm going out on my very average mountain bike. Just wondered if doing alot of biking with good uphill work involved will have similar benefits to fell running so when I start back running it won't be like starting from scratch and it won't be such a shock to the system?

  2. #2
    Master Ady In Accy's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    It is of course good for your fitness and your bike speed (and weight control) but a few years ago I was injured for 6 months so stepped up the bike and raced crits and road races so was quite fit but when I started running again it did feel like starting from scratch although I suppose I got back into it quicker than I would without the bike fitness. Perhaps it's different for everyone but that's how it was for me.

  3. #3
    Master Al Fowler's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    Physio told me that cycling is fine for me whilst im to avoid the running. He also said things like a rowing machine, cross-trainer etc are good.
    Just no impact stuff!

  4. #4
    Senior Member trilathon's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    it'll help but it's no substitute

    cross training has many good benefits but as Addy points out, it's a long road back

    I've heard people quote that it takes you double the period of the layoff to get back to your original fitness level !

  5. #5
    Master skennaugh's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    Most of my training is the daily commute to work. I don't win fell races, but i certainly enjoy them.
    http://www.manxfellrunners.org/
    My island is very nice

  6. #6
    I need to run more. southernsoftie's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    Keep it up: better than nothing as you keep your CV system ticking over, or even operating to a very high level. However hard it may be to come back after having a lay off on the bike, it'd be a darn sight harder than having done no cycling (or any other type of exercise, as Al points out).

    Main problem will probably be getting the specific muscles, tendons and ligaments used to the rigours of fell running again. Unsure how you can replicate this without actually doing it. Maybe taking a baseball bat to to your legs and feet might do the trick. For authenticity, combine this with smearing farmyard excrement over you, flaying yourself with nettles and brambles, maybe even taking a jump from a standing position onto your face whilst facing down a hill...you're only limited by your imagination!
    Last edited by southernsoftie; 31-03-2009 at 11:47 PM.
    "The best shield is to accept the pain, then what can really destroy me?"

    http://garyufm.blogspot.co.uk

  7. #7
    Master Ady In Accy's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    Have you been drinking to ease the pain SS?

  8. #8
    I need to run more. southernsoftie's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    No, this is my genuine training regime to keep me in shape while my knees are still playing up. No pain, no gain!!
    "The best shield is to accept the pain, then what can really destroy me?"

    http://garyufm.blogspot.co.uk

  9. #9
    Master skennaugh's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    Quote Originally Posted by southernsoftie View Post
    No, this is my genuine training regime to keep me in shape while my knees are still playing up. No pain, no gain!!
    You could try jumping and landing with your ankles bent in at right angles.
    http://www.manxfellrunners.org/
    My island is very nice

  10. #10
    I need to run more. southernsoftie's Avatar
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    Re: Is biking a good substitut

    Quote Originally Posted by skennaugh View Post
    You could try jumping and landing with your ankles bent in at right angles.
    Not tried that one. Thanks for the tip!
    "The best shield is to accept the pain, then what can really destroy me?"

    http://garyufm.blogspot.co.uk

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