I haven't been much of a bike rider since ?...not sure when I used to ride my bike a little while growing up, but we had all gravel roads and we probably never did more than 5 miles at a time and not often. I took my bike to college and biked to class and back, but other than that I much preferred to run.
I have been trying to cross train more since my first marathon two months ago so I borrowed a bike from my mom (Thanks Mom) because mine at some point had been run over and one of the tires was crooked. It has been great for cross training although I don't get as excited about a bike ride as I do a run. Half way through a bike ride I have to really give myself a pep talk to keep moving, keep going, almost there, type of stuff.
I am not a quitter though. I am determined to keep using the bike for cross training, I think it gives my body a nice break from the pounding it gets from running and unlike the elliptical is enough different from running to be true cross training. The Run Less Run Faster book talked about how the elliptical was too close to running and they didn't count it as one of their approved cross training methods.
At least on the elliptical I can watch reruns of Greys Anatomy, on the bike I tend to go back and forth on the two miles of pavement I have. Maybe I should just get over getting to go faster and take it to the gravel so I can see more country, but it really gets bouncy on the gravel!
I think one of the biggest things that keeps me one the bike is knowing that in the long run it should really help get me back to running healthy. So once a week it is will be what I do for my workout.
I would have to say though that I love biking compared to doing physical therapy exercises, which I find monotonously BORING.
Did you learn to like biking? if so how?
What is your favorite cross training method?
I'm so bad at cross training but when it comes to the bike I'm more of a spinner. I love spin class. Outside I enjoy it but haven't used it as a hard workout only because I feel about 8 years-old since I am so wobbly. It is great cross training though and I really want to do it more.
ReplyDeleteI did learn to love biking. It took awhile, but it's really my favorite part of doing tri's now. Maybe if you get yourself a good bike, you might like it more. I took spinning classes for a long while before actaully having a decent bike so I guess it started there. Keep it up, your body will thank you for it!
ReplyDeleteI rarely cross train. I used to take body pump classes at the gym, but since I started really running for distance, i quit the gym and haven't looked back.
ReplyDeleteI think you should see what's beyond the gravel!
Since I started in triathlon, I do use the bike for cross training (well, and to do two tris this year!). Anyhow, one thing I really like about it is the quad development I get that running doesn't seem to provide.
ReplyDeleteGreat exercise for back strength is "superman." Lie on the ground on your stomach and raise your arms and legs off the ground together (and head). I do about 10/set.
You don't say what kind of bike you have. If it's a mountain bike, I'd explore the gravel and beyond. I ride a dirt trail and it is hard - sandy in the summer and muddy in the winter. I can get my HR in the 150s and I've seen it as high at 170! The key to a good workout on the bike is hills.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten to really love weight lifting for cross-training. I like having more muscle definition and feeling strong.
ReplyDeleteI just have to make sure I don't go crazy with the weights the day before a hard run haha.
i really want to get a bike this fall to help balance myself in my cardio and also to work different muscles, etc. but i am terrified i will be a terrible biker. haha! i think my favorite cross training is the elliptical and strength training! i am inspired by your dedication to including more cross training!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could say I knew on your question about strong abs/weak back--it makes sense to me, but I hadn't heard it before. Do planks hurt you? I think they work both, and I know I feel better when I do them.
ReplyDeleteYes, ANYTHING is better than PT exercises. Yawn. But stick with 'em. It will pay off!
I haven't rode a real bike since I was little, I prefer the stationary bike becuase there is less a chance I will fall off or crash lol
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to like biking too, but you will eventually like it. I promise! It really is great exercise, especially when you can't run.
ReplyDeleteI've been biking to work lately (it's bike to work month here) and I enjoy it. But my favorite cross training activity is skiing!! (or hiking in the summer)
ReplyDeleteI love to bike, I like it better than running now and I never thought I would say that but having a really nice bike helps in the process of liking biking. I had a really heavy road bike and it felt like so much work but then I got a nice road bike that weighed 15 lbs and it made a huge difference. Sadly, being more aerodynamic made it fun x 10 :)
ReplyDeleteI learned to love biking in a spin class actually! I got addicted and then bought my first road bike this year! It's fun and a great alternative to running for sure. Less stress on my knees! I do love it for cross training but I also really love making up my own HIIT workouts and now I am also doing Insanity to switch things up!! Hope you're having a great day!
ReplyDeleteI think biking is a great form of cross-training and really important for preventing injuries! Although last year I did a duathlon and really did NOT enjoy racing on a bike (so different from running races in so many different ways), so I don't know that I'll do that again, but it's still good to mix things up and for cross-training. I think I rely too much on the elliptical for cross-training and you make a good point about it being too close to running.
ReplyDeleteI don't even own a bike. How sad is that? I do love spin class, though- but I haven't done it in forever.
ReplyDeletei have finally learned to love spin and biking. i really had to train my butt bone though!
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