Running vs cycling

I am entering a local annual running competition next week, Vestkystløbet, so was out running last night. A great way to get the mind away from the exams and making my mind sharper for the exam today, while it doesnt take too much time. Running isnt really "the thing" for me though. at least not yet, I need the rush i get in the speed on my bike, and my knees and ankles hates me right now. But if it doesnt hurt, it wasnt good training. ;)

But together with a friend, it was actually quite fun. Only 3-4 km and less than 30 minutes, but i really havent been doing anything apart from being on the bike, so it was nice trying something different for once. I just need to find a proper technique for next week. Not much time, but it should be doable!

I can easily understand the people who prefers running. It's easy, and doesnt demand the same amount of equipment as cycling does. Cycling is really a expensive sport if you want to be competitive, while you only need some good shoes for running. But i just prefer the bike for a few reasons:

One thing i prefer on the bike, is that you get to view a larger part of the area you live in. When running you can't get much away from your own city (unless you are training a marathorn of course, and still it's only 42 km), while on the bike, you can easily get 70 km away from your own town, and still be able to get back the same day, without killing yourself. And unlike running, its not hard for your body, while running, makes your knees experiencing big forces, that can smash them in the end, if you dont have the proper technique.

But of course, there is no chance of puncturing, and headwind aint that big a problem neither, because the speeds are only about 1/3 of the bike. 20-30 km with headwind on the bike, really makes you hate yourself. :)

Another thing i have problems with, which i never had thought of, is that there is no time where you can stop running and still keep on going (oh really?). On a bike you can just do that then its going downhill, and i actually missed those 5 seconds break already after 2,5 km, but i guess with the right technique its okay.

I felt though, that i was using some muscles in my legs, which i normally only use when going uphill and sprinting on the bike, so i think it can end up being a good extra training, making me sharper at the finish line on a bike. But lets see what the time will tell. :)

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Written by René