6 replies to this topic

[longlegs]

I am about to head off on a 6 week independent cycle tour around the South Island of NZ. I would like to keep up my running training while cycling but worried I will be too tired to keep running decent volumes. At present I am running 4x/wk (50km) and cycling 3x/wk (200km).

The plan for the tour is to cycle about 4-5 days per week, riding about 400+km per week. But I want to keep my running going so I can return to full run training once the tour is over without loosing much run fitness.

Has anyone got any experience running while cycle touring or with heavy cycle training weeks?

[cjr]

I rode across the USA a few years ago, averaging 130kms per day for 2+ months. At the beginning I was knackered by the end of the day, but once my body got used to it I could probably have easily managed a few runs on lower mileage days..... not that I ever wanted to or felt the urge to. It was much more enjoyable and in the sspirit of the trip to find a scenic spot and kick back with a beer, reflecting on the day.

I did come across a touring couple who ended every day with a run and even entered a few races en route , but they were doing fairly low mileage

Once I got back though I found I had lost a lot of my "running" fitness and pretty much had to start again

[Nickelass]

I have cycle toured extensively while running.

Cycling and running complement each other very well, as the running gives you a good opportunity to look around tracks and walks while touring.

However, I have had a number of knee problems when I first start. Touring with a loaded bike places a fair amount of stress on the legs and I have to take it easy on the running for the first 1-2 weeks until my legs adjust.

Whenever I've broken this 'rule' I've had problem with my knees that prevent me from running.

So long as I take it fairly easy when running during the first 2 weeks (ie. not too fast, or too high intensity), I dont have any problems.

Once I've been cycling for more than 3-4 weeks, I usually run most days (even when cycling longer distances). My running while touring has just been recreational and to maintain some form.

From the sounds of things, cycling 400km over 4-5 days per week you should easily be able to run at the same time without any problems.

Hope you have a great trip!

[JustinS007]

longlegs, on Nov 20 2008, 02:47 PM, said:

Has anyone got any experience running while cycle touring or with heavy cycle training weeks?

Shaz and I rode 860km in 7 days (Over Hotham, Gippsland, Healesville, Marysville, Tolmie) including camping out each night, cooking our own food etc.. So it was a pretty full on week.

We usually run up to 100km per week and each do a single ride over 100k for cardio.

We got back last Friday (14/11/08) and I've struggled with running pace and endurance since.

Yesterday I did the worst ever trail run of my life. 18km in the Warby's with 900m elevation gain/loss and at the end was exhausted. Had to lie down on the carpet at home and felt nauseous, headachy, and cold. A bit of shivering / goosebumps even. Normally a run of that length in the same area would be a no-brainer.

Today though I feel OK so I'm sure it was just fatigue that got me rather than being sick.

Tomorrow I was planning on doing a 3 hour run on the flat. I'll set out with that intention, but if I feel the drain in the legs or lactic buildup then I'll bail out. Being flat I can keep the HR down though so hopefully tis will save me.

Hopefully this will fatigue will pass quickly as I'm a runner, not a cycler!

J.

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[longlegs]

Thanks for the replies. Last year my girlfriend and I cycled through Asia for a few months and I managed to squeeze in some runs, but only on off days and I found it took a while getting back to my peak running when I got back, although I was very cycle fit. But this time I am hoping to keep up the running which will hopefully wont set me back in my running.

Nickelass, did you mainly run after you rode, or before? I agree it is sometimes hard to arrive at a campsite, then head off for a run when a beer and a spot in the shade are waiting......

[Colin]

longlegs, on Nov 20 2008, 07:38 PM, said:

Nickelass, did you mainly run after you rode, or before? I agree it is sometimes hard to arrive at a campsite, then head off for a run when a beer and a spot in the shade are waiting......

Back in the mid 80's when I was running seriously (at state level) I went on a two week hike with my brother and his friends. After a day of 16-20 with a big pack over mountains, I then immediately set out for a short fast run on the fire trails...the others used to roll their eyes while they cooled off in the pools or started dinner, but as runners first we are a bit touchy about losing that special running fitness which cannot be compensated by however many cycling or hiking kays.

I got back into the x-country straightaway when I got back

So go for it when you can.

Justin,

I have felt like that once or twice, and in both cases was viral related...once had to go straight to bed after.

btw...we need to get rid of the habit of saying "lactic buildup" ...its more likely just doms..

[Nickelass]

longlegs, on Nov 20 2008, 07:38 PM, said:

Nickelass, did you mainly run after you rode, or before? I agree it is sometimes hard to arrive at a campsite, then head off for a run when a beer and a spot in the shade are waiting......

I almost always run after I ride.

When touring I like to get going early (on the road by 7am at the latest). For me, this helps cover distance more easily - I often think of the first 50km or so as 'free' in that I cover the distance before I've really noticed. I usually take a mid morning break at about 9-10am (and a second breakfast) and then ride again - averaging about 130km a day.

By starting early I finish early (often lunch time or shortly after). This gives me most of the afternoon to have a siesta, explore and run. I often wait until late afternoon before running as it's cooler and it gives me more time to recover/relax after cycling.

I find this approach quite relaxing as it allows plenty of opportunity to recover after cycling. By the time I run each day I'm looking forward to exploring walking tracks or the local area.

Edited by Nickelass, 21 November 2008 - 01:32 PM.