[movlabz]

Hey Lord P---in regards to running vs. Biking...both can be very beneficial and really comes down to the intensity of a workout. As a marathoner and triathlete (just hobbies and I am not a pro)---just stick with what you enjoy most and yet mix up your cycling routine. I was a Cat. 3 Road Racer while living in Ohio and that required more than a simple bike ride, but a thorough training schedule throughout the week that had sprints, distance, and speed in mind. Same thing with running...I run 8-10 miles a day and yet with a marathon coming around I crank up the mileage to 11-15 miles a day.

I do a variety of training programs to help increase speed and distance, plus increasing cardio. Due to the abuse on ankles, knees and even hips---I do a lot on treadmill and get out 2-3 days a week on the road. This has allowed me to be virtually injury free (so far so good). I have had my share of people doubting treadmills (primarily because they get bored) but I have ran 5 marathons (6th one in October) and my fastest has been 3 hr. 19 mins. Again I am more of a distance fan than a speed guy so I focus more on distance.

Cycling helped open a door into the world of triathlons and completing my Half-Ironman was amazing, but I still like to get out and ride and if you want to really get some intensity to your training then begin with an investment into a trainer or roller (trainers are things that you can attach the back of tour bike to) and develop a variety of methods of training---increasing cadence is a good way of developing a strong cardio as well as finding a ride group in your area...typically there are those that have experienced as well as beginners and hang with those that match your level...when I would go out with my team we did sprints and a lot of distance and doing these rides in a very very quick amount of time, but it really developed my endurance and cardio.

Personally I have been able to help a lot of people over the years as back in 2001 (Feb.) I weighed 320 pounds and through cycling I found something that helped me change my life and I lost 160 pounds and have maintained the new life for over 8 years. Cycling also opened the door to become a marathoner---which I enjoy, but it's not for everyone and really people need to find something they enjoy doing and do not mind doing it a lot, so if you enjoy cycling---then do that---just mix it up---casual rides, quick rides, sprints (basically hammering the peddles to reach a high velocity in 100m and 200m sprints and then mix it up with weekend longer sessions on the bike.

Just trying to encourage you to enjoy and stick 2 it