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    • CommentAuthorFree Memberaddiel
    • CommentTimeMar 16th 2008
     
    addiel

    I know this question probably makes me sound incredibly incompetent ...but I figured I'd make a discussion about it.

     I am a commuter biker. I ride a fixed gear, which as most of you know causes a far greater workout than a geared bike.  I try to ride a minimum of ten miles a day  just as a commute... if it's a day I have class or work I don't have too much "joy riding" time...so, at the very least I ride five miles a day. 

     I used to run six miles a day but it started to hurt my knees and biking is absolutely crucial, so I cannot take any risks...

     Now with spring I'll probably run again, just not as much cause of biking and what not.

     But my question is: is that much biking equivalent to a run like I used to do?  I care A LOT about staying in tiptop shape and I hate feeling like I'm not doing enough for myself... 

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberEchoes71
    • CommentTimeMar 17th 2008
     
    Echoes71

    Great that you enjoy staying in shape!

    Of course, you're going to be using your legs in a different way on a bike to when you're running, but I suppose as long as your pulse is raised to the equivalent level  to one of your runs for as long as one of your runs, then all else being equal you should be getting a similar workout to your runs.

     What does the MapMyRide calorie calculator say for the two?  If they're abou t the same, then I should think you should be satisfied, but if your body feels ready for more, why not put in a bit of Fartlek training at the end of your ride?

     Hope your knee gets better! 

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberlisandom
    • CommentTimeMar 24th 2008 edited
     
    lisandom

    my two cents here- ( i used to run)

    you get much more from biking than running!

    you can go farther and see more. 

    your spirit will fly as the wind whips past...

    your knees, shins and shoes will thank you.

    you can decide how hard to work while riding too.

    maybe a little biased, but i like to bike.

    can you tell?

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberGTinLA
    • CommentTimeMar 25th 2008
     
    GTinLA
    Seems I can add a bit to this thread. I recently turned fifty and I have been cycling on and off for the past 10 years. 3 weeks ago I went for my annual physical feeling pretty good about myself until I stepped on the scale and compared my weight with the BMI posted above the scale. According to the BMI index I was 1 pound shy of being 'obese!" So, my Doc comes into the room and how are you doing and all? I say, "well I thought I was fine until I looked at that BMI chart". He goes: '...welcome to the Dunlop Club!". If you thought that I was rambling up until now, well in a sense I was. BUT, i don't want to be a member of the Dunlop Club! So I started my research and a) found my life style change plan b) found this site c) incorporated what I already like doing (cycling) and d) will lose 25 pounds in the next 6 months using cycling as a workout (see, you thought I'd never get to the point) It's great having resources like MMR - thanks folks!

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