Cycling to train for a marathon

[Fuzzball]

Hi
I entered for the Belfast Marathon on 2nd May 2011 last year and haven't really done much running I didn't think i was actually going to do it but decided with 3 weeks to go that i will. Seeing as its a fortnight away I donned the running shoes over the past week and have been pleasantly surprised how much easier it was to start back this time compared to a cold start. I think in future i will use cycling in my running training, though I know I am no longer a runner first and cyclist 2nd, the cycling is definately much more, enjoyable, rewarding and better for you!

Ps i am running for SOS Childrens Charity My link

 

[fossyant]

Cycling get's you fit, but the biggest problem will be your muscles/tendons being able to withstand the pounding mile after mile.

How far are you running now ? My bro is a good 10k runner and trains to the 10k distance, but wants to do a bit of cyling on days when he needs a rest. I used to work with a marathon runner, and he'd train upto almost the full 26 miles, prior to a marathon.

If you aren't running 15 miles now, I think you'll struggle rather a lot.

 

[Fuzzball]

I know it isn't going to be pretty I have done 3 marathons before, the last one was Inverness so at least this one is flat. My only aim is to jog the whole way will be doing a 13mile run next week and rest will be down to will power!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

I know it isn't going to be pretty I have done 3 marathons before, the last one was Inverness so at least this one is flat. My only aim is to jog the whole way will be doing a 13mile run next week and rest will be down to will power!

If you've done marathons before then it's not so bad, but I would not recommend to anyone to train for a marathon by cycling. There are completely different pressures involved, and you would only end up hurting yourself.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I've done 3 Marathons. The last one was in 1989 or 1990. I have no intention of ever running one again.

I've recently joined a local jogging clubs 'learn to run' course - 10 weeks to 5k (I arrived two weeks early) 20 weeks to 10k. I'm the fittest, CV wise, member of the beginners group because of all the cycling I do but no way does that compensate for the pounding my legs take when running which effectively is the limiting factor on the distance. Got to ease these old legs back into it even if the heart and lungs can go further.

Quite fancy doing a (Vets) dualthon sometime in the summer.....

 

[Alun]

A friend of mine added spinning twice a week to her running training and took 30 mins off her marathon time after 12 months.
As her running mileage was consistent, as was her weight, she put this down to the spinning.
I don't know what benefit you would get by 2/5/11 though.
Good luck!

 

[jay clock]

I am a keen triathlete so fully used to the combo of more than one event.

If you have three weeks there is not much you can do! Don't run more than every other day, and do some run/walks. Many IM finishers (most) do run/walk and still finish the marathon in under 6 hrs. My first marathon (only?) will be off the back of a 3.8k swim and 180km bike!

Practice taking gels plus liquid in training to see how your guts cope. Doing a full 42k with no extra calories is not going to help you! High 5 Isogels are good in that they do not need to have liquid taken with them.

Enjoy it

 

[mr Mag00]

+1 to jay clock comments

 

[zigzag]

Hi
I entered for the Belfast Marathon on 2nd May 2011 last year and haven't really done much running I didn't think i was actually going to do it but decided with 3 weeks to go that i will.

you are pretty much in the same situation that i was in recently. i'm quite fit as a cyclist, but couldn't drag myself out to train for running. anyway, i have done 10k run ten days before the marathon, then 5k and 3k to "taper". of course it's not enough training and now my legs are aching as hell after london marathon last sunday. there is much greater load on muscles and joints when you run, so it's best to prepare for that properly. more about my run here

 

[david1701]

I've recently joined a local jogging clubs 'learn to run' course - 10 weeks to 5k (I arrived two weeks early) 20 weeks to 10k. I'm the fittest, CV wise, member of the beginners group because of all the cycling I do but no way does that compensate for the pounding my legs take when running which effectively is the limiting factor on the distance. Got to ease these old legs back into it even if the heart and lungs can go further.

OT but how did you get on with this, I dunno if my local club runs one but I cycle with the triathlon club (will ask on next ride) but I can't run and kinda wish I could, how friendly did you find it for someone who isn't a runner by any means

 

[Fuzzball]

Well I did the belfast marathon, didn't have to walk at all bonus! I completed in 4hrs 36mins and 17secs so very happy. General muscle soreness for 2 days, then some leg pain on outside of right calf. I think that came from sore right foot straight after which i avoided using as much as poss for first 2 days after and so my leg muscles had tightened right up, it took an extra week to clear and all back to normal now.

Its had the opposite affect a marathon normally has (usually don't want to see a treadmill never mind get back on one), I'm back running working on my 5k pace to get it down to near 24mins as poss and sub 24min for the 3 miles. Then i will start planning for a sub 4hr marathon, if i achieve that i think i can hang up my long distance shoes as that itch will be well and truly scratched!