How much will Cycle fitness help with Marathon training?

[Banjo]

I am thinking of doing some running and entering a marathon in October.
HavenT run for about 25 years. Done a couple of 1.25 mile runs which felt OK.

Going to try a 3 miler very gently tommorow and if it feels ok will use this as the start point for my training plan .

Can it be done in 5 and a bit months? I did lots of running in my 20s and 30s but never done a Marathon so this is kind of unfinished business for me.

I do 200km Audax rides no problem ,not fast but can keep on plodding on so hoping to have an advantage over someone with no fitness at all.Or am i mad??

 

[Crackle]

Yes you're mad, what was the rest of the question?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Little of worth. The demands on both body and CV system are sport dependent.

Best get your trainers on

 

[PK99]

Cardio fitness will be there, but running/cycling use very different muscle sets and there is the impact difference. Plus, running is more of a steady state exercise - no recovery on the downhill freewheel!

 

[Rob3rt]

Aerobically, you will be pretty well off! The downside is this can tempt you into doing more than your muscles, joints and connective tissues can take, so just make sure to ease in gradually.

 

[MrJamie]

I think it's better than being a couch potato in the sense of having better cardio fitness, but like Rob3rt says it's very easy to push yourself a lot more than someone else might. It'll take some time to build up the muscles you don't use cycling and support/stability muscles in the lower leg. Whatever you do though, if you get any unexpected pain, like joint pain, shin splints etc, don't try to run through it and probably worth reading up on stretching

I suggest that you take a look at a programme such as this http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/beginner-marathon/ from http://www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/ to get an idea of a programme for you.

Good luck, I think you'll be fine if you can avoid injuries during training

 

[Gary E]

How much will Cycle fitness help with Marathon training?


....if my attempt at a 3 mile fun-run (whoever invented that description needs shooting) is anything to go by - none at all! Despite regularly doing 100 mile rides I was dead at the end of the run

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the replies. I think the sensible way would be to enter a half marathon this year then a full one next year but I have done several halfs allready. so want to get a full marathon done. Thinking of entering the Chester Marathon in October. Will have a goal to aim at then.

 

[Venod]

If your training for a marathon there is no substitute for running, if you over train, & get injured so you can't run then the bike can be used as a means of keeping your fitness going, its all about putting the miles in and getting your legs used to the constant pounding on tarmac, that's if you want to be comfortable and finish without too much suffering, of course people run marathons with very little preparation but its not advisable.

 

[Garz]

Can it be done in 5 and a bit months? I did lots of running in my 20s and 30s but never done a Marathon so this is kind of unfinished business for me.
...
I do 200km Audax rides no problem

It will definitely accelerate your progress, clearly you are comfortable with endurance activities.

 

[fossyant]

What rob3rt says. Take it easy and build up at the plus 10 percent rate. Fitness is great but you can really knacker your tendons and muscles unless you build up. I managed to screw up a hamstring doing a mid winter run.. Went to far on fitness alone and messed it up. That was when I was in my 20s. Running causes lots of impact stress.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Agree, I started thinking, I'm fit from cycling, how hard can it be, so decided to be dropped off at work and run home. Within a mile I was pretty well on my knees and trying not to throw up. Different muscles and demands on the body, treat running & riding as complementary but different disciplines and regimens.

 

[Tommy2]

I do a bit of both and have found that running gives me better cardio and stamina but the cycling has improved my speed.

 

[rich p]

As some have said, there is a greater chance of impact injuries and over-use injuries especially at your great age
Don't increase the training too quickly, and factor in a few rest days till you're fitter. Train as much as you can offroad to reduce impact and decrease boredom. I always had a running buddy or two which was a massive incentive to go even when the spirit was weak.
Don't skimp on running shoes as good ones will reduce injuries. They should be the most comfortable shoes you've ever worn. I still wear good trainers even though I no longer run.
The other thing is that there is a world of difference depending on what time you want to achieve. You could probably walk a marathon now in 6 or 7 hours so the training is whittling that down to your ambition. Getting fit enough to run, say a 4 hr marathon and then doing it comfortably in 4.5 is a nice way to do it with less pain and you'll be passing people near the end.
I think you're putting yourself under pressure to do a decent one in 5 months starting from scratch. I built up over 12 months to my first but that's not to say it's impossible.
P.S. Cycling is of limited benefit!

 

[Banjo]

I was quite shocked how hard it was at first but after only 3 gentle runs its getting more comfortable.Did 2.8 miles today in 30 minutes ,had to hold myself back to keep it gentle.Breathing settled down nicely, just need the legs to catch up with the lungs now :-)

Not really concerned about times. Anything less than 5 hours will be a bonus.

Have entered the Cardiff 1/2 in October and will enter the Llanelli full Marathon April 13th 2014.

As Rich so kindly pointed out I need to get some done while I can still put my trainers on the correct feet unaided.