The pain!

[Shut Up Legs]

I've heard people actually participate in these things called "fun runs"! The mind boggles. I could never do regular running, because I have very flat feet, so I'd need specialty shoes, etc. Plus, cycling offers that unique blend of getting places reasonably quickly, but not so quickly that you miss the scenery: for me, it's the perfect compromise between driving and walking/running .

Of course, the above is the reaction of some people when I mention I like to ride in events like our Alpine Classic (200+ km with 4000+ metres climbing) .

 

[thecube]

I think running and cycling do compliment each other quite nicely. I also agree that a slow start is good, although I personally never manage to do this!
I think it is hard to get into running, it takes a lot of time to build up the fitness at first. It's easier to cycle for 1h than run for 1/2h. it wasn't until I could run well for 30 mins that I enjoyed it, this was when I realised I could start running in the countryside and reach places i'd normally have to drive to. Now I can run off road for a few hours and only see an hand full of people. so the early days of treadmill running where worth it, but I took years until I really started to reap the benefits of running.

 

[thefollen]

I think running is great! But yes, it's a completely different discipline to cycling. You must ensure to warm up with a light jog/walk then some stretching (especially the calves/Achilles, hammies, quads and even the ITB if you fancy) before setting out.

I'd recommend if you haven't ran much before going for a few runs on a treadmill before hitting the pavements. Treadmills are generally softer on the joints and if you have to stop you won't be marooned miles away from your home :-)

Once the legs are used to it you can have lots of fun with different routes and awesome playlists (can't listen to music when cycling). You'll reach the 'tipping point' of running being a chore to absolutely loving it... then you can try to beat your times.

Trail running is my favourite with lots of hills and technical terrain, but living in London- Commons and pavements have to suffice.

Spicing up workouts with a few urban exercises is fun too. Sometimes I do a 10k where I drop and smash out 30-50 pressups every mile. You can make a rule to do 20 tricep dips on every bench you pass, slalom trees, duck/jump over barriers. alternate between regular pace running and sprints etc :-)

Then don't forget to warm down and stretch at the end (before your shower).

Have fun!

 

[tyred]

Fun run Words don't compute