Cycling whilst injured + cycled miles against running miles.

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Mar 2014
3:48pm, 17 Mar 2014
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Pricey
I do about 55% of my training on the bike now due to previous injuries. Like the other comments, I focus on time and effort, rather than distance, which is meaningless. Cycling is great for aerobic fitness, but what you miss is the wear and tear on the legs, so when you return to running be prepared to be slower than before.

"Perceived wisdom" etc. is garbage. I run at 8.5 - 9mph at moreorless a jog. For the same effort, I probably ride at about 19-20mph. So my ratio is closer to 2:1 than 3:1, let alone 4:1.
Mar 2014
4:05pm, 17 Mar 2014
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50ft jesus
Fair play Pricey considering 9mph a jog :)

I do train at around 8 mph and cycled yesterday at around 16 mph and felt that after the hour I'd had a good training session. I've allowed myself another two weeks off running and start training for a 5k in early May which I had ear marked as doing in sub 20 minutes so the "be prepared to be slower" comment by Pricey does not compute!
Mar 2014
11:39pm, 17 Mar 2014
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Hanneke
I used the effort/time thing when I still ran and cycled as recovery from a running injury. Cycling took over in the end and I am no longer able to run, so just as well, but any other comparisons don't make sense, as there are too many variables!

But, when it comes to perceived effort: a 45 minute fell run feels about as hard as a 2 hour MTB ride. I am sticking to off road disciplines here for better comparison... I'd need to go out on the road for 3 hours or do something hilly to get to the same perceived affort as a 45 minute fell run...
Mar 2014
12:05pm, 18 Mar 2014
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GregP
Is that RPE only, Han, or is it backed up with HR data?

Not challenging the assertion, just trying to evidence to myself as much as everyone else that fat tyres give me more bang per buck even though it isn't reflected in my mileage.
Mar 2014
12:13pm, 20 Mar 2014
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Pricey
I think a key difference is that whilst effort/time is great for measuring cardiovascular benefit (and therefore maintaining aerobic fitness during injury), it doesn't factor in impact to legs (which may be what Hanneke is getting at?)

My legs will be more tired from a one hour run, than a one hour ride at the same effort. So considering the previous example of running a marathon = riding a century, maybe that is more comparable on the legs. Although that also depends on how much effort you put into the ride.
Mar 2014
5:20pm, 20 Mar 2014
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GregP
There's a (discredited by and large) maxim in triathlon that in terms of impact on the body, a standard distance tri (1.5/40/10) is broadly analogous to a half marathon of the runny variety.

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