I realized something the other day, What you ask? I realized that I really like cycling and that all of the other sports I have done were just eating up the time that I could have been spending on my bike. How did this significant revelation occur, well I was on my bike riding along Beach drive on my way to do a short ride around Stanley park a couple of weeks ago.
It was a beautiful day which have been rare I might add……There were LOTS of people out and about, especially runners! They were all over the place, on the park paths, sidewalks, roads, grass…. everywhere! As I watched them with their heart rates rising and feet pounding I thought to myself…. I have done that before……but I don't want to do it now, and as I reflected a memory came back to me. I distinctly remember running and every time I would see a roadie whiz by on a sexy bike with a flashy kit I would say to myself… I really wish I was on my bike. Funny thing is…. I NEVER say that about running when I am on my bike! Then my introspective self eagerly went down that road for the rest of the ride. I am not sure I came to any conclusions as to why… one key thing was cycling does not seem to hurt me as much as running… and ultimately the best part… is that it makes me feel like a kid again, always has, still does, and I hope will will always.
I have the sport of Ironman to thank for getting me fit and teaching me how to "go long" - but for all the good it did…it also came very close to making it horrible to be on my bike..! But thankfully I saved myself in time and with a little break last year I am happily on my bike regularly… and loving it……
So why cycling versus running? Well I happen to ask my other half if he ever thought about cycling while he was running? And the answer… no…you see he is a runner, he feels the same way about running as I feel about cycling….. strange indeed..
So what about the question of which is better for you…. not that it would ever change my mind… ever
Running requires the same amount of energy to run one mile at any speed; you burn 110 calories per mile. It doesn’t matter if you are a super fit athlete, or an out of shape beginner you will still burn the same number of calories per mile.
However, bike riding is affected by wind resistance so the faster you ride, the more energy you use, and the more calories you burn. You have to compare running and cycling at different cycling speeds.
Biking burns fewer calories than running because the cycle supports your weight. This is what helps biking put less mechanical stress on your body. To burn a significant amount of calories biking, you may have to commit a few hours to a substantial ride. Running is appealing to many because most people know how to do it and it requires little investment in terms of equipment however biking offers a low-impact mode of exercise that is easier on the joints and back.
It seems that running is a better fat burner, according to two studies. The "International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" in February 2010 in which researchers had 10 male triathletes run and cycle at various levels of intensity. The South African researchers concluded that these athletes burned more fat while running than during biking even at the same relative intensity. In 2003, the journal "Metabolism" also found that biking on an ergometer burned less fat that running on a treadmill.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/111669-biking-vs.-running-effective-weight/#ixzz1q98fYEtA
So what about fitness…..The Tour de France cyclists look very fit, and you never see anyone with excess weight there.. they spend hours on the bike every day… and their race lasts 3 weeks! Trying running that much….You have to remember however runners are limited because of the trauma induced by the sport itself…. but cyclists don't have that problem.
Well, no matter what you choose to do….. my motto is - Do what you love…..and do it often!
Till next time - Happy Chatting…….
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