Forum menu
Started doing a 5k run once a week in the hope that it would improve my CV fitness for the bike. Done a few of these now and each week I've run faster that the previous. Now down to just over 22 mins from almost 26 mins 4 runs ago. I dont do any training for this so apart from making a greater effort perhaps, I dont understand why I am now running faster week on week. Does fitness from the bike transfer to running in any way and Vice Versa ?
You're obviously just awesome. Enjoy your awesomeness and try it barefoot.
Thanks DD, that was my initial thought also. 😆
Of course any kind of exercise will benefit you doing other exercises to some extent. Why wouldn't it?
5k once a week, might as well not bother 😉
Being serious though, even one run a week and you'll improve a bit each week. 22 mins for 5k is no laughing matter - means you'd probably manage a sub 45 10k easily enough with a bit of training - which is a respectable time. So, put in an extra run here and there and stick your name down for a 10k race - you might enjoy it.
I guess all the cycling probably helps with stamina but some ****y exercise and training guru will be along to do the science bit soon enough.
EDIT: Or some know-all to belittle your achievement.
I know that to some extent fitness in one area will assist in another, I was more curious about muscles really. If my legs are stronger from cycling does it follow that I would run faster ?
I would run faster
No, there's no explanation for that other than sheer awesomeness 🙂
If my legs are stronger from cycling does it follow that I would run faster ?
I would have thought that most of the work done in running is CV work rather than leg strength (although that obviously comes into it). So given that, the stronger you are on a bike, the stronger you are running too.
Just build up slowly. Legs take a proper pounding when running that they won't be use to from cycling. Things like tendinitis can easily crop up when you start running if you have strong leg muscles from cycling. Can have issues caused by muscle imbalance too.
No more than 5% increase a week seems to be a general rule of thumb, though make sure you listen to any aches and pains.
When I've had a long time off running with injury, I find I really have to hold back when running. Fitness due to cycling would allow for a lot more but it's a quick way to pick up another injury.
As for barefoot running, get a good book on it. You need to go very slowly if you are giving that a try. Most seem to recommend a month just doing walks around the house, then a month building up walking outside, then a month trail walking, then even more time on short runs... you get the idea.
Hope this didn't sound all doom and gloom, but I love my running and not being able to run due to injury totally sucks. Hope you get on ok.
Oh just remembered I read an article a while back from Chris Carmichael about Lance training for the marathon and the issues of cyclists transitioning to running. Might be able to google it.
What I really love about running is that you stick your trainers on and the minute you walk out the door, you're there.
Remember, when feeling especially enthusiastic, and running from home, remember you always have to do the distance back as well 🙂
You have to have a good poo first though Mr D, surely? So that's 15 mins straight away.
Rich JJ... sorry but you're not that awesome. I hate running, avoid it like the plague... but to piss my lil bro off I ran a 22 min 5k at my second attempt. You see... I am that awesome. HTH
If it's raining heavily, sometimes I'll just do it on the run.
EDIT: Some people just have a problem with self-awareness and modesty.
I just felt there was a gap in the market since that Surf guy left here.
Do you want to know about my car? My wife? My succesful business? My impovrished private school upbringing?
I've recently taken up running again and it's pretty much essential for me to boost my bike fitness. The better I am at running, the fitter I am on a bike.
To the OP : 22 minutes for 5k is very respectable. Maybe if you can stretch to doing this distance two or three times a week and aim for 8k+ at least once a week then you'll really notice an increase in fitness.
If it's bragging rights, then my fastest time for 5k (actually, 5.2k) is 19 minutes and 23 seconds.
I might be able to do 5k in.. just under 24m I reckon.
I've just googled the WR times for 5k and 10k respectively... 😯
Post 'em up then... I've got a few mins spare later...
1st 4 runs - you are just getting used to it, not fitter.
I've just googled the WR times for 5k and 10k respectively...
Scary ain't they?
Google Mo Farrah's 2011 Prefontaine Classic run this year to smash the British and Euro records. 🙂
Blimey...clearly Kenenisa Bekele has had more than his fair share of Shredded Wheat.
WR for 10K: 26:17.53 Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) Brussels August 26, 2005
WR for 5K: 12:37.35 Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) Hengelo May 31, 2004
And Mo Farah's time for 10K is an only slightly less astonishing 26:46.57
Running is about adaptation in the early stages I reckon. Things stretching, things tightening up, getting used to the impact and the repetitive motion. And neurological adaptation too.
Oh...and stretch before and after your run 🙂
Crikey 😯 How people can run like that is an absolute mystery.
I want to do one sub 5 min mile and then forget about running.
I want to do one sub 5 min mile and then forget about running.
Not a chance.
Why do you say that Darcy?
Na, stretch when you are warmed up, about a mile or so into your run, start of gently, don't pretend you're Rocky. (Unless loads of people are following you through the streets).
But do somes stretches afterwards. Preferably by a busy road junction.
Why do you say that Darcy?
Just because...you haven't a chance.
Interesting... why don't I??
What gets me are these marathon runners - they can run the final 400 metres of a marathon quicker than most mortal people could if they just tried to keep up with them for that 400 metres.
BTW - I have no idea what my best 5k time is but I have done 4 (quite hilly) miles in just under 30 minutes when I was fit and training for a half marathon. how does that compare?
Interesting... why don't I??
We could go on all day, I'm just saying I know you can't. Why, do you think you can?
7.30 miles m_f...not bad at all.
It's doing 13 of 'em that got me 🙂
Because I'm not that far off it... I've done very little running training and as a warm up for my weights today did 800m at a pace that'd beat it. Add to that I'm carrying a bit of balast.
Most of all though... because I like a challenge 🙂
Well, you keep that pace up for another 800m and you're there. But...you won't.
Thanks for the words of support Darcy... you're a legend.
It's doing 13 of 'em that got me
I really enjoyed it (1hr 47min in the GNR even with the traffic). Couldn't do it now mind you, but am planning on trying to get a charity place for the London Marathon later this year and going to aim for a <4hr time (I haven't run in about 3 years so setting myself a reasonable target).
Go The Southern Yeti!
What gets me are these marathon runners - they can run the final 400 metres of a marathon quicker than most mortal people could if they just tried to keep up with them for that 400 metres
Mo Farah did the final 400 of his record 10k in 55 seconds.
I've started at a local athletics club and we often do fast sets of around 400-800m efforts. It's a great way to get faster.
I've been running a weekly 5.5 miles (was 4miles for a year) for the last 2 years and am not improving! I know I need to go on more runs, I think at least twice a week to see some improvement. Prob is, I dont have the time, lunchtimes are taken up with footy/squash or running, eves are footy or cycle.
22mins is very good for 5k, although I would have thought over 10km that average would drop. Better than I can do I'm sure.
I'm about 46 mins for 5.5miles (best is 44mins). With a few stops for a breather I'm able to keep it up for 13miles before biking and kayaking on endurance events though.
I hate running 🙂
How do you join an athletics club? I mean, you just turn up and say hey I like running? Do you have to declare interest in particular events?
I've been running a weekly 5.5 miles (was 4miles for a year) for the last 2 years and am not improving!
You don't need more runs, you need to stop doing junk miles and start working your body. Intervals, speed work.. mix it up!
Most clubs focus on middle distance runs and usually have groups going out for different distances/speeds. Most towns have them but if you want to do other events you may have to travel to where the good coaches are.
I joined with the specific reason to get faster over 10k, I do distance work on my own and use club sessions to do speed work on the track.
molgrips, yes I know. It just proves to me, that regular once a week runs arent going to improve your running, just maintain your current fitness. I've been thinking about dropping 1 lunchtime squash for a 2nd run.. maybe..
Just do the interval insted of your long session.
Although, interval sessions can be done in 15 mins - surely you can fit that in?