Bluetree
10-30-2006, 04:45 AM
I gave up running as my primary form of cardio exercise when my back and knees started to go. For the past three months, I've been consistently on a road bike (60-100 miles a week) three times a week. My current road training is in the endurance base stage, with interval training starting in December to get ready for next year's tris. Running has been reduced to one day a week, as has swimming and weight training. I figured that the reduction of run/swim would see a downturn in performance.
Well, I took some measurements this week and was really surprised at the results. Not only has the endurance rides changed my fitness levels, but my body shape has changed considerably, even within a short time. My exercise regimen used to fall within the 60-70 minute maximum (typical gym rat) but rides of 3+ hours has broken me out of that plateau in a big way.
Here's what has happened in three months:
Running
Cycling has definitely helped not only my stride (cadence) but my overall fitness level. My previous best time for a 4-mile clip on the flats was 44 minutes. (I'm only 5-1 with really short legs and was never very fast). Last week, I the same distance in 39:29 with a steady stride of 90-per-minute. My recovery time was almost nil. The back pain is gone. My next goal is to run sub-9:00, which I think I can do before the end of the year. I am also planning on switching from flats to a hilly route soon, hopefully my back and knees will nt protest.
Swimming
Like running, swimming has suddenly become very comfortable. My best 2-mile time in a 25-meter pool has dropped to a sub-1:00 lap. The most amazing thing is that I can all into a comfortable heart-rate zone that is sustainable over a longer time. No longer do I get winded, the focus has changed to how long my shoulders/form will last.
Spinning
I used to think spin class was a good workout. With my bike in the shop for a tune-up, I took showed up at the gym at 4:30am to warm up for a 5am spin class. Did the class and it was actually easy. Afterwards, I did spinning by myself for an hour, and then took the 7am spin class, which kicked my a** pretty good. What was ego-boosting was the instructer telling the rest of the class to watch me for form. I thought that was unusual, as I had my spin bike in a more road-geometric set-up than the others. Three+ hours on an uncomfortable seat did take its toll on my butt, though.
Body Shape and Weight
The lack of consistent weight training has made the most visible change to my body. With the vast reduction of gym time, I can no longer bench 40 lbs or do significant weights. My body used to be somewhat "cut" but much of the definition has gone, esp. in my back and shoulders. My calves are leaner, but my quads have bigger. I *almost* have a butt now. My weight has skyrocked from 106 to 112, yet my clothes still fit. Some of my clothes are now too big through the shoulders. I haven't taken a true BMI test, but it's probably lower.
Oveall I am really pleased at the results of my cycling. I'm not sure if it mostly the introduction of a new discipline that has broken me past my previous plateaus, or the fact that being pain-free for the first time in a year (bad car accident last August) has me pushing my limits. Right now, I'm just revelling in each new breaththrough. I'm also seeing next year's tris (and my 40th birthday) as less of a mountain to climb, and more like a very big molehill.
Has anyone else gone through profound changes with your body? I'd love to hear your stories.
Well, I took some measurements this week and was really surprised at the results. Not only has the endurance rides changed my fitness levels, but my body shape has changed considerably, even within a short time. My exercise regimen used to fall within the 60-70 minute maximum (typical gym rat) but rides of 3+ hours has broken me out of that plateau in a big way.
Here's what has happened in three months:
Running
Cycling has definitely helped not only my stride (cadence) but my overall fitness level. My previous best time for a 4-mile clip on the flats was 44 minutes. (I'm only 5-1 with really short legs and was never very fast). Last week, I the same distance in 39:29 with a steady stride of 90-per-minute. My recovery time was almost nil. The back pain is gone. My next goal is to run sub-9:00, which I think I can do before the end of the year. I am also planning on switching from flats to a hilly route soon, hopefully my back and knees will nt protest.
Swimming
Like running, swimming has suddenly become very comfortable. My best 2-mile time in a 25-meter pool has dropped to a sub-1:00 lap. The most amazing thing is that I can all into a comfortable heart-rate zone that is sustainable over a longer time. No longer do I get winded, the focus has changed to how long my shoulders/form will last.
Spinning
I used to think spin class was a good workout. With my bike in the shop for a tune-up, I took showed up at the gym at 4:30am to warm up for a 5am spin class. Did the class and it was actually easy. Afterwards, I did spinning by myself for an hour, and then took the 7am spin class, which kicked my a** pretty good. What was ego-boosting was the instructer telling the rest of the class to watch me for form. I thought that was unusual, as I had my spin bike in a more road-geometric set-up than the others. Three+ hours on an uncomfortable seat did take its toll on my butt, though.
Body Shape and Weight
The lack of consistent weight training has made the most visible change to my body. With the vast reduction of gym time, I can no longer bench 40 lbs or do significant weights. My body used to be somewhat "cut" but much of the definition has gone, esp. in my back and shoulders. My calves are leaner, but my quads have bigger. I *almost* have a butt now. My weight has skyrocked from 106 to 112, yet my clothes still fit. Some of my clothes are now too big through the shoulders. I haven't taken a true BMI test, but it's probably lower.
Oveall I am really pleased at the results of my cycling. I'm not sure if it mostly the introduction of a new discipline that has broken me past my previous plateaus, or the fact that being pain-free for the first time in a year (bad car accident last August) has me pushing my limits. Right now, I'm just revelling in each new breaththrough. I'm also seeing next year's tris (and my 40th birthday) as less of a mountain to climb, and more like a very big molehill.
Has anyone else gone through profound changes with your body? I'd love to hear your stories.