Newbie training plan - with room for running?

[elbowglitter]

I'm trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing on my bike so that I can actually become a competent rider. I'm just not sure what reasonable distances are at this point. I found a few plans, but they involve way too many cycling days. I'm also a runner and have 3 half marathons on the schedule for the fall, so I also run four days a week. I could pop in some additional cycling on my two short/easy run days, but I also don't want to get injured.

Thoughts?

(Yes, I know. I like to bite off way more than I can chew.)

[Veronica]

What are you training for?

Veronica

[elbowglitter]

On my bike? Nothing specific at the moment. I just want to improve in general and get more comfortable.

[OakLeaf]

I've been fine with cycling instead of recovery runs. You still want to take at least one day a week with no cardio - a day for GENTLE yoga, stretching, massage, myofascial work, easy walking, etc.

If you're not training for speed or a hill event on the bike, you don't really need a plan at all, just gradually increase distance as you're comfortable.

[elbowglitter]

Thanks! That's definitely doable. And I always do take at least one rest day - typically Mondays, the day after my long run. I just don't want to be shorting myself on the bike. And I know the crosstraining will only help my running - as long as I'm smart about it.

[rubysoho]

Fwiw, and I am not the best runner, I have found that cycling has drastically improved my running from a cardio/breathing standpoint. I think it is because my distances for running aren't far (yet) but I love biking for 40-50 miles on the weekend and I also enjoy sprinting my 20 mile rides during the week. I would think you can replace your recovery runs with the cycling and be just fine. So long as your bike fits and you aren't feeling any aggrevation in your knees or tendons, injury shouldn't be a huge concern. Cycling is much less severe on your body than running.