Running as cross-training?

[roo4]

No, no, don't be sorry. I wasn't trying to make light of your situation. Many people like the Couch to 5K plan (google it) for a nice easy introduction to running. Hal Higdon also has some easy plans, and I believe the website at Runner's World still has some free beginner plans. They are aimed at preparing you for a 5K race, but can also be used to get in running shape. Be careful, running can be habit-forming.

[bluebug32]

I incorporated running/jogging/fast walking (whatever you want to call it) into my off-season plan this year and in hindsight, this is what I would suggest:

Be sure you have a pair of shoes that fit you well. I was having some knee pain when I first started. A new pair of sneaks fixed this. I would also highly suggest following a training plan of some sort. I did Couch to 5k and it kept me from pushing too much too soon. As a noobie, I would also start running on flat terrain or a treadmill. Finally, don't stress about the time. Running is great because you can get in a fast workout with intensity in a fraction of the time it takes to ride. Be sure to stretch and let any pain or discomfort be your limiter. Have fun!

[Crankin]

I used couch to 5K last spring, but running still is very stressful for my body. I liked the program a lot, a it forced me not to do too much. My issue is that running, along with all of the other things I do, seems to push my chronic injuries over the top.
Any running/walking intervals will keep you fit...

[velo]

Thanks for the Couch to 5k suggestion. It's just what I was looking for as a place to get an idea of how to work up to something. I'm little bit along the plan, as I have been doing a little bit of running/walking on nasty-weather days that I just didn't want to be on the trainer. It gives me a good idea of how to tailor my plans, though, so that I don't overdo anything while still getting in a good workout for cardio maintenance. Thanks again! Happy Holidays to all. See you next year!

[amb]

I started doing C25K in Nov. I consider myself pretty fit already but I sucked at running (jogging really). I am training for a New Years Day 5k and I'm on week 6 of the program. I can already tell the leaps and bounds improvement in my jogging fitness. I think I'm jogging about a 10 min mile. I also just downloaded the Nike run app so I can get some distance info also. C25K is an excellent app to help build up to jogging. I highly recommend it. Good luck with your running Velo!

PS. I agree that the only thing that will keep you in cycling shape is cycling so I just accept that I'll have work to do in the Spring when I get back into it more regularly.

[tctrek]

+1 on C25K - also Jeff Galloway has some great Walk/Run intervals - free podcasts on iTunes under "Motion Traxx" - 30/30 sec run walk, 1/1 min run walk, 2/1 min run walk and 3/1 min run walk. Music changes during run interval so that you pick up your cadence.

[OakLeaf]

Be careful though. Somehow, for me, "running as cross-training" turned into training for my fourth marathon.

[Dogmama]

Hey Velo, you sing my song. Right now, I'm a crappy runner. Given the choice, I'd always rather be on my bike.

I did couch to 5K and it really is a good program. At first I thought it was for the Biggest Loser crowd because there is a lot of walking in the beginning. But I stuck to it and really did run pain/injury free for awhile and enjoyed it.

Shoes - I invested in good running shoes because I didn't want any injuries. Running is pounding on our bodies & anything we can do to lighten the load is good. It isn't like cycling where we can get away with a crappy bike fit for a few weeks. On the bike, we aren't pounding and have the luxury of changing position.

I always try to run as if I'm stepping on eggshells. I did the Chi Running program awhile ago and it really helped my problems with knees and low back. I know you probably aren't wanting to get into it that much, so I'd just suggest a light step when you run. I found that I was pounding my heel into the ground and guess what - big problems with back issues. You can practice this with the couch to 5K program since your running, at first, is minimal.

I'll be going to San Fran for almost a week soon, so I'm ramping up my running. I find that after a few times, it's actually (almost) enjoyable. When I run more, I like it. No traffic, you don't have to suit up like the Michelin man in the winter, etc.

[Kernyl]

"My heels are really, really sore from the walking and running."

Try running more on your midfoot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx6x2cD6Y8Q

[OakLeaf]

I'd be careful with that heel pain too. Read the thread about plantar fasciitis (hope that isn't what it is).