Running as cross-training?

[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.