running or cycling......which would be better?

[otispunkmeyer]

since i was 5 years old ive been swimming....pretty much everyday. im now 19 and can no longer commit to 10 training sessions a week. ive joined the speed lifesaving team at uni, i was a welcome asset being pretty fast in the water so they were glad to have me.

we dont get as much pool time as im used to, so i need to find otherways to keep/improve fitness.

swimming being a non impact sport (on the joints) i was wondering what would be better fitness wise? i ran home from the shops last night, but after a short while i could feel my shins starting to hurt. i wasnt out of breath or anything like that...i just had to stop running coz my legs couldnt keep up!

would it be wise to keep at the running, hoping my body will adapt?

 

[Brutuskend]

Running is harder on your knees

 

[DaiShan]

I'm in the same position. I've been a swimmer all of my life, but just didn't have time to compete while in college. I'm working on a triathlon right now, but why do you have to give up on swimming? I'm sure they have rec swim at your school?

Running is harder on your joints, but is more aerobic than biking (at least for me) for the sole reason that I don't want to look soft and start walking. When I'm biking, its not as obvious heh.

Oh, and its normal for your legs to hurt for a while. For the first month or so my legs would be burning too bad to continue much further than 5 miles. I wouldn't be tired, just my legs couldn't keep going.

BTW, if you are doing this because of lack of time, try making a schedule and sticking to it. I get up and run in the mornings then come back and shower before I go to work, then take a 2 hour lunch break and bike/shower then swim after work at 7pm. It's a lot easier to fit everything in when you have it on paper and know what has to be done by when

 

[chrisms]

Masturbation

 

[notfred]

Both, then you can be a triathlete, which would be cool.

 

[mi xiao]

sounds like your chin pain is from crummy shoes/plantar fasciitis.

i would ride.
hit the hills to make it more cardio demanding.
i dare anyone to tell you different.

i do tris and duals. the bike always kills me.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Cycling.

 

[boyRacer]

Originally posted by: notfred
Both, then you can be a triathlete, which would be cool.

 

[OffTopic1]

Running & cycling isn?t going to replace swimming, however cycling is easier on your joints.

Maybe some weight training combine with running/cycling might come close to get complete body workout come pare to swimming.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

have to invest in a bike that cost more than £40 and came in a flat pack box then i guess! haha

my dads got a beauty of a racer....but he paid big £££ for that, i darent ride it lol

 

[Pandamonium]

I would try running first, since it is something you can do anytime, anywhere. If you develop runner's knee or some other condition, go with cycling.

Cycling can keep your fitness level higher than running can, and it is easier on the knees, but it takes much more preparation and investment.

Edit: your body will adapt; shin splints are normal. If your joints begin hurting, go see a physician. Another low-impact training regimen is rowing. It's great to do it on the water, but it is much more expensive and cumbersome than either running or cycling. You could invest in rowing machines, but they're not as fun as the real thing, IMO.

For aerobic fitness, cross-country skiing, swimming, and rowing usually take the top three ranks in most studies.

 

[cheapgoose]

i just started riding a bike, running isn't an option for me. so yea, cycling.

 

[PHiuR]

get a nice road bike...a road bike = :thumbsup: