tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post5737779392199675038..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Acquired Taste or Love at First Try?Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-85610914335799437292013-12-15T13:14:59.726-05:002013-12-15T13:14:59.726-05:00I love them both. Cycling I love mainly for the fr...I love them both. Cycling I love mainly for the freedom and independence. Running I love for the feeling of accomplishment and constant improvements you can achieve, whether that's running for 30 mins non-stop for the first time, or cracking a time goal at a race. I also love that running's cheap!<br />Everyone to their own though :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60507574426879852392013-12-12T18:39:46.615-05:002013-12-12T18:39:46.615-05:00Running can be as wondrously delightful as cycling...Running can be as wondrously delightful as cycling with a non-racer attitude and without running specific gear (starting with the shoes). Lose the shoes and run free! You will love it and grow into just as you did cycling.Deacon Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01826386402925060912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1255641362255332502013-12-11T11:00:50.002-05:002013-12-11T11:00:50.002-05:00Running, regardless for what reason, will ALWAYS r...Running, regardless for what reason, will ALWAYS remind me of some nazi-with-a-whistle gym teacher screaming at all of us to run faster. Proud to say that I got through three years of US high school whilst ditching gym for more than two of those.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73473826992775193352013-12-09T22:25:39.821-05:002013-12-09T22:25:39.821-05:00I ran CC and Track in College, I wasn't very g...I ran CC and Track in College, I wasn't very good but I finally started to learn some of the things that require lots of effort and a different metric for measuring success than "Winning", stuff that I was probably a couple of years behind on.<br /><br /> I really liked the racing part but I never liked the actual running. I still do a little of it now and then, usually in the middle of winter or if I want to spend a little time with friends who can't be cornered any other way. I still don't enjoy it except for trail running and then really only on certain mountain hikes I like to do. I like to climb Old Ragg Mountain about once a year by myself and I usually run some of the easier stuff on the way up and about half of the way down. Oh yeah, It's also fun to get up early early anytime I find myself at the beach and run/jog/plod for an hour or so then turn around and see if I can make it back in the same time or less. In an average week in June I'll ride my bike more than I'll run for the entire year.<br /><br />Running has a satisfying rhythm and physicality to it that nothing else I know has, Cycling is WAY BETTER but has none of that specific thing that running does. If you find yourself wanting it there isn't anywhere else to get it... <br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6608473011529342462013-12-09T01:12:49.368-05:002013-12-09T01:12:49.368-05:00I can truly speak to this:
I love bicycling and do...I can truly speak to this:<br />I love bicycling and do so every chance I get. It's usually around town (my commute of 20 miles doesn't admit of it) but short of hauling lumber from the hardware store there's little I couldn't do on my bike; and if it ever came to pass that I could either work from home or commute here in town, I'd be perfectly happy never driving anywhere except when pure necessity required it.<br /><br />Conversely, I *despise* running. However, since competence in it is a condition of my employment in the Army Reserves, I must do it frequently enough to pass a Physical Fitness test every few months. I've been doing this since 1987 and it's still not fun; so much so, in fact, that never having to run again is one of the few things I'm truly looking forward to when I retire from the Army.<br /><br />I have a young friend, whose acquaintance I made while she worked for a spell at an indoor dog park in My Fair City. She is now in the police academy and is a runner. She is quite addicted to it, to the point where she will pass up opportunities to train on firearms (after having failed to qualify at the academy) to go run half-marathons.<br /><br />I gather there is an addictive quality to it but that only makes it darker, creepier. The ability to run is one which is based in species survival - one either had to run down game or run from predators. One of the benefits of civilized life is that of seldom, if ever, having to run to or from anything, and I happen to like civilization right well.<br /><br />gviglobal village idiothttp://www.alpharubicon.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39495061174197454192013-12-08T18:18:22.958-05:002013-12-08T18:18:22.958-05:00I've never been able to cotton onto running fo...I've never been able to cotton onto running for any length of time. Not when there's a bicycle close at hand. I see it as cats vs. dogs. Cats are cyclists... dogs are runners. <br /><br />Cats do not go from point A to point B in a timed competition. If cats could ride bikes they'd probably do a lot of gliding. I love to ski, because of the illusion of flying. But riding a bicycle is the closest I can get to that feeling. <br /><br />Running never ever gets anywhere near that kind of mental therapy for me. I know, I know... it feels great once the torture is done. But I also get exercise cycling. And I've read that long and gentler exercise is better than short intense workouts. <br /><br />Bicycles have an extra dimension of magic that running shoes just don't (for me).jonhttp://www.johnnez.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-519507615075450512013-12-08T17:39:56.770-05:002013-12-08T17:39:56.770-05:00As a very large breasted woman I have no trouble a...As a very large breasted woman I have no trouble at all running. I wear a decent bra, but it's not an unusually hardcore bra. Not saying it isn't an issue for you, just that large breasted women shouldn't think they can't try - because for some of us it's no problem at all. Verdigriishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07223587792796963528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70935420377489038482013-12-08T14:03:55.206-05:002013-12-08T14:03:55.206-05:00For most of my life, it never occurred to me that ...For most of my life, it never occurred to me that cycling was exercise. It was always just a way to get around or explore a new trail or see the sights. <br /><br />When I finished college (and therefore competitive sports) and started a desk job, I took up running as a way to get exercise "with a purpose" - the gym has always bored me, but I figured with running I could enter races and set goals and that would keep things interesting. I had never enjoyed running before - I had done it as part of the sports I had played (in cleats, on grass), but I seldom went running just for running's sake, and when I did, it was always very painful, and not in an "I'm working hard and it hurts" way, but in an "ow ow something is physically wrong" way. But when I decided to take up running, I actually did a bunch of reading into how to "train" - get started, build distance, build fitness. In doing so, I learned the importance of getting fitted for proper running shoes to address any biomechanical issues you may have (overpronation, etc.). So for the first time in my life, I got fitted for running shoes, and it made a world of difference (I really can't emphasize the importance of doing this enough). The pain from exertion remained, but the biomechanical pains went away. This, coupled with actually ramping up mileage gradually and having real training plans, made running much easier. <br /><br />That said, I don't know if I would ever have described running as "fun". Some of the race events I did were definitely fun. But for me, I would describe running more as "satisfying". Running is hard, and you can get very tired in a very short period of time. You can throw on your shoes and go run for 30 minutes and still get a very hard workout. It is simpler than cycling in that sense. The actual act of running was never very fun for me, but it felt very good to finish a run. <br /><br />Since I started road cycling for fitness, I have barely looked at my running shoes. The main thing that struck me when I went on my first real road ride was how FUN it was. Even when it hurt. I remember the first "big" hill that I climbed (which now hardly rates as a bump in the road), I was panting and straining and thought I would die, but I still somehow had a huge smile plastered on my face. When I got to the top I felt like I could do anything. I can't say I've ever smiled like that when running, so I guess that's the difference for me. The act of cycling itself is fun to me, while the act of running is more a means to an end.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91107422051857923982013-12-08T09:04:19.569-05:002013-12-08T09:04:19.569-05:00I had a fellow come into the store hunched over wi...I had a fellow come into the store hunched over with what looked like a "Life Long Limp"<br />I said, Hi can I help you? He said, yes, If I can get my leg over one of your bikes, Im going to buy one today! I said, Thats easy! I brought him over to a "low, low" model and lay it down on its side. I said, "Step over and pick it up" He smiled and sat on the seat and said "I actually find it easier to ride a bike then it is to walk." I reminded him thats why they invented them. He bought the bike.<br />Scott R Chamberlainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12450257923259920565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-40251486423820226302013-12-08T01:17:28.983-05:002013-12-08T01:17:28.983-05:00The joy of running is that you get a more intense ...The joy of running is that you get a more intense workout with less worry and hassle with equipment, as many have said above. I used to like running much more than riding, but I can't do it anymore. I think you'll also find that once you do a bit of running and boost your aerobic fitness, that your cycling will also improve, it sounds like you are a natural athlete from some of the things you have achieved in recent years and running will probably prove it. Enjoy the running!Vickihttp://bicyclesinnewcastle.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34224791711740659932013-12-07T22:34:15.236-05:002013-12-07T22:34:15.236-05:00I started both biking to and from work and running...I started both biking to and from work and running around the same time, around the age of 28. Had you told me I'd be doing either I'd have told you that you were crazy. Actually, your blog was one of a couple which got me thinking I should try commuting to work (a 30-40 min trip) by bike. I did it year-round and found I loved it. I don't recall why I started running and at first it was hard on my knees and I had terrible shin splints at the start, but now I run 8k almost daily and am addicted to it. It's helped me to lose 20 pounds (something I was never able to do the entire year I spent going to the gym). In fact, I'm thinking of training to run my first half marathon next year. I tell everyone I meet to try it and stick with it. A solo runner all these years, I never really had the desire to race or run with others but this year that's changed as I've seen a bunch of running crews start up in my city. I'm trying to work up the courage to turn up at one of their events to meet people who love running as much as I do. Lastly, I don't consider myself athletic and I have never expressed any interest in team sports. I enjoy the physical and mental challenges running presents. It's a great stress reliever and like cycling, I'm embarking on my second year of winter running. dagmarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13222684053648902100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39823250122888602632013-12-07T19:21:24.182-05:002013-12-07T19:21:24.182-05:00Smells like a new passion to replace an old.Smells like a new passion to replace an old.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47244981444941925952013-12-07T16:59:43.518-05:002013-12-07T16:59:43.518-05:00I started running in grad school after swimming be...I started running in grad school after swimming became too complicated to fit into my schedule. I don't remember it being terribly difficult, but I did a run/walk combination for 20-30 minutes at the start, slowly lengthening the running bit and shortening the walk. I was never very fast, but I did work up to a 25K race at an 8:00 pace. I found running very relaxing and enjoyable. I stopped and switched to cycling as I gained weight and the strain on my knees got to be too much (in part because of too much running on concrete, I suspect).<br /><br />Every time I try to get back to running, something happens. Most recently, about 2 years ago, I worked up to a good 20-minute run, then had a bike crash on my way to the dirt running paths I was using. Ironically, the knee injury I sustained made walking painful and running impossible, but it didn't affect my cycling at all. I think the velo gods were trying to tell me something.Brian W. Ogilviehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045133494402037781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75774768043700985282013-12-07T16:42:41.138-05:002013-12-07T16:42:41.138-05:00I've straddled both worlds for a long time and...I've straddled both worlds for a long time and have had friends struggle with both, initially, before committing one or both to ritual. Seems an individual thing. For me bike racing is an acquired taste -- or one thing I've never developed a taste for -- whereas running is quite easy to either run for pleasure or race. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9626415591190608182013-12-07T15:04:32.169-05:002013-12-07T15:04:32.169-05:00I read with great interest this blog entry of your...I read with great interest this blog entry of yours on running. I have been cycling for years too and never liked running; always leaving my knees hurting for ages but unlike you, I do not cycle much, if at all in the winter, so this winter I decided to try running again to keep my fitness level up and was amazed. I did 2.6 miles straight off in 25 minutes. I then read about Runner's Knee, caused by weak quad muscles and ham strings so with these being strong nowadays, I haven't suffered yet and did a 4.5 miler the other day. I am now hooked on running and I await with interest how you get on. You may be pleasantly surprised. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12526315956602112852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11252414344161475092013-12-07T08:15:42.972-05:002013-12-07T08:15:42.972-05:00Might as well join the fray. I've migrated be...Might as well join the fray. I've migrated between running and riding for almost sixty years. I would side with those who say that the bike is kinder to the body (excluding falls), but running tolerates throwing on a few clothes and going out the door day or night, hot or cold, with limited time. <br /><br />For me, I find that racing is the reward for running, but training is the reward for cycling. Racing the bike brings a little too much risk, tactics, travel for comfort,<br />but you can actually go somewhere.<br /><br />So, over the years I've done more of what I'm best at..running, but deprive myself of the joy of cycling. Its a curse...or a blessing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21431234688615942592013-12-07T03:22:28.631-05:002013-12-07T03:22:28.631-05:00Tried running in my mid-forties and ended up with ...Tried running in my mid-forties and ended up with TWO hernias ! Took up cycling a few years ago at age 52 and fell in love. Through trial and error it has taken me several years to learn what works and what doesn't. Much of my experience as a newbie has been learning how to minimize discomfort (sometimes pain) while maximizing the pleasure ( and sometimes the thrill). It has been worth all the effort. Had some of the more expensive and fancy bikes in the beginning but finally decided that less was more so I took the minimalist approach. Now I ride only single-speed with coaster brakes and I couldn't be happier. No more worries about when to shift or what gear I should be in. And no more cable clutter or worn out or squeaky brakes. Everything is focused on the sheer joy of riding. Believe it or not, I can actually climb hills faster and easier on a single-speed bike than on an expensive geared bike. I still ride the same 20 & 30 mile routes and I'm in better shape because I can't use a derailleur to CHEAT ! Put that in your pipe and smoke it ! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-65123942413766584442013-12-07T00:00:56.278-05:002013-12-07T00:00:56.278-05:00Running is kind of a time sink. I pretty much only...Running is kind of a time sink. I pretty much only ride for transportation (along with some social riding) and I have a 45-minute commute, plus I have a lot of other interests that don't involve bodily movement. Running would cut into those interests big time. It seems like all the runners I know spend at least an hour running (I am including showering and changing clothes in this) three or four times a week. That's a JOB! At least you can combine cycling with your commute.<br /><br />Also, uh, boobs. If you have certain endowments as a woman, running just isn't going to be comfortable no matter what you do. Binding hurts. Not binding also hurts. This is not a problem on the bike.<br /><br />Plus, you can't coast while running and that's one of the great joys of cycling IMO, just letting gravity have its way with you. I'd probably never buy a fixie either.Erica L. Satifkahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134032079725071000noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-43263891712702724732013-12-06T23:26:33.572-05:002013-12-06T23:26:33.572-05:00I love running as much as cycling but getting to t...I love running as much as cycling but getting to the point of running 6 miles at a 7:30-8:00 minute mile pace (sufficient to build a significant stock of endorphins) does take some effort. But ramping up to ride 60-70 miles at 17-18 mph might take one 3 months as well.<br /><br />I had a funny experience on the US Thanksgiving this year, running 5 miles with no training whatsoever. I did it at a decent pace (~7 mph) and was definitely sore in the way anyone running that far and fast (fast being relative to walking) would be sore. I suspect it was the same kind of sore that you have written about enjoying at least once.<br /><br />The pleasure of running in part comes from where you run. Running in the forest, as your friend does, is great fun, running on busy Cambridge streets at commuting hour is about as much fun as riding on those same streets at the same time.<br />New England Bicyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609454624593868118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57773149747949367542013-12-06T23:16:13.506-05:002013-12-06T23:16:13.506-05:00The best marathoners keep up a near 13mph pace for...The best marathoners keep up a near 13mph pace for over 2 hours. My personal best is 10 mph for 30 minutes.New England Bicyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16609454624593868118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70296683274382677012013-12-06T20:46:20.189-05:002013-12-06T20:46:20.189-05:00Just recently several of my cycling friends took u...Just recently several of my cycling friends took up running and I honestly don't get it, and I can't really, due to hypermobility in my ankles. Running doesn't hurt me, but the falling down when a foot is suddenly the wrong way sure does! I also have this haunting memory of my middle school gym teacher making us all run a mile around the track. That was torture! I'll just stick with cycling. Only happy memories there. :)Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08236210810344032312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-51946698454933677672013-12-06T18:56:28.251-05:002013-12-06T18:56:28.251-05:00the sad thing about running is that it's not a...the sad thing about running is that it's not available to all in the sense that some bodies cannot handle the demands whereas cycling can accommodate a wider population. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1310695704892058582013-12-06T18:44:37.826-05:002013-12-06T18:44:37.826-05:00I see in a blog in the future -- "Lovely Runn...I see in a blog in the future -- "Lovely Running Shoes". By the way, a heart rate monitor was the key to my learning to love running. I went from 45 minutes of pain, to four hours of pleasure, by learning what my heart rate was, and reducing it.ptbnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63769122676593454422013-12-06T18:03:18.721-05:002013-12-06T18:03:18.721-05:00Pacing and meditation: run slow enough and it beco...Pacing and meditation: run slow enough and it becomes a rhythmic (borderline masochistic) dance derfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15596980838764306792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-47549116341569771582013-12-06T17:53:33.299-05:002013-12-06T17:53:33.299-05:00I was told to never run at a pace where you can...I was told to never run at a pace where you can't maintain a conversation. Good advice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com