![]() 47% also partook in weight training of some kind, with a whopping 68% doing so specifically to benefit their cycling. In fact, Cycling Weekly asked their audience in an online survey earlier this year whether respondents who ride also partake in other forms of activity. "There’s a misconception that ‘real’ cyclists all live and breathe bikes, but that's not true" In the same way that you can still be a cyclist without owning a jersey, you can also be a dedicated rider and still dabble in other sports. There’s also a misconception that ‘real’ cyclists all live and breathe bikes, sleep in lycra and only talk about their latest Strava stats, but that’s just not true. ![]() When you dedicate a large amount of time to training, it’s really easy to feel like your identity is interminably tied to sport and fitness - or whatever you want to call it. Especially as we enter the winter which, typically, isn’t the most appealing time for any cyclist, I can still maintain a level of strength and fitness without having to suffer through the cold, wind and rain on a bike. Plus, it keeps my training fun, varied and enjoyable, which in turn makes it far easier to stick to cycling in the long run. Practicing different sports has armed me with a wealth of transferable skills way beyond fitness. Learning how to manage your breathing when the intensity builds on a big ride? Tempo runs and intervals prepare you for that. That burning feeling you get in your legs when you’re climbing a steep hill? It feels pretty similar to a heavy, high rep leg workout. Part of the reason I think I’ve been able to stick to cycling as a beginner is because whenever I experienced moments of pain or hardship in the saddle, it wasn’t a total shock to the system. Understanding what it feels like to be uncomfortable and knowing how to carry on, especially when your legs are telling you to stop, is crucial to becoming a better rider. Training teaches mental resilience, and as a cyclist, you need a lot of it. Sure, I already had a base level of fitness, but the most useful and transferable skill I’ve learned from years of training is understanding how to push through really tough moments. I’m relatively new to cycling, but coming to the sport with experience of other forms of exercise made it much easier to adapt to a new discipline. The benefits of ‘hybrid’ training extend far beyond the physical, and I’d argue the most powerful tools that running and lifting have taught me are psychological. The real benefits are the ones you can’t see These guys are clearly genetically gifted, but it also shows that fitness specifically attained from cycling can be transferable across other endurance sports. Aussie pro Freddy Ovett completed the 2021 Los Angeles Marathon in a time of 2:48, followed a few months later by a 5k time of 14.41, and Giro D’Italia winner Tom Dumoulin smashed a 10k in just 32.38. In fact, there are a growing number of elite cyclists who are proving that you can be exceptional at running while still maintaining your cycling fitness. The main takeaway? You’re never going to get really, really good at cycling by running marathons alongside, but both running and strength training can certainly have their place within a structured training program. Equally with a hard or long run, try to schedule a rest day after so you are ready the next time you want to ride.’’ Tom concurs: ‘‘If you're doing a heavier strength session, I'd try to not schedule it for the day before a hard ride. That means - firstly - planning your workouts wisely, being careful when increasing mileage or intensity, and also eating and sleeping enough between each session to ensure you don’t get injured. So, for cyclists who are combining the bike with running, it’s really important to focus on recovery and injury prevention as much as possible. ‘‘Running is hard on the legs from a point of muscular fatigue, and can blunt the top end of cycling by reducing the power you can produce, especially if you suddenly add a lot of running volume.’’ ‘‘Running is probably the most tricky to match with your cycling goals, but the main benefit of practicing running is to top up the aerobic engine - especially when the weather is bad, or when short on time for cycling,’’ Tom explains. ![]() ![]() While running can certainly have a positive impact on overall fitness, the key is not to overdo it. When it comes to running, the conversation is a little more nuanced.
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