Cycling to running

mhiggy09

So I do a good bit of cycling but want to start to do some running as there are a few local events coming up I'd like to do. I went for a short run yesterday and I'm absolutely dead today. I know thats normal as you use different muscles. The thing is when i went running I was constantly getting out of breath and had to take a lot of walking breaks. Is this just because running is slightly harder on aerobic fitness and I'm not as fit as I think? Also is anyone here a cyclist that started running and do you have any tips?
Thanks. All advice greatly appreciated

spaceylou

If you are out of breath running, you are running too fast. Slow down. Then slow down some more, keep it super easy, especially for the first few km/mile of your run and aim to enjoy

Once you have that sorted, start looking to build more specific strengths for any events you are targeting.

Chartsengrafs

I used to do a bit of both. Ease off the pace as already mentioned and maybe try to run on grass a bit at first. Your legs are well used to moving but perhaps not ready for too much impact just yet.
How much cycling were you doing out of interest?

Edit: thought of another thing to consider, running the day after a hard cycle will often take more out of you particularly when you're new to it. Obvious perhaps but it can really tire the legs.

mhiggy09

Chartsengrafs wrote: »

How much cycling were you doing out of interest?

I get out atleast 3-4 days a week. Sometimes more. A long spin at the weekend (normally a club spin) and shorter cycles during the week.

Chartsengrafs

That's plenty so you should be aerobically fit, if not run-fit just yet. To re-iterate, slow it right down for a few weeks and see how that works. It might feel sluggish if you're used to cruising around on 30km/h club spins but it's the best way to adjust. Try to keep an eye on your hip flexors too as they can get tight cycling.

Firedance

I've gone the other way (from running to cycling) agree with what the others have said, slow right down - however, I find cycling very easy aerobically compared to running so while you have a nice base you'll improve your aerobic fitness massively by running - enjoy

mhiggy09

Firedance wrote: »

I've gone the other way (from running to cycling) agree with what the others have said, slow right down - however, I find cycling very easy aerobically compared to running so while you have a nice base you'll improve your aerobic fitness massively by running - enjoy

Ye hopefully it improves my climbing on the bike as I can get out of breathe the odd time on the climbs

thesimpsons

I'm just done the same as you mhiggy09. cycling about 4 years, 2/3 short spins a week and a longer 80+ at weekends. started running earlier this year and definitely, what you need to do is slow it down. At the start I thought I'd never get there. 1km seemed such hard work with stops for breath. Now I can run 5/6km without stopping, and yesterday did a 3km route with a hill virtually the whole way. 6 months ago that didn't seem in the least achievable. stretch properly afterwards helps enormously. I found after cycles I could skip stretches the odd time and it wouldn't really matter but with the running I find if I don't stretch, thats me wrecked. goes without saying too, decent runners for good foot support. stick with it - its a different type of fitness but I've found it has helped with the cycling too