Injured Runner needing Cycling work outs?

Question

hey guys!

I've developed shin splints from running and in order to keep in shape have decided to start cycling for a while untill I recover. today I got on our excercise bike and rode for about 35mins..keeping my heart rate in between 150-157 for about 20 of those minutes..and although i didnt feel like i was breathing that hard my legs started feeling sore a lot!! ..I guess you use more of your quads in cycling then you do in running..Like i was breathing and feeling fine but my legs hurt like h**l..

anyway I was hoping I could get some cyling work outs that would get my in shape for running 3.1 miles in cross country until I am able to run again. thank, take care.

Answer 1

the basic principle is the same as running. Training near your lactate threshold should give you both benefits for cycling and running by increasing your aerobic capacity. It is difficult to determine what this pace is on a bike, but strap your heart rate monitor on and get on your stationary bike. If your heart rate monitor saves your workout that's good, otherwise you will have to write down your HR and speed on the bike or call them out to a friend. The point where you HR begins to deflect up with velocity. This is probably close to your threshold, although this is the source of some controversy. Good Luck with it.