I’m not exactly sure what made me do it. I might have been pushed for time, I might have been recalling something about the benefits of cross training, I might just have momentarily taken leave of all sanity. But I did it, I went for a run.
It had to be a gentle one, so I plotted a route of just under 2.5 miles. With hindsight, I’d have halved this, or possibly reduced it even more.
The first half was fine, reassuring even. I’d feared collapsing in a ditch, gasping like a fish. But cycling has trained me well in the art of sustainability; balancing on the knife edge of oxygen demand and supply.
It wasn’t all plain sailing though, the second half was fairly painful and I discovered several leg muscles which, I’m guessing, aren’t used that much on the bike. The next two days were highly amusing, and descending stairs became a very painful and noisy affair!
I’m going to stick at it and build it up really slowly.
Photo credit: gato-gato-gato
Keep at it Alan!
It’s great to have options – cycling is far and away my favourite form of exercise, but sometimes I just don’t have time for a ride, the roads might be icy or I might be away from my bike.
I mix up my cycling with both running and swimming – keeps it fresh – variety is the spice of life and, as you say, there is much to be said for cross training!