The arch in my right foot feels like it's fairly bruised and I feel that if I follow my running program for the rest of the week that I'm just going to prolong the injury or even make it worse. The rec center at my school has "x bikes" which are stationary type bicycles. Today instead of running, I rode for 32 minutes (the equivalent of 4 miles ran at 8 minute pace). Do ya'll think if I do this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, then try to do my regular run on Sunday that I will be ok? The run on Sunday is 16 miles and I just really don't know if I'll be able to do it with my foot like it is.
Cross training advice
- Thread starter Marathon James
- Start date
Use an elliptical machine if you have access to it. The closer the movement is to running, the less running fitness you will lose while recovering. Also try to keep your heart rate at the same rate as you are while running. Remember if it is sore on sunday do not run on it, or you will make it worse... You will pay for it in the end.
Depending on the type of running injury, cycling could also prolong the problem. I had a plantar fasciitis injury from cycling rather than running. Depending on how long this injury lasts, you may want to look into aqua jogging.
The entire reason I'm riding the bike is because when I sit down, I don't put pressure on my foot. If I use an elliptical, granted the movements will be more similar to running, but I'll still be putting pressure on my foot. With the heart rate, my heart rate was actually up quite a bit higher on the bike then when I run. My cardiovascular system is fairly used to running at any pace that's practical for a marathon so the bike is a nice change.
Biked 13 miles tonight. Foot still hurts to walk on but the biking went well. I can't wait till after Christmas when I start distance biking. It's really enjoyable.
S
sparrow
Guest
I think hard biking preserves running fitness better than almost anything (except aqua jogging done right) but like tsil said, if its aggravating it more ditch the cycling and aqua jog if you can. I've read of marathoners who aquajog almost an entire season and then go on to PR at the end of the season!
The biking hasn't irritated it thus far to my knowledge. The bike clips only go on the ball of my foot so it isn't putting any pressure on the spot that's hurting. If worst comes to worst, I will try the aqua jog. Hopefully our pool is heated
The biking hasn't irritated it thus far to my knowledge. The bike clips only go on the ball of my foot so it isn't putting any pressure on the spot that's hurting. If worst comes to worst, I will try the aqua jog. Hopefully our pool is heated
It really depends on the injury. If you bruised something, then you're right, you probably aren't doing any harm to it by cycling.
Aqua jogging is very similar to running and the resistance provides a near translation to running on the ground. It's not exact but it's close enough. It's how Deena Kastor was able to increase her mileage from 70 to 100 mlies a week and it was also how she was able to train when she injured her foot.