Cycling: Well I’ve only gone a bought a push... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,192 members159,537 posts

Cycling

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate
79 Replies

Well I’ve only gone a bought a push bike now!! This is my new challenge to add to running. Like running I haven’t cycled since I was a young child!! As they say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!!

Written by
Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
79 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Well Shelley I have been a cyclist🚴‍♂️since I was 7 and only a runner🏃‍♂️ for less than a year 😊🏃I hope you enjoy your running and cycling now that spring has arrived early.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toAlMorr

I hope so too....I pick it up tomorrow so let’s see how long before I fall off!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply toShelley2310

No you won't fall off, I am not sure how to advise a new cyclist, but don't go on busy roads, keep to cycle 🚴 paths or the places you run, as long as its not on main roads. 😊 🏃 🚴‍♂️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Yeyayayayay I love my bike too!!!

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toOldfloss

Think the last time I rode was when I was 11....I fell off and that was it. Can’t be as embarrassing as going out for my first run though......

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toShelley2310

I twisted my ankle... when I first got a bike..have fallen off any times since! Runs are safer I think :)

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toOldfloss

Oh no....but the local kids might have a laugh tomorrow at my expense!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toShelley2310

Jealousy :)

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

I did it the other way round - took up cycling again 3 years ago and then decided to try running this year. I don’t cycle in the winter- too much wind and rain for my sense of balance. But I really enjoy it in better weather. I reckon it will make a good pair with running. 🎉 Beware of busy roads tho’ especially until you have had a few test rides. And I do wear a VERY high viz top when on any road.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Or in the song I have... whatever doesn’t kill you, is gonna leave a scar!

Good on you... cycling is great alongside running!

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

And next 🏊‍♀️ and iff to the next triathlon!

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toCouchpotato2

Haha, I love swimming and always have. I used to be long distance swimmer not good at speed 🤣

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toShelley2310

That’s great, you can be a ultra triathlon person!

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply toCouchpotato2

Yup... sounds like Shelly is heading to IronWoman status to me too!

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toUnfitNoMore

The only thing ‘iron woman’ about me is my weight 😂😂

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply toShelley2310

Not for long 😀

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toUnfitNoMore

The shop person when I bought my trainers said to me after I said I was probably too fat to run that another customer is the same build as me and she does those 100km runs in the desert or something equally crazy. You can be big and fit!

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toCouchpotato2

Wow....just got to master the ‘fit’ side of it then 😂

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toShelley2310

Yep, getting there :-)

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toCouchpotato2

Only 96km to go

mrshirt profile image
mrshirtGraduate in reply toCouchpotato2

Tell them to f##k off remember you’re always running faster than anyone sat on their sofa

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toCouchpotato2

Oh, have a look in YouTube to Rat Race "The Wall" It is an Ultra, from Carlisle to Newcastle along Hadrian Wall. Look at those guys. Not nimble marathon runners precisely. More like heavy rugby player-military type of blokes. Body weight is deceiving.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

OMG 100km! I think I'll aim for 10 first.

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toShelley2310

I am planning to cross the Solent. At some point.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

Wow 😮

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toCouchpotato2

Yes!! Tris are so much fun!!!

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

I’m starting to wonder about them... nothing like a challenge!

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toCouchpotato2

Check "Human Race"

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

Oh looks interesting!

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toCouchpotato2

Dorney Lake is fantastic. The atmosphere in these events is amazing, so supportive, no one looks down at you, on the contrary. They even organize Scootathlons for the kids!! I'll try to make a new post with some info about my favorite fun races. And where the cutest medals are to be found. I know, how shallow. I have a thing for cute medals.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

Not shallow! Everyone loves medals surely :-) this running malarkey is opening up so many events etc. Yes please do a post as I’m sure loads of people will be interested!

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

I’ve just a a quick look!! Perhaps a goal for 2020!!!

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate in reply toShelley2310

Yes good idea!

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toCouchpotato2

What a name? You made me laugh. You made my day.xxx

Bike_and_Run profile image
Bike_and_RunGraduate

I'm a cyclist who just started running this year. You'll love the freedom two wheels give you to explore further and easier.

Uphill is a hard slog, but downhill is so much fun!

mrshirt profile image
mrshirtGraduate

Keep at it I started all this with an exercise bike , bought a real one and now use it every weekend soon to be more with better weather

Recently cycled over 50km in a few hours

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

Haven’t ridden a bike since the day I turned my head to call back to my husband and rode straight into a ditch ! You can’t be as bad as that, so relax and enjoy x

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toButtercupKid

This is just a lovely weekend. I can't stop laughing. You made my dayxx

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate in reply toMegbird

Made his too. I don’t think he’s ever laughed so much at anything. Sadist 😂

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toMegbird

Glad you’ve enjoyed this post.

Gryllotalpa profile image
GryllotalpaGraduate

Congratulations! You are far from being the only one here! I am a 3 -season cyclist ( for fun) and multimodal commuter, using a push bike from and to the train. I started to run to keep active through the winter as I do not like riding when it is cold. I look forward to alternating riding and running after graduation!

The_Sausage_Dragon profile image
The_Sausage_DragonGraduate

Yay! Good for you 👍🏻 I’m another cyclist giving this running thing a try (and enjoying it too!) They seem to work well together. Take it steady on the bike to start with, as others have said - ride on quiet roads and avoid busy times. Wear a helmet and something brightly coloured. Above all, enjoy! 😊

Herbert1960 profile image
Herbert1960Graduate

Hi Shelly

I volunteer for British Cycling. They have an initiative to get more people out cycling. If you visit letsride.co.uk you will find group rides for all abilities. There are guided rides, social rides and Breeze rides on the system. Breeze are rides just for women. I’m a breeze leader and we are fully trained. It is national initiative so there should be rides in your area. It is all free, they ride at the pace of the slowest and ‘we never leave anyone behind on a Breeze ride’. Check it out. It’s a great way to meet new friends and gain confidence.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toHerbert1960

Thank you

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toHerbert1960

Thank you for the tips.

happysouls profile image
happysoulsGraduate

I took up cycling again when I started couch to 5K. What transformed it for me was buying some of the gel padded shorts. Suddenly it was a comfortable experience and I was able to enjoy it at last! We had a fantastic summer of outdoors fun and looking forward to more this year! Have fun!

Megbird profile image
Megbird

Well done cycling is good for those who can. Tried to learn to when i was a teenager. Nope didn't work for me. Too late now for me.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toMegbird

Didn’t work for me when I was younger either.....I’m going to give it another shot!! I didn’t think running was for me either!! I’ll be posting if I royally crash and burn!! 🤣🤣😂😂

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toShelley2310

Hi Shelley2310 you are npt going to Crash. Unlikely. It sounds hilarious. If you crash get up and give it a go again. Maybe! Mayve i will give it a go. Not so sure.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toMegbird

I’ll let you know how I get on 🤣

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate in reply toMegbird

It's never too late 🚲🚲

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toMegbird

I learned in my 50s, it was bloody hard. One of the problems I had is that I never had a scooter or a tricycle or roller skaters, so my brain didn't understand that kind of motion. I asked my instructor to let me ride an adult tricycle for a bit, so my brain could get familiar with the speed on which things approached me while knowing that I was not going to fall. That did the trick. The problem I still have is that I don't enjoy it. Not one bit. It is sheer mental torture. My mechanic, who is also a very good instructor, told me that it is because I missed the play aspect of it, the being a kid out there with a bike, just having fun. So, knowing me, he is fitting my little cute cherry red Dahon bike with chunky new tyres, so I can throw myself into some muddy trails. That will also make it a bit less twitchy, which is one of the down sides of these kind of bike. But I am being pig headed about cycling for my own reasons. There are so many things we can do, enjoy and still challenge ourselves.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

My oh half asked if I was having stabilisers fitted 😂😂 I’m 53

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toShelley2310

So what. hahaha...!!! If it means being with people you love having a laugh and being able to give that first powerful kick to the pedal- and finding the other one- without fear of falling, by all means, that is the way forward.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

Haha

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toladyofcastile

Hi Ladyofcastile, thank the the tips. I dont think I am going to enjoy it either. I won't say never.

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toMegbird

I didn't want to spend the rest of my life looking at bikes and thinking: I cannot do that. It is bad enough that I never skated. Oh, well, next winter I will go ice skating...holding onto the plastic penguin...!

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toladyofcastile

That will be enough.

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toladyofcastile

I know where you are coming from, please go for it and fulfil your dreams.

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

Well I officially can’t ride!!

Deals1 profile image
Deals1Graduate

I have a bike too. Enjoy it!! Cycling is great cos u can get to have a bit of a rest 😁😁

bizteach profile image
bizteachGraduate

Well done you. You will be applying for tryathlons soon :-)

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply tobizteach

The jury’s out on that one!! But never say never! 😂😂

bizteach profile image
bizteachGraduate in reply toShelley2310

Great! I have thought about it, but only thought! I've been looking at this site raceatyourpace.co.uk this, I think is the only way I'd ever achieve one, doing it bit by bit lol

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply tobizteach

I started the running challenge with race at your pace this month for running. Started with 25 miles.

bizteach profile image
bizteachGraduate in reply toShelley2310

Wow! go you, very impressive. Let me know how you get on. I've had to rest this week due to a pulled muscle, but looking forward to getting out there today. Good luck to you hun.

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toShelley2310

How is it going.

Munchbunch7 profile image
Munchbunch7

Try the national cycle routes website, and choose family cycle rides, they are great for flat off road routes, usually through very pretty areas

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

Cycling and running go together really well for me too. Enjoy them both. 😄

Runners profile image
RunnersGraduate

This Year I decided to

Learn to run - week 9 next week

Learn to swim - just finished first crash course and I’m swimming with a float

Learn to ride a bike - waiting for the spring

No I’m not thinking of doing a triathlon 😂 just got sick of putting things off 🙄

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toRunners

You'll be at the starting line of a Tri before you know. Just think of the sexy neoprene wet suit. :)

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toladyofcastile

Haha....my dad said I looked like Michelin man in my running gear 😮😮

ladyofcastile profile image
ladyofcastile in reply toShelley2310

Haha...very funny, daddy...This just reminded me of a sign someone was holding during a race for us to see: It hurts because you are kicking arse!!

Megbird profile image
Megbird in reply toShelley2310

Ignore him your dad. Keep going dont look back. This is the beginning, you are the only one who can do this, for you and you only, whether in a wet suit or a penguin suit keep going.

Bobbypizza profile image
BobbypizzaGraduate

I got back onto the bike this year after a long hiatus. I think what will help you is a patient cycling buddy. Luckily a guy in our parents wee group is cycling mad and was looking for a buddy so that helps. So I now go on half regular rides.

You can't really escape with headphones on a bike as sound awareness is very much part of the ride so having a buddy will make the ride more fun.

Fat_stab profile image
Fat_stabGraduate

I have after a gap of a couple of years for several reasons got back into cycling last year, almost cycling 2,000 over 7 months, or so cycling 20 or miles a day to/from work!

fitbyjuly profile image
fitbyjuly

Good for you that is fab enjoy yourself x

Equi-geek profile image
Equi-geekGraduate

Me too! New to biking and very wobbly!

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate in reply toEqui-geek

It’s official....I can’t ride 😢

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Running and Cycling

Hi there, I have been running now since January and love the 5km runs I do 3 times a week. I used...
mbardon profile image
Graduate

Cycling on rest days?

I'm thinking of buying a bike so on rest days I can cycle. Haven't been on a bike for 20 years and...
vikicats profile image
Graduate

Cycling instead of running C25K

I've just started, but I'm actually reluctant to do much running for a couple of reasons: * I'm a...
Wibbley profile image

CYCLING AS WELL AS RUNNING

OK, it's time for an admission.....I cycle as well as run. There, said it; it's out in the open,...

Cycling again

Well evidently I have very good balance and should learn to ride quickly! BUT I get i sharp pain in...
Shelley2310 profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.