Hi All,
Ive been cycling for the past few years but recently had a hand operation so started running.
Im enjoying the running and currently following a garmin coach half marathon training plan. Question is I would like to start cycling again (commuting 80-100miles per week plus a bigger ride occasionally).
Whats the best way to start cycling again whilst increasing the running mileage and intensity?
Anyone have any experience of this. Cheers
Yes, I do both running and cycling ,and also weight training.
I assume you are going to compete(half marathon) in running , and the cycling is non competitive?
If you are going to add in that much cycling ,you will need to adapt your running plan in order not to over train, leading to injury/illness.
Maybe have a look at some Triathlon training plans on here, or on Mottiv method (they offer a basic free training plan on their app.
If you are increasing your running mileage AND intensity, I would be very careful to keep your cycling endurance based to start with and a low volume plan .
If running is your priority, the last thing you want is to compromise your race build up because you are tired from your cycling training!
I know about this because I struggle with it myself. I have to prioritise cycling because
I race bikes, and not running. But my FTP went down this week 
because I have tried to do a TR interval session after running and ending up fatigued and not hitting the watts.
Similar to @Lydiagould - I primarily do cycling but running over winter to get outside. I focus just on low intensity endurance runs (up to 1 hour) and eventually skip runs if I feel that it could compromise cycling the next day.
So in your case I would do just Z1/Z2 endurance rides of length which will not affect running…
Fortunately it for me it looks like there are slightly different muscle groups used so it works pretty well…
I ride TTs in the summer and race the odd 10k/10m road race in the winter. I come from a running/tri background so I can get away with just running 3x week (I am also only 61kg and have run a 2:47 marathon so that helps!). I find that winter running keeps your cycle endurance topped up so you can limit your longer rides, but it does erode your FTP power if you race bikes. So I would keep your run training and just stay on the commutes and easy zone 2 stuff for variety. If you want to improve your cycling then you will need to cut the run volume, especially the longer runs and add zone 2 cycling and SS/threshold work on the bike. In the summer in the TT season I only run twice/week for 30 mins.
Hi All,
Thanks for all the replies.
Do you think it would be feasible to throw in some long endurance rides (50-100 mile) without impacting my running plan…assuming i keep the endurance ride to zone 2/3.
I plan on keeping the commuting mileage as zone 2/recovery but enjoy my longer rides at the weekend.
Anyone else do this?
My aim is to get my running fitness up (to regularly run 10-13miles as well as getting out on bike regularly for commuting and social rides (not too bothered aboout average speed/ftp as long as i have the endurance enough for a long ride)
Cheers
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Yes if you stick to the lower ranges of your idea e.g 50miles in zone 2. No if it was 100 miles in zone 3! - that’s getting near most peoples race zones for 100m TT - Also don’t do any within 5 days of one of your longer runs or within about 10 days of your target half marathon.
Been doing cycling and tri’s since mid 80s. Even though my primary background/strength has always been running, I’m old and beat up now, so I’ve changed focus a bit (gravel races and occ triathlons). I’ve been focusing on shorter, faster runs and following mid volume gravel plan. Running is M/W/F mornings I do ~2-2.5 miles at brisk pace, then core and light weights, afternoons/after work is 30-60 min endurance ride on trainer; Tue/Thu short swim then higher intensity TR trainer workout; Saturdays I work a half day, so higher intensity TR workout early am; then after work I go to the gym and use a motorless treadmill to do high intensity run (3x 3-5 min intervals with some resistance on the treadmill belt). the motorless TM is really effective at engaging posterior chain; I consider it the “rollers” of running. Sunday is swim and long ride. Occ I’ll throw in a longer (6-8 mile) run on the crushed gravel path we have in Austin that circles the Colorado river. So far this schedule has worked well for me (I took first in my age group in a 70.3 triathlon a few months ago, and was 10th overall age grouper. Had 15th fastest splits in swim, bike and run, so I think my training plan has been pretty well balanced)
Hey @rdavies86 
Like everyone else is saying, it really depends! Are you training for a half marathon? If so, stick with the running training plan and add the Z2 as you see fit, watching out for fatigue levels. Definitely opting to cancel rides if needed to recover for your next running session.
If you are not training for anything and following the Half Marathon training plan because you couldn’t ride, and now you can, but at Z2, then by all means, add in the 50-100 mile rides over the weekend if that makes you happy!
Just make sure to listen to your body and follow the recovery weeks.