As a new year's resolution, I began running regularly -- about 4 miles a day. I loved the increased energy it afforded me throughout the day, and I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment. However, it didn't take long before developing a renewed relationship with an old knee injury. The pain escalated more and more, until I awoke one day in worse condition than the day I hurt it (six years ago).
The decision to turn to road biking has been the best decision I've made for mself in a long time. The exhilirating sensation of speed, the feeling of dynamic balance while leaning in to an aggressive corner, the raw power output of climbing a steep hill, and the finesse in gliding over the road as if on air combine to create an addiction stronger than the brownies I no longer eat -- if only not to hinder my performance on two wheels.
I find that covering so much ground so quickly makes the routine more appealing for long term commitment. The cardio is wonderful, both as steady state and for high intensity interval training, for which I repeatedly climb and descend hills. I'm also finding that my legs are getting stronger more rapidly than they were by running. Best of all, my knee feels better than it has felt in years! It feels loose in the mornings, which is quite a milestone.
So for anybody who hasn't given road biking much consideration, I encourage you to pop into your local bike store and give one a test ride.
Cheers!
The decision to turn to road biking has been the best decision I've made for mself in a long time. The exhilirating sensation of speed, the feeling of dynamic balance while leaning in to an aggressive corner, the raw power output of climbing a steep hill, and the finesse in gliding over the road as if on air combine to create an addiction stronger than the brownies I no longer eat -- if only not to hinder my performance on two wheels.
I find that covering so much ground so quickly makes the routine more appealing for long term commitment. The cardio is wonderful, both as steady state and for high intensity interval training, for which I repeatedly climb and descend hills. I'm also finding that my legs are getting stronger more rapidly than they were by running. Best of all, my knee feels better than it has felt in years! It feels loose in the mornings, which is quite a milestone.
So for anybody who hasn't given road biking much consideration, I encourage you to pop into your local bike store and give one a test ride.
Cheers!
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