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Bike or Run Focused Plan - How to Decide?

jsumarajsumara
in General Training Discussions

At the end of tonight's Webinar, Outseason to Inseason Transition, someone asked how best to pick between the Bike and Run Focused plans. I was about to ask the same question as I have to pick one in 4 weeks. Patrick suggested posting the question here. Rich suggested looking at your race history and note how you did in each compared to the competition or simply select the one you "hate" as that is probably your weakest. 

Historically my run and bike compare favorably to the competition and I don't hate either - I'm not wild about the swim but that's a different issue. I can make a case for selecting either - the Bike because its the longest and any improvement offers more to gain - the Run because its the finish and its always good to finish strong. 

Any thoughts on how to pick?

Comments

  • waupaca11waupaca11
    Jim, I have to agree with your thoughts completely. Neither are a dog for me and I enjoy both. I'm thinking more towards the run as like you stated, its towards the end and thats when your bottom line fitness really kicks in. On the flipside, a strong bike will give you a bit of a cushion for the upcoming run. I'll decide once the time comes.
  • Jeff UnruhJeff Unruh
    Jim,

    I guess I am one of the lucky ones in this scenario and will likely follow Rich's guidance in looking at the % in my AG for each discipline and that clearly points out a weakness. Though less apparent than years past it is still the bike...
  • russGrussG
    Two thoughts:
    1. It's not like you can go wrong - you're choosing between two good options!
    2. Pick what you want to spend your time doing.
    I'm going with running because the weather will be improving and I foresee more outdoor time than I would get on the bike.
    Someone else posted that they're going with the bike plan to allow some of their nagging running injuries to heal...

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    Each person will have a unique decision calculus and all these ideas are things to consider. Additional variable for equation: injury risk. IMO, running a lot or daily without a long buildup carries a higher injury risk ... As does swimming for some shoulders.
  • jsumarajsumara

    @Anthony – let me know when you finally decide

    @Al – I like: “unique decision calculus”

    A couple other parts to the equation are that I live in Wisconsin so running and biking are mostly indoor activities this time of year. And last month I bought a Power Meter and getting used to it is taking some effort. As in, the perception that I’m hammering along on the bike and the actual wattage aren’t always in-sync. So with the Run and Bike being equal, maybe getting to know the Power Meter better is time well spent.
  • cgres123cgres123
    In your case Jim my 2 cent would be a bike concentration. Your bike fitness can translate over to your run fitness to some extent. When you are doing the bike program keep the emphasis on high cadence as you do your sets.
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