INTRODUCTION
I posted an article a few months ago (You can read it here) all about how I have started running. I started running for many reasons, mainly because of the lockdown that happened in the UK. Recently I have stopped running and started cycling. I have recently purchased myself a road bike (Only a budget bike for now) to get started. Why have I stopped Running? Why have I swapped to Cycling? That is what we are going to go over in this article as there are a few reasons for the swap and why I stopped running! let us begin!
WHY THE SWAP?
I have decided to stop for a few reasons. The main one was enjoyment. I wasn’t enjoying running as much as I was at the start. Due to my location, I am very restricted on routes so I found myself running the same 2 routes. Which no matter how much fun you try to make it, will get boring over time. With cycling, you can go further afield. Go out all day stop halfway for some lunch and carry on. I have a few routes planned, some shorts routes, big hill routes and also some longer, all-day routes planned.
Another reason for stopping is I was starting to get some knee issues. After seeing a sports therapist it is on the mend, however, running is a rather high impact sport so I thought it would be best to cut down. Cycling isn’t anywhere near as demanding on your knees. In the few rides I have been on so far I haven’t had any knee pain at all. no pain in any of my joints. everything has been as you would expect it.
The last point is it is more social. a lot of my friend cycle, I have a few clubs around me, so I will always have someone to cycle with. I find cycling much more relaxing. It is easier to get someone to come out for a cycle than it is a run. Combine all these points with the fact you can burn a huge amount of calories cycling it’s a win, win!
WHAT HAVE I BOUGHT?
I know there will be a few bike nerds out there that want to know what I have purchased. Well, sadly it’s not a super high tech racing bike. I have gone for a budget bike from a local bike shop. I have got a Carrera Zelos. A budget road bike. I have also upgraded the pedals to some clip-on pedals, and have got a pair of cycling shoes and some cleats to match. Amazing at the difference this makes over standard flat pedals. As I progress in my cycling I will begin to upgrade the bike and add bits to it. Will I ever purchase a more expensive bike? (£1000+) I don’t know. See how into it I get.
Now, I am considering upgrading the bike, Maybe some lightweight tyres, a Carbon Fibre Seat and small upgrades. However, I won’t go to the extreme with it because if I carry on with cycling I will look at getting a better bike, with a full carbon frame and better gears and brakes. However, that is in the future, for now, I will make do with what I have got.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED?
Currently, I only have a few routes and rides plans. No big adventures planned yet. in the future, I might do something huge. For now, I am going to keep it relatively simple. My main aim is to work towards a 100-mile cycle. No time limit just hit that distance in a day.
I have been doing a lot of research and video watching and getting tips and tricks from people all over the net as well as friends and friends of friends about how to attack road cycling. Slowly I am starting to piece everything together. However, I think it is going to come down to me getting out on the bike and learning on the job.
I am just treating it as a new challenge. Something different to try, expand my skill pallet. We have spoken in the past about how to keep fitness fun and one of the points was to change up your goals and challenge yourself (You can read that blog here), this is me putting my money where my mouth is. Trying something new and seeing how I get on.
WILL YOU CONTINUE TO RUN
Will I continue to run? I will still go out for the odd run. If I find myself short on time then I will go out for a little run. Maybe in future combine them both and bring swimming into it. Who knows. however, for now, I have stopped running but running isn’t completely off the cards but it will be taking a back seat. I will be focusing on building up my skill cycling. Increased my stamina and endurance. While still lifting heavy weights and doing my functional fitness.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it why I have stopped running. 2021 is the year of cycling. I will keep you posted on how I get on. If you want to get more regular updates make sure you check out our Instagram where we will be posting updates to. I am looking forwards to the challenges this new sport brings and also the fun and enjoyment it will also bring.
Have you got any new goals for this year? Started a new hobby or set yourself a new challenge? Let us know here or on our Instagram. We would love to hear what you have all taken up or set yourself.
UPDATE - 11/04/2021
What I have decided to do is any updates, Modifications to this bike that I have/do. I will add to this blog. Today is our first one. I know only a few days after the blog went live. Well, What is the first modification? Tyres! After reading up online and speaking to my local bike shop. We discovered that tyres are the best bang for buck way to improve your budget bike.
After speaking to my local bike shop (Which I highly recommend you do if you have any cycling questions) we chose a tyre that was perfect for me. I wanted something that was going to save weight (as this bike hasn’t got a carbon frame so any weight save is a plus). Something fast, grippy but also keeping good puncture resistance. I settled on the Continental Grand Sport Race tyre. They were High quality, good picture resistance but also fairly cheap. I purchased them and have put them on the bike. Putting them on was a fun job. Took a bit of work but managed to get them on and pumped up in the end.
THOUGHTS ON THE FIRST RIDE
The bike feels lighter and more nimble. The last set of tyres were 28mm wide, these are 25mm so they should be lighter, faster and have better rolling resistance. All of which I can confirm they do. Downhills they felt a lot faster and grippy. Uphills is where they felt faster than most. I felt that I was able to go uphill a lot quicker while using less or the same amount of energy as before.
Overall, happy with the tyre change. The only negative I can think of is that they were a bit of a laugh to fit. However, after enough patience and attempts, I managed it. Also, the price might be a bit steep for some people. I said they were fairly cheap, and for Roda bike tyres they are. However, if you have a budget bike you might think putting £65 worth of tyres on it might be a waste. It is your call.
Written by Kieran Blacker
Kieran is the CEO and Founder of Sets & Reps. He decided to make an application that helped people get a gym workout when not at the gym. He designed, Coded and built the application himself.