Running vs. Cycling

I started road riding before I started running. But I love both and have been doing both regularly for a long time now. And I've gone through all of the same phases in each sport. At times, I've been super fast and felt invincible. Other times I've been slow as molasses and it felt like a struggle even then. At times I have enjoyed or even depended on going with friends or groups, but other times I have needed to be by myself. Sometimes I've reveled in the purity of the activity and allowed it to clear my head and cleanse my soul. But I've also let my desire to excel suck the joy out of what I was doing.

Someone asked me once which I like more - running or cycling. I didn't have a ready answer, but it got me thinking... And now, even after some thought, I still can't answer that question because they each offer things that the other doesn't.

I like running because it is simple and, on a good day, can free me like nothing else. Running is just about me and the machine that is my body. Although I have managed to spend a lot of money on running-related gear over the years, the only thing that is really necessary is a good pair of shoes. Well, and a good sports bra. But that's really it. The rest of the "stuff" is entirely optional and in many ways not even recommended. And because running is so simple, it's completely portable. I never pack for a trip without including at least one pair of running shoes in my suitcase. And my best exploring of any place is always done while I'm wearing them.

I guess I must have a bit of masochist in me too because I also really like the aspect of running that forces me to summon up from deep within the vast amounts of sheer will that are required to keep my body going even as my mind does everything in its power to convince me that I can't. It's like a battle within myself and some days it's hard to predict the outcome. But every finish feels like a victory - whether it's a race or a tough hill workout or a recovery run with Otis. Hell, just lacing up my shoes feels like an accomplishment some days. And I'll take it.

I also respect running because it's tough. And there's no cheating or in-between. You can't coast or glide to recover - you're either running or you're not. And the difference between the two is all up to me. I like that. Even though sometimes I hate it.

What about cycling? Although it shares many similarities with running in terms of being an endurance sport that, on a good day, can really help me relax and clear my head, I still think it is more different than it is similar to running. Cycling allows me to travel. Far. And see the world. On my bike. Under my own power. Which is pretty amazing if you think about it.

The longest run I've ever done was 26.2 miles. I will rarely bother even going for a ride that is less than 30 miles. I can cover 100 miles on my bike in about 6 hours. I can see a lot in 100 miles.

It's undeniable that cycling is more complicated than running in terms of the equipment required. And consequently, it is more expensive and there are greater opportunities for obstacles such as flat tires, broken chains, and wrecks that can ruin a good ride or worse. But I still marvel at the simplicity of a bike. And I love that I can travel on my own time in my own direction at my own speed without burning any fossil fuels or making any noise. It's just me and the road and my legs moving the pedals for miles and miles and miles.


When I ride, even when it's wicked hot out, I create a breeze and it feels good. I can eat and drink to refuel while I ride without it bouncing around in my stomach and making me feel sick like it does when I run. And I can coast down a hill to recover. Even though it does kind of feel like cheating.

So I don't think I can say which I like best - running or cycling. I'm just grateful that I don't have to choose.