bike riding vs. running

[Anonymous]

Agree with everyone that your issue isn't going to be fitness, but comfort. How much "TITS" (Time in the saddle) have you spent. 36 miles isn't particularly long, but if you have any bike fit issues (soft tissue, lower back, wrists), it's going to make for an unpleasant ride.

Suck it up and get some good quality bike shorts (Terry and Dugout make nice ones for women). Don't wear undies underneath. Champions cream is a personal option: I've been able to go on weeklong rides without using it, others put it on for every club ride.

[Anonymous]

Meant Sugoi, not Dugout.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the responses. Regarding padding: I don't have any bike shorts. Any suggestions for alternatives, or should I bite the bullet and buy some?

Bite the bullet! They make a uge difference. Also, they are meant to be worn without underwear (lots of folks new to them aren't aware of this).

I will second the recommendation for Chamois Butter, Ride Glide,or some other skin lube product if you aren't a regular biker. It'll also help a lot.

[Anonymous]

Why would it be better to skip panties (female) when wearing bike shorts? Specifically.

I ride about 50 miles a week (20,20,10) wearing underwear under my bike shorts just because. Because it never occurred to me not to. I have experienced zero issues but I am open to being educated about downsides.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would it be better to skip panties (female) when wearing bike shorts? Specifically.

I ride about 50 miles a week (20,20,10) wearing underwear under my bike shorts just because. Because it never occurred to me not to. I have experienced zero issues but I am open to being educated about downsides.

It just adds opportunity for chafing, and inhibits airflow.

[Anonymous]

you don't wear underwear under bike shorts. - it defeats the purpose.

[Anonymous]

PP who mentioned padding. I also always wore underwear with my shorts and never had chafing issues, but I don't generally have chafing problems so maybe that's the difference?

For longer rides I actually used a heavy duty pad to up the comfort level. Worked well for me and used up those enormous pads I had leftover from postpartum. May seem silly, but my ass thanked me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would it be better to skip panties (female) when wearing bike shorts? Specifically.

I ride about 50 miles a week (20,20,10) wearing underwear under my bike shorts just because. Because it never occurred to me not to. I have experienced zero issues but I am open to being educated about downsides.

Chafing at the seam area. given your short distances, it may not make a difference, but bike shorts are meant to be worn without undies. also, possibly trapping moisture, which isn't too big of a deal if you're going short distances and change immediately.

[Anonymous]

When I first got a nice road bike my first ride was 30 miles round trip. It was not difficult and I averaged 18MPH. Like others said, it is your ass that is going to get murdered.

I do slip in a few spin classes here and there and support my running with 3 days a week of lifting heavy. If you are in shape, I think the only endurance activity that can really knock you out without proper training is swimming.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the responses. Regarding padding: I don't have any bike shorts. Any suggestions for alternatives, or should I bite the bullet and buy some?

Don't get padded bike shorts and report back.

[Anonymous]

Experienced cyclist here. 36 miles will be a breeze especially if you are in a group. You can draft a lot if needed. The hills also make a difference but your fitness level should get you through.

Hell no to underwear under biking shorts. It just doesn't make any sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the responses. Regarding padding: I don't have any bike shorts. Any suggestions for alternatives, or should I bite the bullet and buy some?

Don't get padded bike shorts and report back.

...and please don't ask a friend if you can borrow theirs. That's just nasty!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP who mentioned padding. I also always wore underwear with my shorts and never had chafing issues, but I don't generally have chafing problems so maybe that's the difference?

For longer rides I actually used a heavy duty pad to up the comfort level. Worked well for me and used up those enormous pads I had leftover from postpartum. May seem silly, but my ass thanked me!

When I was a new cyclist I also did the pad trick. What I have learned is that you can condition your sit bones to be used to the hard seat. If you ride regularly it is worth just suffering through the discomfort of the first few rides to get used to not having the extra padding. I actually ride a very hard seat and sometimes wear only tri shorts (very, very thin chamois/pad) and am fine.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. I agree with the recommendation to get the bike shorts. Much more comfortable.

Your cardio fitness from running will likely carry you through, You do, as a PP pointed out, use different muscles on the bike, particularly glutes and quads. One thing I would think about is some additional stretching before and after your ride. Particularly your hamstrings and quads. A good deal of stretching all around for legs and back in the days leading up to, right before and after the ride. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:stay in the midle of the pack and you can ride for a 100 with little effort.

You're crazy. There are these things called "hills". To answer the original question, assuming the course isn't super hilly, you should be able to do it. As someone else pointed out, your butt will probably cause the most issues.