Noticing hills on bike vs run

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Slugger

2009-07-21 2:32 AM

Master

2665

The Whites, New Hampshire

Subject: Noticing hills on bike vs run

Just a random thought I had today. Went out for an easy spin (I'm tapering and had to do SOMETHING!). Chose my "flat" run course - eh, it has a few itsy bitsy "hills," gains about 200 feet over two miles, but it really is pretty much flat. It's my I'm-feeling-lazy run course.

Yeah, until I biked it. Ummmm, it really does go uphill. I mean, not a lot by anyone's definition (unless maybe you live in Florida), but I noticed the gradual grade a lot more than I ever do running, and I noticed it even more on the return (hit 20+ mph without trying at ALL).

I'd always figured I would notice hills way more on the run, where you are feeling every step, but this N=1 experiment showed quite the opposite! I wonder if it is only on the gradual slopes, and the steeper pitches will be the opposite? Anyway, just wondering what others had found.

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leftrunner

2009-07-21 3:29 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Expert

819

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

I think you notice it more on a bike because you have more data to see that the hill is affecting you. Your MPH may drop a bit (or go up on the return). You have to change gears and/or change cadence.

While running you may do these things, but the changes are more subconcious, and your brain may not notice them (ie subconcious).

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slobgob

2009-07-21 4:09 AM

in reply to: #2297899

50	Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run Where I live... I can run hills that most people consider impossible to bike up. I notice inclines/declines WAY more on a bike. My Race Log

Bioteknik

2009-07-21 5:40 AM

in reply to: #2297914

Expert

1123

Falls Church, VA

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

slobgob - 2009-07-21 5:09 AM Where I live... I can run hills that most people consider impossible to bike up.

I notice inclines/declines WAY more on a bike.

I do a considerable amount of biking on the same trails that I mountain bike on, and they're much easier when running. One a bike you need to at least go fast enough to keep the rubber side down, which is much easier to do on your feet.

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Experior

2009-07-21 7:44 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Champion

7595

Columbia, South Carolina

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

Run with the bike on your back and you'll notice every hill.

Seriously, apart from what others said, you have to bear in mind that gravity affects you much more on the bike, simply because it adds weight to your load.

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Bioteknik

2009-07-21 8:19 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Expert

1123

Falls Church, VA

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

ha.. I noticed a typo on my message.. what's with that silly no editing after 30 minutes policy?

I of course bike on the bike trails, but I also run on them.

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trinewby

2009-07-21 9:14 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Extreme Veteran

417

Davidson

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

There is a pretty simple explanation as to why the hills seem more noticeable on your bike compared to when you run the same course. When you climb a hill, you are adding the workload of elevating your body to a higher position. If it is a 200' hill stretched out over 2 miles, you raise your body's elevation by 200' over a time period of maybe 15 to 20 minutes when running. On your bike, even at a slow pace, you do the same work of raising your body plus your 20lb. bike over a time period of only 7 or 8 minutes. More work is done on your bike in a shorter time with respect to the elevation gain. The work involved in producing forward movement is a different story, but you mentioned hills specifically.

FWIW,

Greg

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bryancd

2009-07-21 9:16 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Champion

9600

Fountain Hills, AZ

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

I don't notice hills....hills notice me.

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fgump

2009-07-21 10:14 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Expert

1342

Apex, NC

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

Yes, I derive great pleasure by running past cyclists pedaling up hills in a local park where I run (Umstead). Nothing like calling out "on your left" when you're not on a bike...

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Experior

2009-07-21 10:51 AM

in reply to: #2298572

Champion

7595

Columbia, South Carolina

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

fgump - 2009-07-21 11:14 AM Yes, I derive great pleasure by running past cyclists pedaling up hills in a local park where I run (Umstead). Nothing like calling out "on your left" when you're not on a bike...

lol. Where I sometimes run (riverfront public park) this happens on the flats...

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2009-07-21 11:24 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Subject: ...

This user's post has been ignored.

Slugger

2009-07-22 1:13 AM

in reply to: #2297899

Master

2665

The Whites, New Hampshire

Subject: RE: Noticing hills on bike vs run

Fascinating! Guess it wasn't so far-fetched after all.

I was out riding safety on my mtn bike for a walk last week. We happened to be on the road portion, going up a not inconsiderable (but short) hill. There was a chick running and we were barely staying ahead of her.