I'm toying with the idea of biking for my mid-week time rather than running so I can rest my soar knees and ease up on my foot (i have a neuroma)... Anyone know if this will give me enough training to not collapse during the marathon? I don't plan on winning it of course, but I don't want to be so ill prepared that I have to crawl across the finish line either. If my heart rate is in it's target zone during the bike ride and I run the long runs on the weekend will that be enough training? Thank you for any input - I'd like feedback before buying a bike since I don't have one currently.
Tanya

I can't speak to whether or not the exercise is comparative as it pertains to marathon training, but as someone with a knee condition I can tell you that the bike will do wonders for you. My doctor (Rebound Clinic) instructed me to 'stop pounding' everyday and alternate with some non-weightbearing exercise such as biking or swimming. Both have aided my knee condition while strengthening the rest of my body. I also sought the assistance of a knowledgeable weight trainer who helped me greatly in getting my other supporting knee muscles in shape. In the past two years I have participated in two marathons and over half a dozen half-marathons. Good luck!

Tanya,
Just something to keep in mind...sport specific exercise.

As you know, biking and running use some of the same muscles, but in different ways. So there's no pure substitute for putting in the run miles, except putting in the run miles. However, in your situation, easing up on the knees and feet can be accomplished with cross-training on the bike, and as long as you keep the intensity proper, you can also maintain your cardio fitness.

One last tidbit, biking may not make the sore knees go away, so make sure you are addressing them too. Ice, shoes, stretching etc.

Doug

Tanya,

Everything I have read about training in general, running and triathlons says that biking, as a cross training exercise translates it's benefits better into running than the other way around. Doug is right you need to put in the miles, but from my experience with Pfit
the long runs on the weekend are the most vital and if you are doing them you are getting the muscle endurance base built that you need and if your getting the

You might remember a guy named Armstrong who ran the NYC marathon last year. He never ran more than 13 miles preparing for it. Obviously he is in a universe all his own, both in his aerobic capacity and physical gifts, but it illustrates the point. If using the bike keeps you from missing the longs runs, or prevents injury as the miles add up, which can happen as you move into the later stages of the program you'll be way ahead of the game.

Jim

Tanya,
Just to let you know, using an "aqua jogger" in the deep end of a swimming pool is another excellent cross training method of resting a knee/foot while getting your miles in.
Some world famous athletes have done water running with key parts of their workout schedule, without compromising performance on race day. You have received a "professional opinion" (I hope) on your knee haven't you? Usually, injuries occur when mistakes are made within your training program. (not enough rest, shoes, bio-mechanics, leg-length,
running on cement too much, not stretching enough..., etc.) Rest is good, but the injury can come right back if you repeat what-ever caused it in the first place.
JR