Running vs. Biking: They're not the same - Thursday, June 26th, 2025
Running vs. Biking: They're not the same
Let’s start with this: Yes, we know running isn’t everyone’s favourite thing.
Running is tough, it exposes weaknesses, and it’s often uncomfortable.
So we get the urge to avoid it, and walk over to the bike instead and think it’s a close enough substitute. But here’s the truth: Running and biking are not the same, and they shouldn't be treated like they are.
We Know There Are Exceptions
We fully understand that some athletes can’t run right now, due to injury, etc, and that’s totally legitimate. It’s also exactly why your coaches provide true running specific alternatives like:
Toe taps or toe touches
Fast high knees
Shuttle walk/run variations
Reduced-distance runs
Rucking (when possible)
Rowing, or SkiErg in specific cases
Many of these options help you keep the right movement pattern and stimulus, rather than just subbing in a piece of equipment that demands something completely different from your body.
The Assault Bike / Echo Bike is a brutal conditioning tool, but it’s still not a true running scale.
Running is a skill, and you need It. We don’t put running into workouts to punish you. We do it because it’s functional, and it’s truly is foundational in your fitness and life.
Running develops:
Coordination under fatigue
Impact control and joint stability
Breathing efficiency under movement
Postural strength and rhythm
A mental edge you can’t fake
And it’s something most of us will need throughout our lives, whether that’s to chase your kids, catch a flight, or run out of the rain.
Can’t run? Scale It, but don’t skip It.
If you truly can’t run, that’s okay, but talk to your coach, every class and let them help you find a proper substitute, not just the easiest option. They need to know why you’re not running, and they might give you a different scale on a different day.
Can’t run the whole distance? We’ll shorten it first.
Need to walk / run it? Great. Do that.
But opting for the bike every single time because running is uncomfortable isn’t helping you improve, it’s actually helping you avoid growth.
Training isn’t about comfort. It’s about development, and that means doing the things you’re not good at, on purpose.
So like today, when running shows up on the board, don’t look for the shortcut.
Have a conversation with the coach, get some options. Maybe that means running 100m instead of 400m, and that’s okay. But talk to the coach.
Your fitness deserves it.
Thursday, June 26th, 2025
Focus:
Running Technique
WOD:
Nicole
20 min AMRAP
400m Run
Max Pull Ups
*Yes this is basically a running workout with some pull ups sprinkled in the mix.
Check back each night at 8pm for the next days WOD .
Contact us: Address: 200 Mountain Rd #3, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4V5 Phone: (705) 444-0006 Follow us on Instagram @crossfit_indestri