12342517462 wrote:
There is a possibility runners could improve their aerobic base by doing a lot of cycling. Like when running with a low intensity, this will develop your blood vessels and improve their efficiency in terms of blood (oxygen) transport. However, running echonomy is developed only by running alot. Regardless, i think any sub elite runner will see improvements in running by doing low impact activities to increase the volume. The important factor is that it doesn't influence the amount of running volume and the significant workouts meant to increase LT and vVo2max.
In addition, doing hard workouts (vo2max) on bike will increase the vo2max of the athlete. However, this will decrease the utilization rate.
Agree with you. Kristian Blummenfelt felt that a fair share of cycling would give the aerobic base benefit, and he knows and feels this combining cycling and running.
Vo2max is muscle and fibre specific and a number for the capability of the muscle fibre. If you swim, the VO2 max might increase (given you test by using the whole body), but this has no effect for running since you do not use that muscle. The same is probably for fast twitch muscle fibres. They can be trained to use more O2 and contribute to a larger VO2 max, but you do not use it in a longer race and the utilization will go down. Still, I would not mind maxing out on VO2 capability for any muscle.
I have been crosstraining with a bike for some time and at least it makes be stronger in the legs, feeling stronger when running. Have not yet seen an increased running performance though. Need time...