Hiking or Running

marcg868

marcg868

marcg868

Associate
Joined
16 Oct 2016
Posts
421
Location
East Lancashire
As something different from Mountain Biking?
Basically my Mountain biking has been poor this year due to very little time and the weather being absolutely abysmal. Don’t mind it raining whilst I’m out but avoid it if it’s ratting it down before going out.
I’m trying to improve my fitness as I get older. I’m pushing 40 so still plenty of life left.
But I want to do something as an alternative to my biking to mix it up a little.

I work nights in the NHS with a weird pattern of shifts, so I could work Monday Tuesday have Wednesday off then back Thursday. So I avoid riding on that Wednesday and Friday and ride for 10-30 miles on the Saturday but need to do something on the Wednesday. I walk about 3/5 miles per shift also.

Thought about running but have had multiple Surgeries on both knees since the last time I ran back in 2006 for Army Selection Centre. I do enjoy a good walk, so would like to start exploring some of the local hills and enjoy some peace and quiet to wind down. But my god gears expensive.

Which would would you recommend?
 
Walking is a cheaper hobby than mb'ing ? ... for single day walks can be getting the same trail trainers for run or walk;
for wet weather gear I spent some time finding a right sized breathable top that could be used for run/cycle/autumn-walk without being too volumous for cycling.
Insoles in running/walking trainers helps reduce knee impact , and getting some lightweight walking poles save knees on walking descent.

I'm currently looking for exercises to make sure knees have good stability one's become a bit clicky - lunges and some rowing machine workout are on the agenda.
 
As above. If worried about knees then just thinking about strength work can go a long way to allowing you to doing what you want.

I don’t think there’s a harm to doing both.

Hiking is generally just walking but on trails in my opinion so if you can get into nature easy there’s no harm doing a mix of walking/running and with being away from tarmac it’ll be soft on knees.
 
I supplement my mountain biking with hiking and strength training. Found running is too high impact for my knee.

Don't need to spend loads on gear, plenty of cheap options, decathlon etc. As with MTB gear can escalate in cost rapidly though!
 
Had surgery on my knee, hiking down hill absolutely kills it. I still keep at it, but try and fit 1/2 strength routine to keep them going for as long as possible.

Sadly running is a no go for my knee and back problems. Surprisingly MTB doesn't hurt (as much) either niggle.
 
Both are great but you get different things from them. You could do them on alternating weeks. Running will do more for your fitness but you'll get to take the scenery in more with hiking.

I find trail running exhilarating. Give it a try but take it steady and see if your knees are up to it.
 
Repta said:
As with MTB gear can escalate in cost rapidly though!
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how far are you hiking.

cos I can do it for the price of a bus ticket, I already have a backpack, flask a summer coat, a winter coat.

what a lot of people consider hiking these days used to be someone's commute
 
arknor said:
how far are you hiking.

cos I can do it for the price of a bus ticket, I already have a backpack, flask a summer coat, a winter coat.

what a lot of people consider hiking these days used to be someone's commute
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30-40km a day out for a few days sometimes, wild camping at night. I use ancient kit I have had for 20 years but if you go down the weight saving route things can get silly.
 
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I find running easier and more enjoyable than hiking, but that might be because hiking to me normally just means walking as fast up the hill as I can. Normally my runs are a gentle jog, and I try and do trail running more, which is more enjoyable

But I haven't got bad knees, Hiking may be better for you. Have a look at Kneesovertoesguy may help your knees
 
We've been doing some Brisk walking the past week. Stopped for a outdoor bathroom break and had to run to catch up to the wife. So had to run for two minutes. Didn't feel too bad.
Might try a modified couch to 5k plan as I can probably maintain the pace I went for longer than 60 seconds.
 
Some sort of weight lifting and walking/hiking will be plenty to keep your heart happy.

Running is good if you want your cardio/endurance to be better, but my knees are also busted, so not something I do myself.
 
D-Ranged said:
Some sort of weight lifting and walking/hiking will be plenty to keep your heart happy.

Running is good if you want your cardio/endurance to be better, but my knees are also busted, so not something I do myself.
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I do some weights at home. And press ups, sit ups and squats with a weighted vest.
My idea of Torture being stuck in a sweaty Gym.
 
marcg868 said:
I do some weights at home. And press ups, sit ups and squats with a weighted vest.
My idea of Torture being stuck in a sweaty Gym.
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You're not stuck there, you're free to leave whenever! Try a proper bodybuilders gym rather than a commercial gym If that's your worry. You'll find they are much nicer people and more helpful.
 
I used to hate running. It’s become a massive part of my life over the last year. Recently entering my first 10km race and completely smashing my previous PB completing it in 48mins 30 seconds. Which for me is impressively quick. I was chuffed.

I’ve really got the running bug now, and paired with some leg strength to protect my knees etc I love it! The strength is key to preventing injury though. I moved from spinning to running, haven’t looked back!
 
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