Should mountain bikers run?
I knew the hardest was yet to come as we filed into the singletrack to start the steep, zig-zagging climb to the backside of Purgatory Resort.
The Mountain Marmot trail run begins just below 9,000-feet altitude and quickly rises into the thin San Juan Mountain air. Runners head up the ski resort, veering west to travel all the way to the top of Lift 8 on the mountain’s backside, 10,800-feet above sea level.
The 12.3 mile run with 2,100-feet of elevation gain took me just under three hours to complete. Counterintuitively, the downhill was the hardest part. The fluctuating grade of the climb was also a challenge, making it hard to keep a steady cadence.
I hadn’t done a whole lot of running prior to this run. In the grand scheme of things, my entire summer was spent mountain biking and cycling, though I did lace on the shoes after I decided to bite the bullet and sign up for the Mountain Marmot. I did some runs, but my training was not specific nor dedicated.
Still, I suffered through it and even found some time to look up at the views, the high-altitude Aspen forests glistening with a yellow autumnal glow. My base of cycling fitness and experience pacing long efforts at altitude helped, but I was definitely destroyed by the end. Once I got a couple of beers in my belly, I was ready to do it again (maybe).
As the title of this website alludes, I still identify as a mountain biker and more broadly as a cyclist, despite enjoying many other pursuits, athletic and not. Cyclists often shutter at the thought of running, but my exposure to any endurance or mountain sport you can think of while living in Colorado has changed my perspective on that.
So, should mountain bikers pull on some kicks and run? I say yes, and here’s why.
Mental variety
Even the most fanatic mountain bikers get burned out after a long summer of riding. I’d argue that connoisseurs—rather than casual riders—are even more prone to burn out. Running offers a great workout that’s even more time-efficient, while giving yourself some variety in what you’re doing.
Training variety
Running can also work as cross training, and not just for cyclocross. It can work your leg muscles in different ways, work your core muscles, and get to muscles that cycling does not. You don’t have to run during the core of the cycling season, but it can be nice to go for a run when you only have 30 minutes for a workout. It can also be used as a tool during winter when the trails are too snowy or wet to ride.
A fun challenge
It’s always motivating to have a goal. You don’t have to run 12-miles or even 5, but committing to a goal will get you out of the door. Watching your miles and progress tick up on Strava is motivating, no matter the sport. It’s also fun to be a beginner, with a vast new sport to learn.
See trails from a different view
Running down a singletrack trail gives me a similar feeling to mountain biking. You still have to pick your line through rocks and roots, and you can even take new lines that wouldn’t work on a bike but are great on foot.
A new community
Like any sport, running has a strong community element in nearly any location. Running clubs and ships offer fun events and group runs or training sessions. Plus, running opens up a whole nother realm of races and athletes to follow, from sky running to Courtney Dauwalter.
Are you going to give running a try? Let me know in the comments?
Running gear I’ve liked
Hoka Speedgoat 6 - The latest iteration of Hoka’s flagship Speedgoat shoe is changed to be notably stiffer than the cushy ride Hoka is known for. It was fine for me, but some think it diverges from the Speedgoat reputation. Hoka’s apparel lineup is also well throughout and comfortable.
Deuter Traick 5 - Deuter offers a solid running vest that I’ve also found comfortable for hiking and mountain biking. It includes numerous pockets, two 500 ml soft flasks, and an easy strap mechanism. I had enough space to carry all I needed and the pack itself is comfy for long days.
CarbsFuel and Tailwind Nutrition
As far as nutrition for the Mountain Marmot, I used CarbsFuel gels and Tailwind drink mix. The CarbsFuel gel has 50g of carbohydrates at an affordable price point. Tailwind’s drink mix also has about 50g of carbs per serving. I find drink mixes to be easier to consume than gels to fuel during intense exercise like trail running. CarbsFuel also sells a drink mix which has 75g of carbs at the recommended serving, but it is of course adjustable based on how many scoops you use.
Nice Ryan, I agree with ya. I ran a bunch early this summer after being burnt on riding, and found similarly that cycling gave me a good endurance base, but once I was getting more volume, I found that my hips were not trained for running and had to start PT. I love cycling in that it’s very familiar and most of my community are riders, but it didn’t prepare me for long runs. Hoping next year I’ll be able to balance the two better.
I run more in the winter and ride more in the summer. Here in the PNW, our trails hold up relatively well to riding in the rain, but I don't like it. Too wet, cold, slippery, etc, and it's dark every morning and night before and after work. Running also gets you relatively more fitness in less time, so you don't have to go as long and can be back inside sooner.