Those who get their cardio from a controlled indoor environment....good for you for not sitting on the couch.

For me however and many others hiking a mountail trial, running on the beach, through the woods across rivers, in -10 - -20C weather or simply through your neighbourhoods and parks that is what it is all about. I have fallen and sprined ankles.

But like the song says live like you were dying, and dropping dead while on a life cycle would suck on so many levels.

Just my opinion

Yesterday I ran my first marathon (Toronto) and the pain was excruciating. It took an agonizing 5 hours (not so uncommon for a first timer) but I did it.

Today I feel as though I've been involved in an accident. My entire body - inside and out - is humming with pain. My entire back, my ribs, my internal organs ... but especially my legs, are sore. The last thing on my mind is my next run.

So will I run another? Absolutely. In fact, before the race I made a little bracelet out of a Boston Marathon race entry form I picked up at our pre-race expo. I glanced down at it from time to time and thought "this is just the first one." Though I realise the goal is a long way off, it's important to have big goals. If it wasn't for big goals I'd have never run a marathon period.

I don't know if this is all a testament to solid training or insanity but while I dragged myself along the last 10K I thought ... 'no matter what happens, you will do this again.'

Actually finishing, even though it was half hour longer than my estimated (ideal) finish, was extraordinary. That's a feeling you want to have again ... you can't buy it. You gotta earn it.

just ran my first marathon on thanksgiving (ottawa fall colours) and im looking for another to run before the may ottawa marathon.

what marathon are you running in six weeks?

will you still do another three week taper?

I just have one question...why do people who hate running read a blog about running? Do you not have something else to do?

Richard,

I agree with you. Why hop on a real bike and risk your life cycling outdoors. There may be hills to climb, pot holes and sewer grates to avoid, 'fresh' air to use during your workout, sun shining in your eyes, other cyclists that might inspire you to go faster or work harder.

It's much easier to drive to a gym and work out in a climate controlled environment, breathing in the stench of the other people working out. I am sure come January, the gym must be packed with people looking to develop your physique.

Once you get onto your lifecycle, be sure to wipe any area your hands may touch with some Lysol. Wouldn't want to catch any of the numerous bacterium found at the gym.

Oh, and don't forget to wipe the bike down with your sweat towel when you are finished. You can imagine how someone else would feel sitting down on a wet bike.

No offence Richard, but I take issue with some of your comment:
1. Anyone who can cover 42Km on foot, under 3.5 hrs isn't "jogging"; although, signing the waiver doesn't make all joggers into runners.
2. "Cardio-vascular" is a product of changing oxygen and fuel into kinetic energy. How is sitting in an closed area making a wheel spin aimlessly better than taking in fresh air and propelling your body across milage?
3. Running isn't synonymous with injury. If more people would research, they would know how to run (it really isn't just left, right, repeat), what shoes to wear, and when to take a night off and, I don't know...spend a few hours on a lifecycle if they had to.

Simply put, there are better forms of cardio exercise than jogging. I have been doing the Lifecycle for 20 years - I am ripped, buff and enjoy superb cardio vascular health. And I have never once injured myself on the Lifecycle. The latter may sound ephemeral but , hey, no injuries works for me.

I can recall after running my first 1/2 marathon that shriek of pain of walking. How much the legs protest over those first few days. But yes, preparation *DID* help, I'll agree. Doing the Running Room 1/2 marathon clinic really did help me. Talks about the issues, and having the training partners is just gravy. But, for sure, I'd do one again, despite the pain.