Great discussion. I too have been wondering about using some biking or another endurance activity. I worry that lots of 2-3 hour runs are going to take a toll on my legs.
Are there any other endurance activities that work well? Indoor Rowing? I already do lots of uphill hiking/climbing on the weekends. Let’s say endurance activities aside from hiking/climbing, they should be a given.
I also have a question along the lines of your running form comments. I notice when I’m doing my easier Z1 runs, my running gait is naturally much more closed. When I first started this style of training last year, my Z1 pace was 12:30-13:00 pace and my Z3 was around 10:00. Now my Z1 is closer to 10:00 pace and my Z3 is closer to 7:30 pace. I certainly see an improvement in my gait as my pace quickens. However, is it possible to improve your gate with drills, or another method, for these easier Z1 runs? I notice my hamstrings get locked up tight on the Z1 runs. I need to stop every mile or two and stretch my calves and hamstrings a bit to keep them from locking up. I do have tight hips to begin with and I’m working on that as well. I have tried to open my gait a bit on my Z1 runs and I find my heart rate shoots up quick at the same pace.