Since I haven’t been able to run all summer, I’m skipping today’s Friday Five topic about favorite race bling and sharing five ways I’m staying sane without running. Thanks to Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for being such flexible hosts!
1. Cycling, Cycling, Cycling. My weekly bike rides with my husband have been crucial to preserving my sanity, between the cardiovascular exercise, the fresh air and sunshine, and the time together. Outdoor cycling does not both my foot at all unless I forget to unclip, fall over, and twist it as I’m going down. 🙁 I also need the hefty shot of endorphins I get from indoor cycling, although I do think the standing climbs and heaviest resistance may bother my foot, so I’ve cut back to one class a week and try to stay seated. Because that only accounts for 2/7 days, I asked my husband to set up my bike on the trainer so I can spin on my own a few times a week.
2. Strength Training. I had been neglecting my strength training, but now I am doing it at least three times a week, focusing on upper body of course.
Each of these Cathe DVDs have several workouts to chose from, so I’m not bored with them yet. I’ve also been doing a few circuits Tamara has shared, and designing custom workouts in the Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute App with exercises that don’t bother my foot (no jumping jacks, mountain climbers or lunges).
3. Reaching out to friends. I hadn’t realized how social my running had gotten until I stopped running. I miss the hour or so of chatting through a long run with my best running friend. I miss the women in my Moms Run This Town group. Without these regular meet-ups, I’ve had to make more of an effort to stay connected by reaching out to friends to set up lunch dates and chick flick matinees.
Throwback to one of my first MRTT runs
4. Journaling. I am used to clearing my head by moving my feet–running as long as it takes to work through a problem or realize there’s nothing I can do about it, burning off stress-induced adrenaline, or getting lost in my music and distracted by the scenery instead of being sucked into the whirlwind of my worries. It’s not something I set out to do when I go for a run, but it’s something that definitely happens. Since I haven’t had that outlet, I’ve had to dust off my journal. It’s not as effective–I’m more inhibited when I’m putting my thoughts on paper–but it’s better than nothing.
5. Going to church. I’ve never considered running as an alternative to going to church, but when I was trying to fit both a long run and a long bike ride into my weekends, my church attendance suffered. Now even if we are going for a bike ride on Sunday I usually go to church first, especially now that I’ve found a church I like with a convenient 8:00 am service. Writing this made me realize that I haven’t been praying that my foot will heal quickly, but I still feel uplifted and inspired after going to church, and claim the blessing of the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding” to get me through the week.
And, of course, I’ve been counting down the days until I can run again. I’m going to try a short run tomorrow–wish me luck! 😀
[Tweet “Staying Sane Without #Running Takes More Than Different Ways To Sweat”]
Do you think running is important to your mental health?
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Oh I definitely think it is ( if you have been use to running). I was sad when I couldn’t do it for a long time. I’m slowly starting back again with a run/walk and am up to 3 miles. It doesn’t seem like much but at least it’s something. Hang in there!
That seems like a lot from here!
Great ways to keep sane! hang in there friend this too shall pass 🙂
Glad you have found some things to help you through your time off from running! Its so great to cross train and strength train when you can. Hope your next run goes well!
So glad you have found ways to stay sane w/o running. I remember when my foot was giving me pain last fall after the marathon I went cycling instead, but the climbs were definitely hurting it (I ended up doing alot more seated cycling). Hope its feeling better day by day.
Thanks! It IS getting better!
There is a huge social aspect to running – I could see it being hard to keep in touch with your running friends.
I hope your run today goes well! I’m glad you are taking care of your foot.
Good luck tomorrow! Take it easy!
I wonder why you feel more inhibited on paper?
Thanks for sharing your list; you never know who it will help!
Ah, on paper I worry about choosing the right words.
Good luck with the run this weekend! I agree that running definitely helps with my mental health 🙂 My husband notices a difference in my crankiness level for sure when I can’t run.
Hah! Yes, I’ ve been using it as an excuse myself.
I’ve reached my threshold for positivity from not running at day 9. It’s hard. Support helps tremendously. I’ve had to turn to cycling too (love having a trainer too for safety LOL) and Cathe’s workouts are amazing!
I can’t believe it’s been 7 weeks (not counting my short runs in Philly and Denver …. ). I can’t wait until I can do HIIT workouts again too.
All of these are great ways to stay sane while not running. Loved this list and good luck tomorrow! 🙂
Cycling and swimming are probably my favorite forms of Cross training. I also love to lift, and do body weight stuff.
I do think running helps my mental health though, but so does the other stuff. I hate feeling sluggish!
Swimming is too complicated for me — unless I’m already at the beach. 😉
I would say that my favorite forms of cross training are weight lifting and workout videos. I love HIIT training. 🙂 I totally understand not being able to run, but it just gives you opportunity to try other things too! :)))
Yes, my arms are in much better shape than they would have been!
Hang in there! enjoy that run tomorrow and don’t push it to hard!
your positive attitude is amazing. love this list and will be praying for complete healing!
Thank you!
Good luck on your run tomorrow. Fingers crossed !
We miss you too! Get healthy! We’ve got Ragnar to run!
I see you ran 4 miles this morning! I know it must have felt good even if you were achy. Ice that foot and rest today. 🙂
Running and exercise in general is so important for my mental health! I just came across your blog so I don’t know exactly why you are unable to run, but I can totally empathize! I have had my share of injuries and I am currently trying to get my running fitness back.
My favorite things to do when I can’t run is go for long walks or hikes and of course strength train! I was really focusing on strength training these past several months (more so than usual) and I have seen some gains! Hey, at least there is one bright side to not running!
Thanks for stopping by. I fractured my foot hiking, so walking, hiking, etc. were not options! I focused on upper body and core and I can see it in my arms at least!
I’m so glad that you’re able to find other ways to stay sane while not running! It’s so important to find other outlets, isn’t it?
So happy you are finding other ways to stay active and busy.
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What a great post! Great ways to keep sane 🙂 It’s so hard not being able to do what you love, but cycling a lot and building upper body muscle is great.
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