What can I do instead of running?

[runlikeagirl]

I'm injured. Twice actually. I have an ongoing issue with my foot that is being seen to (slowly) by a podiatrist. I have also managed to damage my gluteus medius, causing hip pain. Been seen by a sports physio, who seemed to make it better but a 1 mile slow run brought back the pain.

I am going stir crazy (and getting chubby) from not running. What else can I do that is similar to running? I have a bike, and I don't mind cycling, but don't find it relaxing in the same way as running. More like a form of transport. I'm not a fan of swimming (all the leg shaving and hair washing).

What I love about running is the fact you can just go out and do it, it is pretty much the only time I get on my own and I don't have to concentrate on anything- I go into the zone!

Get a cheap speedo for your bike and challenge yourself to do certain pace for a certain time etc - it will make you push yourself more and make it less of a passive 'getting from a to b' sort of thing. Or do intervals of really hard and really easy, etc.

Injury sucks, doesn't it? It's so frustrating. I hope you are on the mend soon.

I broke my toe last year so my running ground to a halt. It sucks. I got a stationary bike, which I found excruciatingly boring so I did it in front of the tv, or balanced my Ipad on the front of it so I could read mumsnet as I cycled.

I also did more work with weights, I particularly enjoy kettlebell, low impact on your feet with the right routine, but also works up a good sweat. Don't know if you could do that with your hip injury though.

Hope you are on the road to recovery soon.

Have a look at Fitness Blender Youtube videos.

Or there's...walking?
Wii fit
pilates
have a look at the type of exercise classes run at your local leisure centres, that might give you ideas for things you could do at home.

Yogaaaaaaaa
And if you have one near you Bikram yoga is magnificently difficult and will also help your injuries

I wonder whether it takes time to enjoy something. Maybe you didn't love running at first but then it became a habit?

I am a runner but I learnt to swim a few years ago so I would have a back up when my body doesn't like running. I still think running gives you something other sports can't ( agree about ease of access, and fresh air ).
Maybe you need a new challenge - learn to swim and swim three times a week for a few months and then decide if you like it? Is there a triathlon club near you that offers swim sessions? You might enjoy it if you see yourself getting better ?
Also I agree about yoga but again if you're new to it, try several different classes and make yourself go regularly. It may help with injuries and make you feel better generally.
I feel for you, to be able to run is such a liberating feeling.
Cycling is also good, use strava to motivate you to improve.
With your injuries you definitely need a plan B you just need to make yourself do lots of stuff until you find it.

Speed walking and rebounding. Both kinder to joints

Agree with Claybury - I have certainly come to love running as I've got a bit better at it! How about getting the map out and finding some new routes to cycle?