Sunday mornings are usually a time when I hit the trails and revel in my own awesomeness of another hard workout for the rest of the day while eating whatever I can find in the cupboards to satisfy the runger. However, this Sunday is a major exception. There are several reasons why today sucks which has inspired me to write about how it feels when you can’t run.

Number 1 – I can’t run!!!!!!!

Week after week I meet my running partner in crime and website co-creator and we head off somewhere stunning for a lovely run, usually around the Mendips. We have been doing this for over 2 years now and it’s a routine which I like. We run anywhere between 10 and 25 miles and then spend the rest of the day revelling in the afterglow of a morning run. Everyone knows that Sunday morning is run day in my house. It’s also usually takeaway night if I can’t be bothered to cook and a time when I can eat guilt free. 

Today, however, is an exception. I cannot run. I am injured! Luckily, I am sensible enough to spot the injuries early on and rest so I am not out for weeks but even so… ten days to 2 weeks is enough time to turn me into a crazed lunatic (not unlike my Springer if she isn’t walked). So, to try and satisfy my appetite for exercise (and calories), I have got into cycling a little. I say a little, I am currently presenting the case (to myself) for a new bike and wondering if I can justify the £2,000 I want to spend on it. 

Number 2 – Apparently I suck at cycling 

I bought a road bike off one of my running friends when she upgraded hers. I rode it a few times towards the end of last summer and then with my recent calf troubles, I got it out again. I eventually got the hang of it, got my confidence up on the roads (largely thanks to my partner in crime, who thankfully gives up his Sunday morning run to cycle with me) and started getting into it. Motivated by a recent pleasant summer’s evening ride, I decided that today was going to be a cycling day.  It clearly wasn’t!!!!!!

2-3 hours of cycling would be enough to wear me out and give me the feeling of satisfaction somewhere close to a long run. My first mistake was getting out of bed. I knew before I even got up that today was going to suck. Not least because I could barely open my eyes. It was also raining. Getting above 10 miles an hour was a struggle. I knew I was in trouble when I had to get off my bike and push it up a hill. At this point I realised it would have been quicker to run up it. I actually would have preferred that. It wasn’t long before I turned for home. 

Number 3 – Have you seen the weather?

It’s raining. I don’t mind the rain, the snow, the hail, the wind. I quite like the Mendips on a rainy day. Wet feet have never bothered me. What does bother me is rain on my cycling glasses and that dragging feeling of cycling through water. It’s also considerably colder than running too. Especially when you are new to the sport and don’t have all the gear yet! Cycling in the rain may be fine for some – not for me! This is not helped by my father in law pointing out that if I come off the bike at speed when it’s wet, I am going to really hurt myself! 

Number 4 – I can’t even eat myself happy

I don’t run to eat but it is a major benefit. Not having to think about what you are eating is great. However, today I am conscious that I better watch it. A few more weeks like this and I won’t be able to fit into my already tight cycling shorts! Whats worse is it’s Fathers Day and I am going out for lunch. The pub does really good puddings too (insert own expletive). 

The truth of the matter is, I turned around early and came home at 16 miles – not the 30 I was hoping for. I am now in bed writing this blog sulking about how tired I am, how much cake I cannot eat and how I can’t run. I am ending with a wry smile as I know this is a temporary position and that I have lots of great running to look forward to. A few days rest won’t hurt for now!

 

All joking aside, we all get days like today and cross training is a great alternative when you are injured or fancy a change. Cycling, swimming, weights for upper body and core… there are so many things you can do to keep your fitness up and keep yourself motivated. We’d love to hear how you cope with injury. Drop your comments below.