any non runners?

[surgtech1956]

Are there any non-runners out there? It looks like most of you run when you can't bike. Anyone else out there with bad knees and can't run, any walkers or ????

[segolene]

Swimming !?!

I had numerous injuries that stopped me from riding or running but I could get exercise swimming (with a kickboard or a buoy depending of the injury!! )

[Starfish]

I have a problem knee and haven't run for many, many years. I admit I'm plotting to make a comeback, as I am getting intrigued with the idea of triathlons. But, no, I'm not a runner. I might have to learn speed walking!

I like to swim, do cardio machines in the gym, and I'm currently working my way through a floor-mat-Pilates book to see if I can make that a routine.

[PinkPilot]

When could you not bike when running would be preferable? During bike servicing? I just figured the runners were the super duper athletes who wanted to excel in as many areas as humanly possible for super duper athletes!

[Zen]

I'd run if I could.
I can barely walk. Cycling's it for me.

I encountered some runners while out riding the other day. It occurred to me that cyclists seem happy and smiling most of the time while runners often seem pained

[KnottedYet]

Surg - just start walking. Get the best fitting walking shoes you can, get the best supportive (not cushy!!!) insoles you can, and WALK.

Strengthen that knee of yours every which way you can!

Don't worry about how many folks run, how many walk; just get out and have fun!

(I walk. I'd rather run, but my knee won't do it.)

I know this store isn't anywhere near you, but this is the kind of store that will fit you up right for shoes that will take the most stress possible off your knees. www.playmakers.com Perhaps call them and ask if they can recommend any stores near you. Playmakers works closely with Brooks (based here in Seattle) and really knows shoes and feet.

[LBTC]

I don't run. Too jarring on all my joints - no specific injuries, I just never could get past the awful hurt of it.

I do walk regularly. My commute to work is on foot. It's too short to justify pulling the bike out for it, and, besides, I can take pictures while commuting. It's perfect.

I am way out of fitness right now, but getting more healthy and getting ready to ride more often I hope.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[mimitabby]

I can run about 100 feet. Nope, not a runner. lots of us don't run... unless we absolutely HAVE to.. and then... not too far!

[DirtDiva]

I've met heaps of cyclists who used to run but did in a knee or whatever and can't anymore. I run sporadically. Thing is, when you've only got half an hour you can go for a run and still feel like you've had a decent workout. I do kinda enjoy running when I'm relatively fit already, but the problem with running is that you work really hard and don't end up going very fast - that's no fun!!!

[mudmucker]

I'm a runner wannabe. I never really could run, and I have a bad knee as well. What helped me run, was trail running, where the ground had give and there was no pavement slamming. And very good running shoes to help cushion the knee worked wonders. And if something didn't feel right, stopping and walking a bit.

I see you're in Michigan. Depending on your knee, xc skiing might be ok during your non-biking months. Less jarring impact.

[teigyr]

Ex-competitive runner here and for the longest time I felt I couldn't run. What I did was get the idea out of my mind that I had to be fast or do great distance! I also got orthotics and got shoes that worked for me, just not what was cheap or cute.

I've been running on the days I don't have time to ride. I'm also doing the tri (sprint) so while a lot of that will be walking, I can run some.

I walk a LOT too. Orthotics pretty much save me there too. Hiking is good

[LBTC]

I guess I could have mentioned that in winter I snow-shoe, I do yoga most mornings, and I used to (when my body could handle it, and will do again when it can) kickbox training.

There are plenty of things we can do to stay fit, we just have to find the things that are the most fun for us.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[salsabike]

Was a non-pro but very serious ballet dancer for years before getting fibromyalgia and having to quit. Running was a total no-no in the ballet studio--its effect on leg muscles not compatible with ballet needs, not to mention injury potential/joint stress.

[Starfish]

Depending on your knee, xc skiing might be ok during your non-biking months. Less jarring impact.

Oooh, yes, I love Xcountry skiing, too. We don't have good Xcountry around here, but someday I'll live again where I can. LOVE it. Knee seems to like it, too.

[makbike]

I haven't run since I played my last field hockey game in 1979. I never enjoyed it and gladly gave it up for the bike, raquetball and softball. Now in my old age I simply bike.