How to stay sane, while unable to run

Since the year has started, I have realized the world isn't going to end if I don't get a good run in. Or a workout, for that matter. I spent most of January having A.R.T. to help me get to the start AND finish of the ING Miami marathon.


The ART helped, and I may have been able to run the full, but not without severely injuring something. At the start of the race, I knew I wasn't going to be able to run the full marathon, pain free. So I took it easy on the half.


I took a little time off and still didn't feel 100% healed and figured complete rest from running was best. This was difficult because I manage anxiety with running. Add to that being diagnosed with a chronic illness, and it's not a good combo. I went out for a few slow runs in February, only to realize by late February, that my IT band was completely healed.


Still, after going almost 2 months with little running, I was kind of enjoying the time off. Sometimes, you have to embrace the trials you are going through. I knew by this time, that the world wasn't going to end if I didn't run. Even though I felt my fitness slipping, it was ok. I could still lift weights.


Now, I am home recovering from surgery and unable to workout for a few weeks. This is how I will keep my sanity:

Read.

Reading has been something I have loved to do, but don't make the time for it.

I caved and read the Hunger Games. Reading is good, especially for us moms, it helps you feel like you are carving out time for yourself.

Organize.

I am not a surface cleaner.

I like to know things are organized in each drawer.

Unfortunately, being a mom of 3 doesn't allow for much time to organize.
I will use this time to tackle a few projects at home.

Plan gatherings.

Easter is coming. My oldest is graduating.
These are things that require planning.
I will use Pinterest to get some ideas for new recipes and party ideas.


Get new workouts.
My workouts have been pretty much the same for much longer than I'm willing to admit.
I plan on fining some good workouts and making them my own with some tweaking.
Then I will post on here and maybe on Pinterest too.


Make some meal plans.
Having to get out of the house by 5:15 with everybody fed isn't an easy task.
Having a month's worth of meal plans for those busy weeks will save time.
And I will share on here.


Try new recipes.
I am a creature of habit and eat the same foods over and over.
I plan on incorporating some new foods into our routine.
Of course, I will share those on here.

Turkey-veggie meatloaf.

Have you ever been sidelined with an injury? Or have you had surgery and had to be out for a few weeks?

How did you manage to keep your sanity?