Couldn’t have said it better myself.

I love to run, but I hate getting injured. Which is why Triathlete Like a Mother might be our next book. Kidding, but seriously, giving your legs a break from the pounding is a good way to keep both your legs and mind fresh. Here are some ways other mother runners get their sweat on when they’re not running. (We opted to leave this one out of Train Like a Mother because we had a similar one in Run Like a Mother. Gotta keep it fresh, right?)

Take it From a Mother: What’s your favorite way to crosstrain?

“Kickboxing is great cardio and strength training in one.  It also requires so much concentration that I can’t dwell on work, family, or any of the other stresses in my life.”
—Alisa (hates bibs pinned to her shirt) 

“Swimming. It’s easy on sore muscles.”
—Jennifer (weirdest thing spotted on a run: a snake that just ate its dinner)

“Cross-country skiing, but that only works in the winter.”
—Robin (the two things she and her husband argue about: money and who gets to run that day)

“I like mountain biking and hiking because I did them for years prior to running. But I’ve started getting grumpy going uphill on my bike because, unlike running, it’s hard to slow down without falling off.”
Terri (also gets crabby when her husband, joining her for the last few miles of a longer run, is cheerful and chatty when she is struggling)

“Spinning. It’s hard enough to feel like a good workout, and I like the intervals.”
—Kelly (must do long runs with a partner or she’d talk herself out of the pace or the distance at least half the time)

“Kettlebells.  When you’re slinging around a 25-pound cannon ball, you’re a badass.”
—Caryn (runs the Race for the Cure annually because, “it is one of the most moving events I’ve ever been to.”)

“After 30 minutes on the bike, my legs feel like Jell-O, but my plantar fasciitis-riddled feet get a break.”
—Sue (on her to-do list: updating her kids’ photo albums, making a special dinner from scratch for her husband, getting to the dermatologist, doing speedwork)

“Soccer.  It gets out my aggression better than running does.”
—Claire (pays attention to her form after enduring physical therapy for Piriformis syndrome)

“Vinyasa Yoga: cardio, strength training, flexibility, and endurance all in one.”
—Deborah (favorite race distance: 10K. “Once I get past eight miles, it’s just not as much fun.”)

“I’m a Zumba freak. I go two or three times a week. I love dancing, I love the music, and I get a good overall workout for my legs, arms and abs.”
—Kendra (loves seeing all sorts of body types at races. “I think, man, if they can do it, surely I can finish.”)

“Chasing after two-year-olds who don’t sit still.”
—Jennifer (posts her runs on Facebook. “I’m sure it’s annoying to some, but I like my friends knowing if I’m slacking. I know I’ve inspired some people too.”)

“The elliptical machine. I have one at home, so I can yell at the kids while I’m on it.”
—Angie (can’t run the first day of her period. “It feels like I’m having labor pains.”)

Now we’re taking it to you mothers: what’s your favorite way to crosstrain?