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Recently got good advice on the forum about focussing on my running and not getting sucked in by tennis since my main goal is the Windsor Half in September. Have been working hard and hoping to finally reach ideal schedule of 5 runs a week, 2 weight sessions and a pilates class this Sunday. All good so far. I've never trained so consistently. I'll slowly build mileage from this until I get to about 30-35 miles. 

Now, I like the mix of running, weights and pilates. But, I still feel I really want to do something else in addition. I can't work right now as I've been struggling with a serious mental health condition. Nor can I entertain myself much as its like my brain's on strike and any stress or too much social interaction floors me. Gym and running (and walking the dog) are literally my life (inbetween obscene levels of naps and lying down). But because my brain isn't used I'm excrutiatingly bored. I am definately going to join my local running club once I feel a bit more confident as was a member elsewhere years ago so know what to expect but I'd use the Tuesday club run as one of my 5 a week. 

So, I have 2 rest days and 2 days with just one run on each, one will end up long and slow, the other eventually a speed/interval session. Subject to my main schedule being sustainable, could I add in swimming or cycling (can only do daytime cycle paths/park as a danger to self and others if I took to the roads)? If yes, how much? Or any other suggestions? A couple of folks on here have suggested martial arts. Anything but the gym. Oh, I'm 32 and female. Ironically, in the best physical shape of my life.

If not, I'll accept the advice but I'm still going to moan about being sooooo booooored!!!

Bit of a late update:

Lou, yes, I think the club option is the best. I might be able to cadge lifts too. Alas, no Parkrun. 

As for the tennis, they've not got back to me so that's the end of that. 

I'm now up to a solid 4 runs a week plus the weights and pilates. Aiming to reach 5 runs on Sunday...Feeling good so far. Had a tiny niggle but ice sorted it out. Onwards!

Cheers Lou. There's the 10k about a month before hands- the one I stuffed up last year.  I'm stuck for adding extra races this year as I simply don't have the money since I'm off to a pal's wedding in May at the opposite end of the country. 

I guess I could try some time trials by measuring out 10k routes and timing them. Say once a month? 

@ Cougie- as I suspected but have bee in bonnet. Thanks- I'll keep to the running as an experiment to see if the consistency thing works out. I can guess the outcome but just need to suck up the hard work required.

@ Lou and Lanky Lad- I do have a big interest in martial arts. I went to a karate club for 2 months and was enjoying kata especially but was developing shin splints from the impact of bare feet on the floor, and this was a sprug floor meant for dance so I gave it up.

Thanks, Lou. I'm not a beginner, beginner. I've been running on and off for the past 15 years and have done a fair number of 5k, 10ks and a couple of random distances. I've got 10 consistent months of gym training behind me which has been 3 runs or other cardio a week plus the 2 strength sessions and recently the pilates because my core has always been really week. Even if I haven't run for a few months, I can usually go straight out and run 3 miles without stopping.

I love running and I enjoy it. I'm aiming to join my local club in a month or so once I'm up to my 5 days a week and it feels okay. Lapses in running lately have been due to bad depression. I'm hoping to continue with training over the autumn/winter then target a spring race in 2014. I did have a horrific 10k in August when I'd prepared well but had to struggle with the strong urge to give up after 2k. I did complete it in the end- 3rd from last. So my time is less important for the HM than finishing it feeling good.

I guess I'm looking for a fun, active distraction so I don't get all anxious about the race. I do enjoy tennis too but I'm no better at it than running and that's dreadful too. Ditto the swimming.