While I'm stuck doing nonimpact stuff until my foot heals, I've become BFFs with the bike trainer.



And by BFF's, I mean I have somehow learned to tolerate it and force myself to use it most days of the week so I can maintain some level of fitness.

We all know biking is far from my favorite way to work out, but I'm trying to make the best of it.

Still, just like running on a treadmill, biking on a trainer comes with its fair share of boredom, so lately I've developed some things to keep me entertained while I work out.

First, I have to have a set workout. Just like I can't get in the pool without a workout planned out in advance, I can't just get on the trainer and spin for 30 minutes and call it a day. That makes time drag.

So I've been hitting up FrayedLaces' Trainer Tuesday archives for workout ideas. She does a great job of mixing in sprint intervals with high tension "climbs" to add enough variety to the workout to make it entertaining. Somehow when I follow most of her workouts, an hour of trainer time doesn't seem that awful.

Another thing that helps is watching TV while I ride. Last week I did a killer 60 minute spin session while watching Shark Week.



The show that is keeping me most entertained on the trainer these days is my new favorite obsession -- Orange is the New Black. I've tried watching other shows while I spin, but they've never been able to hold my attention while I'm grinding out a sprint. But Orange is the New Black is so good that I can't stop watching.

I've been trying to only let myself watch the show while I ride, almost like watching is my reward for getting on the trainer. It seems to be working. Whenever I think about watching the next episode, I find myself not hating the thought of getting on the trainer.

My foot seems to be doing a bit better and I'm really hopeful that I'll be able to start running within the next two weeks. I miss it and I'm itching to get back.


Garmin and running shoes I miss you!

So tell me, how do you entertain yourself on trainer rides? And do you watch Orange is the New Black?