I could use some help on this. What do you all think about this? I am just getting going on the mileage build up chart. Next week I'm doing 4 runs for a total of 14 miles. Thursday is my toughest day to get a run in because it gets dark so early now I have to do that one on a treadmill, which I hate. I was thinking about substituting a pick up basketball league for my Thursday run every week (Thursday is the lightest run each week). What do you think? All comments appreciated.

be careful with bball as it is a high impact sport and is known for injuries. i've rolled my ankle many times and finally broke off a small piece of bone in the back of ankle that didn't show up in xray. i tried PT which made it worse because i was grinding the bone piece inside the ankle and finally had to have operation to correct but ankle has never been the same. a year later i can hike and run again like i used to but my right ankle always hurts.

i find biking, walking/hiking, swimming or snow sports are good alternatives to running. biking is good and low impact while walking/hiking some good hills builds the leg muscles. swimming very low impact. snow sports are good diversion and work different muscles than running.

hope it helps

I agree with the response above, to add:
instead of regular swimming, run in the pool - water has natural resistance, and while it looks easy, it'll WEAR YOU OUT! Also, no impact, and you get to hang out with all the cute ol'ladies w/arthritis ;)