Why not try running to work?

It can be hard keeping fit if you’re in a desk job – but if you live within a few miles of the office there’s a perfect solution. Instead of driving or using public transport, why not try running to work?
Running is a great way to start the working day – it will wake your brain up and give you an endorphin boost, helping you to feel good all day. You won’t have to worry about late trains or buses, because you’ll be in charge of the schedule.

Running every day – or even three times a week – will help you lose weight and achieve peak fitness in very little time. And it’s great for mental health too. If you have any job-related or personal issues, you can think about solutions while you’re pounding the tarmac. Physical activity will remove the stress hormone cortisol from your bloodstream and help you keep a cool head.

If you’ve never tried running to work before, here are a few helpful tips for getting started

• Have a few practice runs in advance, during your own time. Then you can be sure of how long you’ll need for a comfortable run.
• Set off promptly- you don’t want the pressure of having to break the four-minute mile on your first morning! And arrive at work with plenty of time to freshen up.
• Work out how you’ll transport your work clothes, toiletries, and personal effects from home to the office. A running backpack is a good solution for many people, and some bags have secure compartments for laptops and phones. If you normally wear a suit to work, don’t try to carry it in a backpack as it will get creased. Instead, pack some casual clothes in your bag to wear when you go home, and keep your suit in the office on a hanger.
• If you don’t have shower facilities at work, consider joining a nearby gym.
• Be flexible with your schedule if life gets in the way. Be kind to yourself and don’t try to run with a hangover or when you’ve been up too late the night before.
• Check the weather forecast every day, so that you won’t get caught in a thunderstorm or adverse conditions, and don’t try to run in extreme temperatures.

If you plan ahead, your early morning run should be a great start to the working day.

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