Running around work

[SquishyBean]

I'm starting a new job next week, having been unemployed since April (huzzah!), but this means I will have to start fitting in my runs around a 9-5. Was just wondering if anyone had any tips for changing routine, as I know it will be easy to get out of the habit of running of I'm not careful. I'm not particularly a morning person, so was thinking about doing it straight after work from now on, but I'm worried about feeling too tired. Is there anything I can do to set myself up for success? Thanks!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

I have never ever, ever,been a morning person until I started C25k 😂

It helps to get everything ready the night before, roll out with the alarm into your gear without thinking, do a 5min dynamic warm up inside (I use RunnerStretch App) & then off you go...you can then get on with your day & will feel more energised to tackle it too. Stick to 3 run days a week & you will find the discipline becomes an enjoyable habit!! At least I get to enjoy sunrise now👏🥳

[Hidden in reply to Annieapple]

I'm planning to start the c25k in Jan and this seems like really good advice!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

👍Great decision Sammiseal. We will encourage you all the way if you keep posting🙂

[Hidden in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks Annie🍎 I'm nursing cracked ribs atm so defo need to wait til Jan to start 😀

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Aah get better soon🌹

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ouch! Definitely wait until those are better & you get the “ok to proceed” from your dr.

We will cheer for you when you are ready. 😄

[Morgan007 in reply to Annieapple]

Sounds great. I must give it a try

Everyone says it's energising

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate]

Try asking round at work, you might find others who run at lunchtime.

[SquishyBean Graduate in reply to ItstheMarchHare]

I don't think this is a possibility unfortunately. There's no shower on site and I wouldn't feel comfortable working in the afternoon without showering!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I am not a morning person and so I used to run after work on two out of 3 runs a week.

I found a number of things helpful:

1. I had a “get out of the door in less than 10 minutes” promise to myself

- all my running gear was together in one drawer and the shoes by the front door, so it was five minutes to change, five minute for warmup dynamic stretches and straight out. 2. I never allowed myself to wonder if I was too tired after work! I just went! – That meant occasionally I got it wrong & had a hard run ( eg at the start of a cold that I hadn’t realised was creeping up on me). I gradually learnt to spot this better as time went on.

3. One of my two weekday runs was always on a Friday-for me the last working day of the week. It was a wonderful way to start the weekend.

4. I always planned in flexibility for the mid week run just in case I got held up at work and ran out of time. My usual pattern was run on Friday, Sunday, and either Tuesday or Wednesday.

4. I really made the most of my one weekend run - planned a time that suited me & extra enjoyed it.

Finally, like Annieapple, I discovered that non-morning people like myself can sometimes run in the morning and even enjoy it! 😂

Good luck with your new routine. 😄

[Hidden in reply to Elfe5]

I really love your attitude! Please can you bottle some to send me when I start next month?! 😁

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Yes certainly! Here it comes...

glug, glug, gurgle! 😂😂

Pour carefully! It’s like the old ketchup rhyme...

“Shake, shake, shake the bottle,

None’ll come & then a lot’ll!!” 😂

Enjoy your journey when you get those running shoes on! 😄

[Hidden in reply to Elfe5]

Haha thanks Elfe5! 😊

[Morgan007]

Hello. Congratulations on your job

We always run when husband get home work. He is a builder so has regular snacks during day , usually pasta and chicken for lunch... it has worked so far

Haven't tried morning runs yet , worried that would be to tiring for a work day

All the best 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Congratulations on your new job SquishyBean. If I was you I would run in the morning before work , you may feel tired after work and start skipping runs. On the other hand you might like running after work.

Maybe you could try one of each and see what feels better. Good luck 😊😊

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I run after work sometimes and it helps to think to myself i’m going whether i want to or not so i get home change drink a cup of tea and go then when i get back i feel very smug, but it’s a good way of emptying my head of work things and enjoying my evening more

Good luck

[Idkwhattodo123]

Could you run home from work or part of the journey? It's called "run my commute" and is a effective way of getting home and completing a run. You might need to buy a running rucksack. Other than that you should have everything you need already.

[SquishyBean Graduate in reply to Idkwhattodo123]

I wondered about this, as it's a reasonable distance to run, but then my car would be at work, so getting to work the next day would be more difficult (I will need the car during my working day). I'll look into possible bus routes!

[Rigpig Graduate]

For me it has to be the morning, I couldn't drum up the enthusiasm after work I do know this when I run in the morning my day is just brilliant, I'm full of enthusiasm and I get loads more done. All of my co workers have commented on it. It's really not that bad and you can just do it twice a week with your third run at the weekend.

[shrinkingjaz Graduate]

I've tried running after work and manage to get stitches every time I've tried. I run in the mornings and there is nothing quite like it. Something about the fresh air with no one around is just magical.

Maybe try it once or twice and see? You might be surprised!

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to shrinkingjaz]

Exactly! I love having the place to myself, I sometimes see people running on a Saturday morning but rarely during the week.