WANT TO BOOST YOUR RUNNING, MOOD AND BANK BALANCE? LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES AND RUN TO OR FROM WORK

WORDS: RACHAEL WOOLSTON

BEFORE YOU START RUN-COMMUTING, TRACK HOW MANY MILES YOU CURRENTLY RUN ON AVERAGE PER WEEK

Save time by mapping your routes before you start commuting

If the first thing that springs to mind when you consider using your commute to run is the obstacles, such as lack of showering facilities, the weather or even how hard it might be to find the office on foot, you wouldn’t be alone. But once you’ve tried it, it’s unlikely you’ll look back, as more and more people are now realising. In fact, according to Strava (strava.com), the number of people run-commuting in the UK increased by 43 per cent last year.

“Commuting to or from work by running has so many bonuses, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner”, says Olivia Ross-Hurst, adidas running captain (adidascityruns.com). “Whether you’re running to keep fit or training for a marathon, it’s time efficient, boosts your mood, saves money and helps you to explore where you live.” And on top of that, you’ll also do your bit for the environment. Strava’s end-of-year stats for 2017 reported that UK run-commuters offset a billion litres of carbon dioxide last year, the equivalent of keeping 1,300 cars off the road. Tempted yet? Here’s how to get started and reap the rewards.