5 reasons you should run to work

You’ve thought about it, right? Now read our 5 reasons you should run to work for motivation to make it happen!

Too few hours in the day to squeeze in a training run, can’t face another journey on public transport being jammed under someone’s armpit? Well you don’t have to, if you turn it into a daily training run.

And you wouldn’t be alone. In fact, according to the results of a survey published in 2014, the number of commuters swapping trains for trainers has tripled in the past two years. With so many benefits including saving a few quid and boosting your mood, isn’t it time you gave it a go? To persuade you, we’ve pulled together 5 reasons you should run to work.

1. It’s the ultimate 2-for-1 offer

Training for anything takes dedication and can feel like just another thing to juggle when you’re working full-time. Enter the time-efficient run-commute. Not only are you killing two birds with one stone – running and travelling to work – you also free up some time in the morning or evening. It may take you slightly longer to actually arrive at your destination but you’ll have ticked off two daily tasks instead of one.

2. The after-effects last all day long

No morning rush hour trying to jam yourself onto a Tube, no having to share your space with a bloke with bad breath and no stress when there’s a signal failure on the tube. Little wonder run commuters are a happy bunch. And as we all know, exercise reduces cortisol levels (stress hormones) and releases endorphins (happy hormones). Not only will you arrive at work buzzing with boundless energy, but the positive effects will continue throughout the day.

3. You’ll save a fair few quid

OK, maybe not enough for that designer piece of arm candy you’ve been eyeing up on Net-a-Porter but if you think about how much you spend on your daily commute, running to work can seem all the more appealing. Then there’s the question of gym membership. If you have showers at work and are exercising before and after work already, why pay more? Try freezing it for a few months and see if you notice the difference.

4. It’s a confidence boost

The only way to become a more confident runner is to run more and train right. Make the run-commute part of this plan and you’ll be fitter, stronger and surer of yourself. Try varying your speed or load to push you harder. Running with a purpose can also be motivational for those who fear training in public. The decision to travel from A to B could be just what’s needed to persuade runners to get outside. There’s also the bonus of getting to know your surroundings. On just about every level, running to work can improve your confidence.

5. De-clutter your mind

There’s nothing like a jog before work or post the daily grind to unwind the mind. Seriously, the action of being outside, running with a purpose and focusing on what you are doing in the moment help you see things more clearly. Some people use it as a time to problem-solve or create a list of mental action points, while others harness its meditative powers. Whatever you decide, take the time you have while running to and from work and you’ll be surprised at how invigorated you feel afterwards.