For me, how I feel about my lunchtime run reflects how I feel about running generally. The night before when I’m packing my bag for work it seems like a good idea, in the morning while I sit at my desk I try to invent reasons why I shouldn’t do it, but when I actually get out running it’s sometimes enjoyable and when I’ve finished I’m always glad that I did.
But lunchtime running has two, very important, additional factors that also play a part in my internal monologue of excuses: having to negotiate the office shower cubicle and making a split-second decision about whether to run or not. Let’s face it, being naked at work is just weird – unless, of course, you get naked for a living, which I don’t. For as long as I’ve been doing it, showering in the office has never been something that feel right. It feels wrong. This is something that must be blocked out of my mind much like a traumatic incident. If, between 9 and 12, I even acknowledge that later on I’ll have to strip off metres from my desk, I would never run at lunchtime.
I procrastinate about running a lot. On the weekend hours go by as I psych myself up to run and it gets pushed back to after ‘just one more episode of Ugly Betty’. But, on weekdays, once the clock hits 12 I have a spilt second to decide whether I’ll run or not that lunchtime. I get pretty hungry at work and if I’m not out that door by 12.10, not only will the pavements along the Thames get far too congested with other runners, people on their lunchbreak and tourists but, I’ll only make it as far as the sandwich shop on the corner.
Today I ran at lunchtime, I looked my colleagues confidently in the eye as I walked past them in my running kit and I showered in the office (it still felt wrong). I battled returning to my desk with slightly madder hair than I left and looking slightly more flushed. But as well as the red glow of exhaustion I basking in a smug glow of self-satisfaction. I resisted the temptation of staying at my desk, in the warm, plugged into various social media – I ran. I’m my own lunchtime hero.
Janathon Day 19
Lunchtime run: 4 miles
I really need to get out of the office in my lunch break, after 5 years of working in the same job Ive only now (the past 6 months) made sure I have a lunch break to eat my lunch and get away from the desk.
Well done on getting out the office to do a run. i know what you mean about the shower as I had thoughts scary sex pest women trying to open the door while im in the shower and there ws nothing I could do!
Well done on getting out at lunchtime – I wish I could do that but we only just about have a toilet let alone a shower! Good on you!
Great stuff getting out in your lunch for a run, bet your work collaegues were either impressed or thought you was mad.
In my previous job I used to go out for a ride in my lunch break or even throwing an american football with a work mate, can’t really do it now as don’t get a long enough break but well done 🙂
Hope you don’t mind me following your blog by the way.
Simon – I see you’re doing Brighton. I’m a little bit jealous and kicking myslef for not signing up to do it again. I loved it and will be doing it again one day.
Laura
(Lazy girl)
Hi Laura,
Well done! Exciting news…the family will be in London in early summer! YAY!! Would you like me to bring you some Clif bars from the states? 🙂 Laura, I’ll be in training for the Chicago Marathon, so I would love your help in suggesting some parks to run. Perhaps we can talk “off-blog”? Thanks! Susan
Good for you for getting out on your lunchbreak! I found it used to make me more alert and mentally sharper in the afternoon … getting some ‘fresh’ air in the lungs (well, as fresh as you can get in London!), get the body moving and waking yourself up for the afternoon.
I know … showering at the office does feel kinda weird, in a weird way!! If you have an active imagination, it can be even worst!!
fabulous. I have the same issue of not waiting too long, else I get hungry and don’t go.
hero indeed! Great feeling.
Susan, I’ve tracked down a Cliff Bar supplier over here but thanks for the offer.
My favourite park is Richmond Park but it’s not in central London. You could copy the route of the Royal Parks half marathon which takes in Hyde Park, St James Park and Green Park. http://www.royalparkshalf.com/runners/race-details/route-map/
Regents Park is nice and a good size – about 5k for a lap I think. I can feel a post coming on.
If you want to email me its [blog title] at gmail.
Hi Laura,
Thanks so much for the park suggestions! I will keep a list of questions, and when we get closer to our departure date, I will email you directly. If you would like me to bring you anything from the states, just let me know.
Happy running! 🙂
Susan a.k.a. “Iampreppy”