Everyday after work, I walk the three miles home, and then immediately run 5km round the block before heading to the gym. It might sound odd to do that all in one go – why not break it up into morning and evening blocks?

Here’s why – I’d much rather wake up at 06:45 than 05:45, and then put in the work twelve hours later.

I also prefer running in the evening because it’s dark outside, and less people see my hot little face huffing and puffing around the block. It’s also generally colder after work, which regulates my temperature better and doesn’t make me want to quit because I’m sweaty. I also think – although I may be wrong – that only Runners (with a capital R, remember) run in the morning, and definitely know what they’re doing. I used to run in the morning before work with my boyfriend, and although we didn’t pass that many people, everyone we did see was a lot faster than us! After work, the people I see look much more like me, and I pass the same people each day, which is quite a nice added bonus.

I do completely understand the argument for working out in the morning, and how it sets you up for the day, but I’d rather take it easy before work, and spend my time making breakfast, watching the news and taking an extra few minutes on my hair and makeup before leaving to catch my tube.

I’m dreading the onset of spring and summer, because it’ll start staying lighter for longer, and by the time I’m home from work the sun may still be shining, meaning my hiding in the dark runs will have to come to an end, and I might have to start running in the morning.

Although hopefully by then I’ll be a Runner, and less embarrassed by the whole situation..