How Running Changed My Life
After overcoming her fear, Danielle opened new doors by running.
Date: 4 August 2022 Author: Energise Me
In honour of #CycleToWorkDay on August 4th 2022, Juliette shares why she chooses to actively commute to work.
I am lucky to live where I have the option to cycle to work. I love that I have to freedom to travel when I wish. Being active makes me feel good, so cycling allows me time for movement at the beginning and end of the day without taking up too much time while also juggling work and family life. I love that I can combine physical activity and my commute to work. It starts my day on a positive note and helps de-clutter my brain on my way home.
On school run days, I cycle to school with my daughter to drop her off on my way to work. She loves being on her bike and cycling with me regularly has given her lots of confidence.
From a financial point of view (which is very apt at the moment) cycling is very low cost. There is no parking or fuel to pay for. I don’t have an expensive bike and my lights and lock are from a local supermarket. Low cost work commute is a real benefit for me at it means I have more money to spend on my children’s activities.
With time I have gained confidence and know to stick to my pace and not feel pressured to pull over or speed up.
The first one was safety – both physically, whilst cycling on the road, and mentally, how safe would I feel in the dark winter days.
With no designated cycle path for the majority of my cycle to work, I was worried about cars going past me. Sometimes, my worries are still there as at certain times of the day the roads are very busy. However, with time I have gained confidence and know to stick to my pace and not feel pressured to pull over or speed up. I am also very lucky that my employer offers flexible working so if I want to miss the rush hour traffic I can cycle in at different times or stick to lighter hours.
Winter months are tougher for cycling. I always use lights, wear a reflective vest, have a reflective cover on my rucksack and adjust my route to ensure it is one that is lit most of the way. Gloves are a must to ensure your hands don’t get too cold to use the brakes and change gear. I suffer with Raynaud’s so avoiding getting too cold is very important.
For personal safety, I always let someone know that I am heading home so they know to expect me back within a certain time.
It's also a great way to fit physical activity into your day without feeling like you're losing time in the day.
You don’t have to be “sporty” or “athletic” to cycle and it’s quite easy on the joints. So, in that respect, anyone can give it a go. It’s also a great way to fit physical activity into your day without feeling like you’re losing time. It’s one of those things when you just have to rip the plaster off and go for it, then it’ll get easier with every try.
*Image for illustrative purposes only
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