To take a regular extended lunch break

[BecomeStronger]

I'm really struggling to get my exercise fix atm. In winter I usually run with a club or go to the gym. No club or gym atm and whilst I ran on my own a lot in the summer lockdown, it doesn't appeal much in the dark.

I was thinking about if it's possible to run at lunch but only get 30mins. Realistically, to change, shower and get a decent run in I'd need 1hr20? The building is locked at 5:30 so I can't stay late to make the time up but I can wfh (arguably that's what I should be doing anyway but let's not go there now).

It would be unreasonable though, wouldn't it?

Depends on what your work is like, really?

Can’t you run in the morning?

It depends on how flexibility your job and company culture is, but best to make your case to your boss. Doing it every day might be a bit much though from their perspective so you might only request it for some days of the week.

Do it three times a week and take half hour breaks in the other two days

Not in daylight no.

The job is a senior role in a school. I could make it work quite easily, but it wouldn't be an option for many others, including most of those I manage.

I think your be better off running in the morning.

I get an hour lunch break and I used to fit in a 5k run, shower and quickly eat in that hour, so I don't think you need an hour and twenty. But I don't think you can run when you're meant to be working.

@Singlebutmarried

Do it three times a week and take half hour breaks in the other two days

I only get half an hour any day.

There is nothing wrong with running in the dark though?

I think it's taking the pee a bit unless you get it pre-agreed with your manager and have a way to make up the time. I also think every day is too much but perhaps 2-3 times a week max.

So you want to take an extra hour off work, presumably paid, so you can go for a run? Would your colleagues and employer really be happy with that?

A few members of the team I manage used to go
out for a lunchtime run a few times a week - I think it’s brilliant and they always said how energised it made them for the afternoon. So it’s reasonable from a well-being perspective but, as others have said, a lot will depend on the culture of your particular workplace...

Get a chest light and run before or after work?

I do think that would lead to massive and understandable resentment in school where everyone else has to be there all day AND work at home as well.
But obviously, legally / contractually it depends what your contract and your managers say.

I think your colleagues would think you are taking the piss. Just run before or after work.... That's what I do. It does mean you have to stick to roads instead of nice park routes but that's just how it is in winter. Do nicer routes at the weekend

@BecomeStronger

Not in daylight no.

The job is a senior role in a school. I could make it work quite easily, but it wouldn't be an option for many others, including most of those I manage.

Well you know you’d be massively unreasonable then. Sorry.

And as your in a running club then why not put a shout out to someone to run with you? Allowed in the rules and means you have company and motivation to get out in the evenings

I work in a school. I would not be impressed at a senior manager having a longer lunch that the rest of the staff. Presumably you are not child facing if you could do this?

Buy a treadmill if funds permit

Running in the dark is pretty dangerous for women, due to the number of men who prowl around looking for women to assault. A chest light isn’t going to help with that.

OP, you might be better trying to negotiate for Wednesdays, and then also run on Saturdays and Sundays.

Or find a running buddy.

@Scarby9

I do think that would lead to massive and understandable resentment in school where everyone else has to be there all day AND work at home as well. But obviously, legally / contractually it depends what your contract and your managers say.

Absolutely.

Of course you can't triple your lunch break just to go for a run

Go before or after work like everyone else. A head torch is great for running in the dark and keeps your hands free.

You're being ridiculous. Go for a run outside of work or buy a treadmill.

Have you ever tried running in the dark? What puts you off about it, the safety aspect?

Find a well lit route that's fairly busy, get a running partner (permitted under lockdown), and some hi vis gear.

Or buy a treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine etc to use at home in the evenings.

Taking an extra 50 minutes lunch break is massively taking the piss.

I’m SLT and I think this is a ridiculous idea. It would lead to huge resentment with your school colleagues. Exercise on your own time!

The place I used to work 2 of my colleagues used to run quite regularly at lunchtimes. There was a shower on site too which they used afterwards! We worked flexi hours so they could easily make up the time, they would have extended lunch breaks.
YANBU in my view, why can’t you WFH? That way you could start earlier or finish later surely?

You can exercise with one other person so organise a running buddy from your club.