In today’s busy world, it can be incredibly difficult to get everything done in the mere 24 hours we have each day. For most people, fitness is the first thing that falls by the wayside when we get busy or caught up in work, school, family, and everything else going on.
One great way to get your daily fit fix in is on your lunch break! In one hour, you can do a quick run and grab a bite to eat along the way…if you know where to go!
Peppino’s Lunch Run (5.6 km)
If you’re in the downtown core, Kensington is the place for you to go! Show up at Peppino’s - one of the best Italian sandwich joints in the city – and run west to Parkdale Boulevard NW; once you get to Parkdale, follow it Southeast to the Bow River pathway. Follow the beautiful river trail until 10A Street NW, where you will head north and then, finally, west again on Kensington Road. You will then arrive back at Peppino’s just in time to grab a delicious sandwich and get your fit self back to work. (5.6 km)
Postino Cafe Lunch Run (4.1 km)
For those spending their days in the North West, the delicious coffee and snack bar Postino Cafe will be your starting point. From here, head east along 26 Avenue NW until turning north on 22 Street NW. Following this road, and then Morley Trail NW North, you will pass by two small parks. Then, turn NE onto 28 Avenue NW, and follow this avenue until you come to Canmore park. There are many possible routes through Canmore Park, but as long as you come out on 19th Street NW or Chicoutimi Drive you will be just fine! There, you will head north until you meet and pass through Triwood Park. Continue heading north to the next park, which you will follow the northern edge of, passing by Senator P. Burns School, and coming out along 24 Street NW. If you will head south on 24 Street NW, you will come back to the original location – Postino Cafe – where you can enjoy a carbohydrate and caffeine boost! (4.1 km)
Postino Cafe sandwich (photo courtesy of Postino Cafe)
Cedars Lunch Run (4.8 km)
In the North East, you will need to make a quick trip to Cedars Restaurant and Deli. From this delicious deli you will head east on 30 Ave NE, then North along Edmonton Trail. At the 36 Avenue NE intersection turn west, then follow south on 6 St NE. Follow 6 St until you reach 17 Ave NE, where you will turn west again, then follow the south edge of Munro Park. When you come back to Edmonton Trail, follow the road north until you are back at your delicious destination. (4.8 km)
The Dove’s Nest High Tea (courtesy of The Dove’s Nest)
In the South West, a quick trip to The Dove’s Nest will be your kick-off. From this lovely little tea house, head north to the Glenmore Reservoir trails. Follow the breezy shoreline west until you can see 24 Street SW, then head south to 90 Ave SW and follow this east until you return to your tasty lunch treat! If you follow 90 Ave all the way to 14th street before turning in to the Nest, you will have a 4 km run! If you’re looking to wrack up 6.5 km, continue past 24 Street until you are north of Oakmount Drive, then head south to 90th Ave and continue as stated.
Dove’s Nest Lunch Run (4 km or 6.5 km)
Subs N Such Lunch Run (4.3 km)
Last, but not least, for those in the South East, Subs N Such (3518 62 Ave Southeast) is a great lunch spot. Here, head north until you reach 61 Ave SE, and then turn east. follow 61 until you meet 44 Street SE and then turn south. Here, meet with 72 Ave SE to head west, and then north again on 30 St SE. This may not be the most scenic run of the lot, but the important thing is getting out and getting it done! (4.3 km)
Where do you like to run?
(image courtesy of fitsugar.com)