I have finally increased my exercise. I have started what I am calling my credit crunch health and fitness plan. I am doing the following to save money and get fit at the same time:

1. In the morning, I buy a single bus ticket to the station, rather than a return.
2. I am no longer having my morning Medium Black Americano from Starbucks.
3. I am eating a smaller breakfast - usually sausage sandwich
4. I am running home from the railway station.

Yesterday I started this, and it worked well. The run home was pleasant. I think that it took me just over half an hour to run home. I arrived at the station at about 5.50pm, got changed in the station toilets, and arrived home at 6.29pm. I forgot to check my watch before running, but I guess I spent 5 minutes getting changed, then exited the station, walked across the busy roads before starting the run.

I was really tired by the time I got in, but it did feel good. I only stopped to walk once, and that was after attempting a sprint across the park just before getting home. I walked for about 30 paces before jogging home.

So yesterday I managed to save £3.80 in all, which works out to be about £860 a year, if I never get a return ticket again. Likelihood is I will only run 3 times per week, but not drink coffee any morning, so I guess my savings are somewhere around 500 quid a year.

Having a rest today, my son is unwell so I am at home babysitting. Got kung-fu tonight, but my right arm is still seriously bruised from the jump back kick it received on Monday. Maybe I will go along just for the forms...

Also, running has been in the news this week - running helps us live longer!.

You can learn more about the benefits of running here.