Last week was pretty hot in London. The heatwave coincided with two things: the start of my training for Bounemouth marathon and my recent flat move.

I’ve swapped my usual run and cycle commute for a new route and I’d been trying to find ways to avoid going over a big hill in Highbury. (This is incidentally also the place where I got knocked off my bike last year, so any route that doesn’t involve this is good with me.)

I set off from home to run into work on a sweaty morning. I ran past the reservoir where I swim and being among the trees and leaves felt a lot more comfortable than running past building and over concrete. The air felt cooler, there was shade and less stress. So I decided to find some more.

My route took me past Clissold Park in Stoke Newington. Instead of sticking to the pavement along the road that runs south past the park, I took a small diversion and ran the other side of the fence, inside the park. It was the difference of a few metres but it made a lot of difference to my run.

I live in Zone 2. In London terms that’s pretty central, but it’s surprising how much nature you can find in the city: small parks and gardens, bits of the city commandeered and protected for plants.

The New River which followed my route from the reservoir and through Clissold Park goes underground at times but popped up again a mile further down my route.

For half a mile I ran along the river through New River Walk – no cars or even cycles allowed along here, just runners, walkers and those sitting on a bench, watching the river trickle past. The walk was over too soon and spat me out on Essex Road just before Angel.

I could have joined the canal here, followed it to the River Thames and pretty much to my office door, but that would have meant another 5 miles at least added to my journey. I was pushed for time that day, so I rejoined the traffic and headed south but made a promise with myself to do that longer route one morning.

Morning run commutes often take us from A to B by the most direct route possible, but getting up a few minutes earlier can give you time to explore and find nature on your way to work, even if you live in a big city like London.