Killing both birds with one stone is the parkrun, the modern-day phenomenon that has swept the nation and now occupies the weekly diary of hundreds of thousands of us.
It all started in 2004 when a group of 13 mates met to have a jog round their local park in Teddington, Greater London.
It ballooned into Parkrun, the collective name for more than 5,000 events that now take place every Saturday morning in 730 locations around the country.
Organised by local volunteers, all the runs are 5km in length, although they have different degrees of difficulty, and many routes follow picturesque surroundings.
The events are free and for everyone, whether you want to run, jog or walk. You can even take your dog (on a lead) and, at some venues, junior versions are set up for children, although under-11s must be accompanied by an adult.
If you fancy joining the parkrun craze in 2022, we’ve highlighted 11 of the best in and around the Mansfield and Ashfield area.
Please check the individual websites of each parkrun before you go along because some might have Covid-19 regulations in place.
9. Shipley Country parkrun
Enthusiastic runners snake their way round the course at Shipley Country Park on Slack Lane in Heanor. About 175 attend each Saturday, and children are encouraged to go along too, although those under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. It's a good idea to pop in to the Ramblers Cafe at the park's visitor centre afterwards. Photo: Submitted
10. Forest Rec parkrun
The weather can be bleak, but it certainly didn't deter these runners on the start line for the parkrun at the Forest Recreation Ground (the Goose Fair site) on Gregory Boulevard in Nottingham. Organised by volunteers, the run follows a course of Tarmac paths, gravel paths and grass, and it attracts about 200 runners every Saturday morning. Photo: Submitted
11. Wollaton Hall parkrun
As long as they're kept on a lead, dogs are welcomed at many parkruns in the area. This one is at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham, where up to 300 runners have been known to gather to blow away those Saturday morning cobwebs. Grab a post-run coffee at the Wollaton 508 Cafe. Photo: Submitted