slow walking co-worker

lizziebeth1028

Advice on how to ditch my cubicle mate at the end of the day - we leave the office at the same time?

I have a awesome 'mini' work out built into my day walking to and from the train station (it's just shy of a mile each way). My cube mate leaves with me and walks about 4 blocks with me before we go our separate ways. The problem is she walks too slow and talks office BS and gossip. This is my time to start to unwind from work and ENJOY my walk, not get all wound up about office BS....plus, she's too slow, too busy flapping her gums. Other stuff = we share a cube and I have to hear her all day long, she is VERY talkative. She's also somewhat of a clingon (not the Star Trek kind) but the type of person who doesn't like to do anything alone and is easily offended when you try to politely say no to her (re: lunch, going out after work ect). And she waits for me at the end of the day to leave with me.

Help!

ket_the_jet

Change into workout gear towards the end of the day and say that you're going to go on a run.

Then actually go on the run. Double whammy.
-wtk

boomboom011

just say hey "lets try to walk faster to get some exercise in" if she says you go right ahead without then do just that. tell her this is your new goal and who knows she might jump on the bandwagon.

lynn1982

Tell her you're walking faster as part of your workout routine and ask if she would like to join. Alternatively, you could pull out your ipod or whatever you have and stick ear buds in your ears. But I'd try option #1 first...

WifeNMama

You might just have to level with her, tell her its the only time you have for a workout. You could offer for her to join you, but you will be going at a faster pace from now on. If she does go with you, she might be too winded for chatting... Don't add the part about her talking your ear off though, you still have to work with her. Good luck.

Hirundo

Change into workout gear towards the end of the day and say that you're going to go on a run.

Then actually go on the run. Double whammy.
-wtk

Clever !
This get my vote !

judy20in2011

Have you talked about being on MFP and/or fitness goals? I would let her know that you are trying to get exercise in any way you can and that at the end of the day you really look forward to a brisk walk and decompressing ie "Jane, I am on MFP and really want to stay in shape and get a chance to burn some calories. At the end of the day I get a chance to do this. From now on I am planning on walking/jogging. You are welcome to join me but please don't take it personally if I take off ahead of you". Your putting it out there that this is your goal and if she' s hurt b/c you want to get in shape and stay healthy that's on her.

Smoothb21

This one is easy, Simple tell her and everyone else listening that you are going to start power-walking to the train everyday to burn calories (115 calories per mile) and bring you ipod or some type of listening device with ear buds. This lets her know you will be walking fast and listening music along the way so no talking.

lizziebeth1028

Thanks everyone for the advice! I like the idea of changing into work out clothes especially:))) Either way, she just has that needy personality that will pout for awhile about it but she'll get over it.

christine24t

I third the idea about the workout clothes!!

livnlite

I third the idea about the workout clothes!!

Me too .. you can offer to have her come along if she can keep up your pace .. that way she won't feel like you are avoiding her, and you get to have your workout .. win win!