Most people have to work. Such is life.

The struggle is real though; you want to fit in a trail run, followed by a good cup of coffee, and still make it to the office before the boss starts pointing at their wrist watch. Fear not - I have some options for you!

NB - KML files linked below can be opened by Google Earth on your desktop, or on your phone for on-the-run navigation using a suitable app - Maps.Me is my go-to.

SOUTH

Trail: Currumbin Border Track

Coffee Shop: Dust Temple

I usually start these runs at the Currumbin Fair shopping centre, and then head up to the Border Track from there. There are plenty of route options once you get up on the trail, such as THIS ONE (KML), or THIS ONE (KML) or THIS ONE (KML). The Dust Temple is then just around the road for a heck-of-a-good cup of coffee to round out the early morning fun.

MIDDLE

Trail: Burleigh/Fleahys Loop

Coffee Shop: Borough Barista

This area is on the fine line of being road running, but for those in the Broadbeach - Burleigh region it's by far your best option for a pre-work off-road run and coffee combo. I have a few routes from Burleigh - such as THIS ONE (KML) or THIS ONE (KML) - and both take in some fun areas and finish not far from Burleigh or Tallebudgera Creek for a quick post-run dip. Then duck into Burleigh proper and get yourself a takeaway from Borough Barista.

NORTH

Trail: The Spit

Coffee Shop: Beaches off Tedder

Definitely more cross-country than rugged trails, but the undulating gravelly/sandy trails hidden in the dunes at Southport Spit are an excellent option for a quick pre-work trot. If you like running early, this makes for a cracking sunrise run. I generally choose to start this near Southport SLSC, and from there my suggested route is THIS ONE (KML). Given I live on the southern end of the Coast, post-run coffees have usually included breakfast, and Beaches off Tedder is both convenient and tasty!

WEST

Trail: Nerang National Park

Coffee Shop: Cadence Cafe

Nerang has long been the go-to location for trail running and mountain biking enthusiasts on the GC - what with it's many, many kilometres of fire- and singltetrack trails - but dare I say that Cadence Coffee is the best thing to happen to the Nerang trail running scene in a long time. Literally around the corner from the trail head, Cadence is the perfect spot to grab a coffee before getting the suit on for the day. Just watch out for the lycra on show ;-) There are too many route choices to name them all, but THIS ONE (KML) is a great pre-work hit-out (or THIS slightly longer variation - also KML). Also check out the National Park map HERE.