The key principle of the 30 Minute Runner project is to find a way to fit quality training into a busy schedule.
As I explained in my prior post, the best time for me to run is usually during my lunch break at work. The hour break gives me enough time to change into running clothes, quickly stretch, run for about 30-40 minutes, stretch again, shower, and change back into work clothes.
Yeah, it’s a bit hectic.
However, I have the routine down pretty well and the rewards from making the effort are huge. Running at lunch does a great job of clearing my head and mentally resetting the day.
There is nothing healthy about sitting at a computer for 8-10 hours per day and I can almost feel my body crave a run when lunchtime comes closer.
Unfortunately, I often have lunch meetings at work, which causes me to look for other times to run during the day. Due to reasons that I explained in my prior post, the only viable window for me to run besides lunch is the commute home from work.
Using the Commute as a Time to Run
I am fortunate to live relatively close to downtown Seattle, so running home from work is not a crazy idea. In fact, the run is even more reasonable because, in the morning, I park my car at a bus park and ride that is only about five miles from downtown.
Having a quality bus system for one leg of the commute is an important factor in a successful running commute unless you plan to run both to and from work.
My initial concern about running home from work was that it would take a long time and cut into the time I get to see my wife and daughter after work.
However, thanks to the bad traffic that Seattle is famous for, a run from work to the park and ride that I use is only about 10 minutes slower than taking the bus – pretty awesome.
With that said, I think it is important that runners consider four different things before deciding to attempt to run to or from work.
Image courtesy of Zardinus. CC BY 3.0 http://bit.ly/1migwbb
1. Plan Ahead
There are a lot of little details to think about when starting a running commute. For example, if you are running to work, you need to consider: (1) where you going to shower after the run, (2) where you are going to store your work clothes, and (3) what’s for breakfast?
The shower and change of clothes issues go together. The best case scenario is if you can store a change of work clothes (and shoes) overnight in the locker of a gym close to your work. This will enable you run to the gym in the morning, shower, change, and get right to work.
Unfortunately, many gyms do not allow members to store items overnight in lockers. It is critical that you ask about the overnight storage policy before signing up.
Also make sure to store breakfast items (e.g. energy bars, applies, bananas, etc.) in your office or gym bag the day before your morning run commute. There is nothing worse than having nothing to eat after a run.
If you are running from work, it is easy to bring running clothes and shoes to work in the morning. You can change into those clothes at the end of the day and store your work clothes in your office.
No matter whether you run to or from work, one thing to consider is how to carry your cell phone with you on the run. I’ll talk more about that issue later.
2. Choose Your Route Carefully
One of the most important aspects of a successful running commute is to choose a proper route. It is very unlikely that you will enjoy a soft dirt trail in the middle of a forest on your commute route.
However, hopefully you find a route that does not use the shoulder of a busy highway or has traffic lights every block.
One way to plot your route is to use Google Maps or Gmap Pedometer. These sites let you see your city from a 30,000 foot view and help with the brainstorming process for a route.
If you run to or from work often, an additional consideration is to try to avoid a route with steep hills. It is fine to tackle hills once in a while, but running on them everyday could lead to achilles problems.
3. Use Proper Equipment
Besides running shoes and clothes, one of my most important pieces of equipment for my running commute is the Nathan 5k Runner’s Waist Pack. Why? Because without it, I would have no place to put my smartphone.
Yes, I’m addicted to my phone….but I’ll bet that you are too.
I’ve tried other waist packs, but the Nathan product is the only waist pack with a big enough pocket to hold my large Samsung Galaxy S3. To ensure waterproofing, I wrap put the phone in a zip lock bag.
Another critical piece of equipment – especially in dark of winter – is my Amphipod Xinglet. What is that? Well, it’s reflective vest made straps. I like it more than other vests because it is lightweight and doesn’t bounce up and down like other vests. It is also very reflective, so cars have no problem seeing you.
4. Know Your Office
Let’s face it, many of your co-workers will think you are crazy for attempting to run to or from home. Some might even be upset to see you walking around in running gear on the way to the elevator. Whether this attitude is fueled by jealousy or some other misguided emotion is irrelevant.
In order to limit any negative consequences from the running commute, just make sure you understand your bosses and fellow workers. If you can envision negative stares, maybe its best to do all of your clothes changing in the gym instead of the office bathroom.
Of course, some people might be excited to see you running to work and may even want to join in the fun. You just never know how people will react.
Conclusion
Running home from work has been a great experience for me and has allowed me to train numerous times on days that I would otherwise be unable to run. The initial idea of a running commute can seem daunting, but, with a little imagination, can be a huge time saver and boost to your overall fitness.
Give it a try!
Nice one!