Nobody likes commuting. It’s a fact. So when you’re trying to find time to squeeze a run into your calender, ditch the bus or train and run-commute to or from work. Here’s a few things I’ve learnt about the run-commute over the years so you can enjoy your run and feel smug knowing you don’t have to stand on a packed train.
1 Running to work requires forward planning – taking clothes and toiletries the day before – and is best done if you have somewhere to shower or don’t sit near anyone that is going to have to smell you for the next 8 hours.
2 As a regular run commuter on my way home from work, my desk drawer resembles a charity collection bin quite quickly. This can lead to half an hour hunting round the flat for a particular top before remembering you took it off at work.
3 The alternative to leaving your clothes behind at work like Reginald Perrin is to carry them with you. I’ve used an Inov-8 running backpack for a couple of years now and can, at a push, get a pair of jeans, a jacket and some shoes in it without any problems.
4 Even if you don’t carry your clothes home you will need to carry more than you would on a regular run: keys, phone, purse for example. The Fleetfoot II Running Waist Bag is just big enough for all your essentials or a lightweight jacket with pockets should do the trick.
5 You’re likely to be running at rush-hour, running through urban areas and the roads and pavements will be busy so stay aware – don’t plug your earphones in and wear bright kit to help you be seen.
6 Want to run with others? If you live in London join a free Home Run and they’ll carry your bag while you run home with others that live near you. If you don’t live in London, ummm persuade your work mates to take up running… and move house to near you.
Home Run is amazing!