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Key Takeaways
- Run commuting offers a practical way to fit in additional runs during marathon training despite daily office challenges.
- Plan your run commute by reviewing your schedule and packing essentials like clothes and toiletries the night before.
- Consider alternatives to run commuting, such as running home or squeezing in workouts on other errands.
- Use a lightweight bag for essentials while avoiding heavy items like laptops during your run commute.
- Stay organized with extra meals and snacks at the office, and allow ample time for your run and post-workout routine.
Get ahead of the game with strategic planning tips to add run commuting to work. Here are run commute tips to make it efficient and enjoyable.
Daily commutes to an office while marathon training definitely has its challenges. Finding time to squeeze in hour-long runs during the week while commuting and having time to shower has been less than ideal now that I’m not working at home as much. Last year I had to brilliant idea of run commuting to work as a way to sneak in additional runs. This is one of my favorite ways to make time during marathon training season.
Key Highlights Included in this Post
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What is a Run Commute?
A run commute is a practice where someone runs on foot some portion of their commute instead of driving, taking public transportation or biking to work. It’s a form of balancing a busy schedule with fitness benefits.
Examples of a Run Commute
Here are some examples of run commuting to consider:
- One-Way Commutes: Running to work or home after your work and taking public transportation.
- Two-Way Commutes: Running with a run-work-run approach where you run to work and run home, skipping public transportion altogether.
- Split Commute: Driving a portion of the distance and parking between the office and home to run a portion of your commute.
Alternatives to Run Commuting
I realize this solution might not be ideal for everyone. Before I had access to a gym at my office to shower at work, I had to get creative with getting some of my workouts in.
- If running into the office isn’t ideal, consider running home from the office if you can leave your laptop at the office. You won’t have to worry about packing a change of clothes or toiletries.
- Try running to and from doctor’s appointment. This could be a really easy option to maximize your town around appointments.
How to Plan for Running to Work
If you’re curious on “how to run commute” you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few key elements to ensure you are executing the run seamlessly (all of this is based on my own trial and error). As you adapt to the process, you’ll find ways in order to make this type of run work for you!
What to Expect Run Commuting
As with every bit of marathon training, it will require a little planning. Review your schedule and plan which day a run commute makes the most sense. I personally like Fridays since I run to my office part of the way and take the train into the city the remainder of the distance. Fridays are the least busy day on the train so it gives me a little space if I am a little sweaty. Based on your own commute, do what makes the most sense for you.
I bring snacks and extra meals throughout the week since bringing everything at once can be really cumbersome. It also helps to have extra snacks in my desk like almonds or beef jerky as options.
Related Post: Looking for tips on how to pack your gym bag for getting ready at the gym? Check out this post with tips for gym bag essentials for marathon training on the go!
How to Pack for a Run to Work
Plan to bring a clean set of clothes the day before your commute. I keep a bag at my office with toiletries and hot tools for a quick shower at the building gym. If you don’t have a gym at or near your office, consider using shower wipes (I like these from Lume). If this alternative isn’t for you, you can opt to run part of your commute home instead.
Get a Running Commute Backpack
The number one question people ask about running to work is “How do you run with your laptop?” The answer is… I don’t. I couldn’t imagine running with the extra weight of a laptop, plus finding one that’s comfortable and keeps my laptop dry has been a challenge. I usually only bring my wallet, office badge and keys on me for my commutes. I leave my laptop secured at the office. Not only is this more comfortable, it’s another way to run safely as a female.
Planning a Run Commute to the Office
If you can keep a small gym bag with your toiletries at the office, it will help with carrying items back and forth.
I’ve also created this list of items I have in my gym bag as a guide. I include things like hot tools to style my hair, face wash wipes, and a dry shampoo for damp hair.
Run Commute Packing List
- A clean set of clothes for your workday. Include undergarments and shoes.
- Shower items including body wash, hair products, hair tools like a blow dryer or a curling iron, and shower flip flops
- Toiletries including deodorant, makeup, and a hairbrush
I make sure to plan ahead to ensure I have extra meals (lunch and breakfast) in the office fridge and dry clothes waiting at the office. I make sure I also review my toiletries ahead of time to ensure I have face wash, a hair brush and simple makeup items in my gym bag ready to go.
Related Post: Looking for tips for how to maintain a running routine on vacation? If so, you need to read this post!
How to Plan a Run Commute Schedule
On the day of your run commute, give yourself plenty of time for the run, traffic signals, waiting for the train and getting to the shower. I plan a route along the path of my public transportation method to minimize the amount of time to get to the station once my workout is complete.
Once I get to the office, I use the bag with my office attire I’ve stashed at the office earlier in the week and use the gym shower in the building.
Related Post: Starting a run streak is a great way to stay committed to running and it makes a great running fundraiser! Check out this post with tips for creating a run streak fundraiser!
Run Commute Frequently Asked Questions
Solutions include using baby wipes, dry shampoo, gym memberships nearby, or simply running home instead of to work. Get a complete list of items I use on a run commute here.
It’s recommended to leave your work clothes at the office the day before a run commute to ensure everything is dry when you arrive to the office.
Ask if there is a way to secure your laptop at the office overnight if you plan on run commuting. If you need to bring your laptop too and from the office, try using an XXL plastic bag to keep it dry and running backpack that can hold 20L capacity.
Would You Consider Running to Work?
This process has helped me find time to squeeze in extra workouts and ensure my marathon training program stays on track.
Is this list missing something? Leave a note in the comments with your run commute tips and let me know how you squeeze in extra runs during marathon season. Would you run to work? Let me know if this is something you’d try!
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