Commute running

So I ran my daily commute, here is my experience

I ran a total of 4.8km on my trip home, this was on a mixture of surfaces, mostly concrete footpaths.

I ran with a backpack with work clothes, shoes, and empty lunch containers.

So let's start back with how I got here. I have a few current commute options. I do not have a car so I either catch a  bus or I bike the 4.8km each way to work. That is the combination I have been using for over one and a half years.

Due to it being winter I was not that keen on biking in the dark to work. So I have been catching the bus to and from work. But I felt like I was not getting enough exercise in (hard in these winter months). So I thought, why not catch the bus to work, then run home. If i get the bus it takes about 12 minutes to get home, plus allow around 5 minutes for waiting at the bus stop. This is 17 minutes. It takes me around 12-15 minutes to bike, depending on weather, which way I go and how I am feeling. This does not include a few minutes changing.

So for my commute home, I ran with a backpack with work clothes, shoes, and empty lunch containers and it took me 30 minutes. Much slower than my normal 5km race pace, but I am not hard on myself, take it easy and enjoy having a nice jog home. This may get quicker as I get fitter and did not include a few minutes of getting change.

By the time I get home, I am in active gear to walk the dog. Plus I have already done my run for the day.

All in all, I think the few extra minutes of commuting and getting changed is worth it. I will do this again and keep you in the loop as to any tricks I find and if I keep doing it.

First impressions

• I would do it again
• It felt slow (mentally struggled with that), but told myself you are carrying all your stuff
• Was a little sore in my legs
• Got rash on my back from bag/clothing combo
• Felt great once I go home about what I had achieved

Gear used

• Skins long leggings
• Berlei running bra
• Icebreaker long sleeve top (which rode up a little, I think causing the rash) but great for warmth
• Nike socks
• Asics Women's Gel-Keyano 24 running shoes
• Camelbak L.U.X.E NV, this backpack is great, it's actually a mountain biking backpack, but did the trick and is womens specific which means a great fit
• Backpack light
• Mons Royale Alice band/ear warmer

I added a normal running Lycra top under my ice breaker and didn’t increase or irritate my rash on my second and third run and haven't had a problem with the rash since.

Plan from here
I will aim to do at least 3 runs home each week

Let me know if you do or try commute running!