When I lived in Chicago, I would run-commute home three or four times a week, a habit that I continued when I moved to New York. It’s such a good use of time, half your workout (if not all of it) is done by the time that you get home, giving you the rest of the evening to enjoy. Whether you run-commute to or from work, you need to plan ahead to make it successful otherwise you can end up in some sticky situations. Here are some of my top tips: 

Prepare your clothes: If you run-commute a few times a week, take all your work or running clothes to work on a Monday and bring them all home on a Friday. It can be helpful to use a small carry-on wheeled suitcase to make it easier.

Travel light: Bring the minimal amount of things to work with you so that you don’t need to run home with much. If you need a backpack, use a small lightweight one to carry essentials. Consider using a ziplock sandwich bag to ‘vacuum pack’ your clothes to save space, and if you can leave your laptop and its charger at work/home, it’ll make your bag feel much lighter.

Watch the weather: Check the weather for the week on a Sunday night and pack your clothes accordingly. In winter and spring, add your rain jacket and a pair of gloves, just in case.

Know that you will forget things: If possible, store an extra watch charger, hairbrush, pair of underwear and pair of socks at work, just in case you find yourself in need.

Use travel toiletries: If you’re lucky enough to have a shower at work, save all your little travel toiletries and store them in a bag there so you don’t have to carry them to and fro each day. In the summer, don’t forget your sunscreen!

Plan Your Route: Choose a scenic and safe route for your run-commute. Consider traffic, terrain, and accessibility. I hate waiting at traffic lights, so I always pick the route with the fewest.

Make good use of your time: Use your run-commute to catch up on things you enjoy, such as a podcast, audio book or favourite music.

Stay Safe: Use designated paths and be visible with reflective gear and lights, especially in the low light of dawn and dusk. Be extra careful in the evenings when the light is low, and people driving home might be tired or distracted.

Hydration is Key: If there aren’t any water fountains on the way home/to work, make sure you have a small water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated throughout your commute. This is especially important in the summer when it can be scorching at the end of the workday.

Fuel Up: Have a light snack before your run and keep a healthy snack for post-run refueling.

Community Connection: Connect with other run-commuters on social media to share experiences and tips. When I lived in Chicago, I used to run home with co-workers who would peel off at different times to head back to their apartments. It was a great way to end our days as well as share mutual interests and create friendships.

Be environmentally Friendly: Choose run-commuting as a green alternative to reduce your carbon footprint as often as you can. My commute home is actually faster than the bus or train, so it’s an easy decision to make.

Embracing the run-commuting lifestyle is not just about staying fit, it’s a wonderful journey (literally) that benefits both you and the planet! By opting for this green alternative, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also making a positive impact on the environment. As you run through the streets it’s fun to connect with fellow runners, find new routes, see great views (see Washington National Cathedral below), get fresh air and feel accomplished either at the start or end of your work day. 

I’m curious to hear about your run-commutes. Do you have any tips that I missed?