During the summer, I work in the office every day of the week, as compared to the school year when I am working at client sites through CPS. I HATE the commute into the office- the L is too crowded and the bus stops WAY too much. Every morning and afternoon I march on out to the bus stop, sit in traffic, and stare forlornly out the window at the bikers, runners, or even WALKERS who all go faster than me.
On Fridays, I run commute. Fridays, I work out with November Project in the morning from 6-7 at the Bean. The Bean is around the corner from my office. It didn’t make sense to go to the work out, head home, only to have to head back to the same place I just was! Plus, lots of people go out to breakfast after the workout and I wanted to join. I also needed to get a short run in that day anyway. So, what I now do is run to the workout, treat myself to breakfast and hang out with friends, and then head up to the office after.
How to Have a Successful Run or Bike Commute
1. Pick your day ahead of time
A successful run commute isn’t something you can just up and do without pre-planning. For your very first time doing an active commute, I would suggest to not do it on a Monday. I’ll explain more in-depth in the next section, but Mondays don’t give you enough time to bring what you need to the office. And no one wants to run with a backpack. I choose Fridays as the day that I run commute because it gives me all week to plan.
2. Bring supplies to the office ahead of time
If you do leave supplies at the office, remember that those supplies won’t be there if you are meeting at an off-site location one day. I know that sounds stupidly simple, but if you are used to the routine of packing your backpack the night before, you might forget something essential. Last week, I did bike commute to an off site location, forgetting that I didn’t have shoes there waiting for me. I packed my clothes, food, deodorant and makeup, and computer into my bag, set it on my divvy bike, and went of… only to have to wear a dress and hot pink running shoes throughout my presentation.
MUST HAVE Supplies for a RUN/BIKE Commute
– Face towel
– Computer (I am lucky that I have a desktop at work, but if you have to bring a laptop to/from work everyday this could be a challenge)
NICE TO HAVE Supplies
Once you arrive to the office, head to the bathroom to towel off, freshen up and change. I make sure to get to work at least 10 minutes early to change. Luckily on a Divvy bike I don’t really work up a sweat so I don’t need a full-blown shower.
4. Food
5. Pack you bag the night before
This is a lesson I have dear old Dad to thank for. He drilled into me the idea of preparing everything the night before so I could just grab the bag and go. It took me 20 plus years to actually listen to the advice, but better late than never right? This tip was also fueled by my hot pink shoes + dress combo. Packing your bag the night before is also an opportunity to check the weather for the next day! You don’t want to be surprised by a 5pm thunderstorm if you are about to bike home.
The picture below was my bag for when I was going to my off-site location. I had my laptop, work clothes, comb, deodorant, a few things of makeup, wallet and lunch. I also made sure to have a change of shoes 🙂
So there you go. My tips on how to have a successful run commute or bike commute to the office. Your body and mind will thank you and your office mates will too. As long as you don’t forget your deodorant. 🙂
Do any of you run or bike commute? Did I miss any of your favorite tips and tricks? Share ideas below!
Happy commuting,
Becca