Planning is Essential for the Run-Commute

Planning is Essential for the Run-Commute

By Kenny Ames

As many workers return to the office, the runners in us may be afraid of losing time to run. Fortunately, some of us may have the option to run to and from work. For the last five years, I have become an expert in the run-commute. When I became a father, my schedule changed, and the only way I could fit in the time for a proper run was to get my miles to and from the office. And sometimes, I have had to commute by pushing the jogging stroller.

Early on, I discovered that the key to the run-commute is planning. The considerations are: what do you have to bring with you (clothes, laptop, towel, toiletries), how are you going to bring it (backpack, drawstring, stroller), do you have a shower at work (is it just a shower or does it have towel and toiletries?), and can you store clothes at work? At work, I have a drawer where I store clean clothes, hooks and hangers for my suits and shirts, and even a dry cleaner onsite. I have both a gym where I can shower and that provides towels and soap (I keep toiletries in a drawer with my clothes), and if the gym is closed (which it has been due to COVID) a shower. Put your bag together the night before so that when you are rushing out in the morning, you are prepared and can leave on time.

Prior to COVID, I would run into work with a backpack that contained my laptop, clothes, and lunch. For a backpack, weight is everything. If it bounces around too much, you’ll get chafing. Carrying a computer or heavy objects increases the chances of chafing. Since it needs to fit snuggly, I use a drawstring shoe bag - one of those that you might get as a giveaway at a race. Inside, I use a plastic bag to keep my clothes and food dry because sweat will seep through the bag. I tie it tight to give no slack and cross the strings over my shoulder, so it makes an X across my chest. Remember that it could restrict your arm swing and gait slowing your pace, but that small reduction in speed is acceptable to fit in the run.

I have done two types of run-commutes: backpack and stroller. My son's daycare is at my work, so I am running him in the stroller. It has a compartment underneath where I store items listed above, and snacks for him. Sometimes I break it up by hopping on the Metro for a few stops. On the way home, we always Metro to stay on our bedtime schedule.

I am partial to the Bob’s brand. I have the Bob Blaze single and the Bob Ironman double strollers. I mostly use the single for the run-commute, but the double gets used on weekends to get the boys out of the house while providing my wife the quiet to do her own workout. I serve as their pilot and steward, handing snacks and drinks upon demand. Sometimes I provide in-run entertainment with an iPad. I have run-commuted them to daycare and soccer practice. The weather shield is a great investment, as it protects against the cold and wet. When it is cold, blankets keep heat in so while your fingers will freeze due to cold air, kids stay warm. You can run faster with both hands holding the stroller’s handle than just one hand.

Once at the office, have plastic bags for sweaty clothes, especially in the summer. I also have air fresheners, a Glade tree as well as Arm & Hammer odor buster balls that fit inside my shoes. The run-commute has enabled me to continue to run at the volume I want since having kids restricts available time to be away from them.