How to Run Commute, by Pittsburgh Running Tours

Whether you’re braving the winter weather or summer heat, it’s always a great time to consider run commuting. Here are a few things you need to know:

1. Plan Ahead

The first and most important step, planning ahead is the key to run-commuting. Assuming you work at an office, you’ll probably need to change into appropriate clothes when you get there. You’ll also want to have something ready to eat so you don’t bonk before your work day starts. You might even need to shower – all considerations that mush be accounted for if you want to plan a run commute.

Some important things to consider for your commute:

• Are you running to work? From work? Both ways?
• Can you utilize public transportation one-way and run the other?
• Can you meet coworkers on the way and run into work with them?
• Will you be running before sunrise or after sunset?

If you’re planning on running to work, you’ll want to leave some work clothes and shoes at your office the day before or have a backpack you don’t mind running with, like this one by Camden Gear. The chest straps help it stay stable as you run, and you can easily drink water on the go or remove the bladder for more space. Most major running vest brands (Nathan, Ultimate Direction, Solomon, for instance…) also offer “fastpacking” options that work perfectly for run commuting.

If you’re going to run commute often, it’s also a good idea to keep some of the essentials at work, rather than worrying about lugging them back and forth! Here’s a handy run-commuting checklist to get you started:

1. Change of clothes and shoes
2. Deodorant
3. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap if you have a shower available
4. Towel
5. Hairdryer (optional)
6. Makeup
7. Brush
8. Camp Wipes, such as these these no rinse bathing wipes

2. Run

Enjoy the great views you’ll see along the way! Run commuting gives you the opportunity to explore the city by foot, and just like driving – there are inevitably multiple ways to make the commute. Start with the most straightforward route with the fewest turns, the begin to branch off of that to keep things interesting.

Other Considerations:

• Check the weather. You’ll want to make sure you’re running to work on a nice running day (anywhere between 20° and 60° is the sweet-spot temperature-wise for most, but everyone has their own preferences). Precipitation doesn’t make it impossible, but it does complicate things.
• Map your route and run it before your first commute so you how long it will take. Make sure the distance and difficulty is also doable, and that you won’t be completely fried when you clock into work. If you’re planning on run-commuting only one-way, have a plan for the other direction (such as public transportation).
• If you feel it’s safe to wear headphones, decide whether you want to listen to music, podcasts, or even an audiobook to help pass the time. Many podcasts are often between 30 – 45 minutes, perfect for a run into the office.

3. Bask in your run-commuting glory!!

You did it! Grab a coffee and some breakfast and enjoy the feeling. Prepackaged bars, trail mix, and fruit are great options to munch on afterward – or if you’re looking for something a little more hardy, breakfast burritos are another great option.