First Post: Commuting by Running

So this is my first shot a creating a blog. I actually set this up a few weeks ago, but have been procrastinating as usual (right Courtney?).

I've created the blog to document some of my experiences while running etc. . .

I will try to set a precedent by not writing anything too long: e.g.

I like to get to work without driving my car. These past few weeks I have mostly ridden my bicycle, a 1973 Raleigh built Hercules 3 speed. Identical to this one except with chrome fenders and a matching white seat to the grips.



Often in the morning before work, I will run first thing, eat, shower, pack my lunch and ride my bike to work or drive. More often I will skip my morning run and run during lunch at work. It occurred to me some time back that I could possibly save some time and run to and from work (about 2.2 miles one way) and get the majority of my daily run done.

My running log on running2win:
http://www.running2win.com/community/public-log.asp?m=vecinimod&k=blog

I had not tried this until yesterday, mostly due to the fact that I wasn't sure how I would configure a backpack to carry my work clothes. It ends up that Courtney had a perfect back pack for the task, a 25 liter rei vista with sternum and waist straps, mesh back pads and adequately wide shoulder straps.

I set out a 7am so I'd be at my desk by 7:30am (showering at my company's gym in between).The run which is uphill to about half way definitely felt more difficult with the pack. At first I was worried that it would bounce to much, but the design of the pack is such that this was not the case.

Pushing the pace without a warm up (7min pace) everything was just about like a normal run except my legs really felt the extra 10 or so pounds of the pack, lunch, pants shirt, belt, shoes, socks, phone and wallet I was carrying. This is interesting since between October '09 when I started running again and now, I have lost about 25 pounds. It really puts in perspective how added weight takes its toll on the legs and feet, plus all the added energy required. I hope this makes me a stronger runner without adding injuries?

The run was really quick, and I made it there thinking that it was not significantly longer than my bike rides to work. They take about 10 minutes and the run took about 14:40. Maybe the not having to stop a stoplights help more than I expected? Of course the difference is that my shower is moved to work after the run, not before I leave home as when I bike. In the end I think the amount of time it takes in traveling + showering is only 3-5 minutes more with the run vs the ride.

Heading to my desk first to pick up my shower flip flops and towel I have stashed there, I took a shower at the gym downstairs, then back to my desk by 7:30 as planned.

The run home was a lot easier (left the shoes and socks at my desk), but much warmer out. By the time I got home and Courtney let me in the house, I was dripping with sweat. The round trip put me at 4.4 miles or so. I decided to head back out and do my 2.5 mile neighborhood loop for good measure :)

Since I enjoyed the new commute I repeated it today, except Courtney and I are going to see our prospective pediatrician for Caroline Leigh V. directly after work so I wont get a chance to run home. . . hmm, maybe a bike ride with Scott after he gets off work will rectify this? Not too late or heavy though, 5:30am run at the west side market with my Uncle Vince through the flats tomorrow.

Well I guess that wasn't a short post after all! See that's why I didn't post earlier.