Run-Commute to Work: Gear

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

Search Cool Running Community

Browse Cool Running

CoolRunning.com > Cool Running Community > Basic Training >

ChaiKitty

15 posts since
Sep 16, 2002

Oct 24, 2007 8:39 AM

Run-Commute to Work: Gear

Hello everyone,

Does anyone out there run-commute to work? Currently I bike a total of 5 miles to and from work and I'd like to try running to and from work about 2 times per week.

The only problem is how to carry my necessities, which include lunch, clothes, and cell phone. I could wear the same shoes all day but will have to change into casual clothes at work (I'm a university graduate student, so no dress clothes). Has anyone tested out backpacks or fanny packs? Do they work (ie. not bounce)?

Of course, my other alternative bring a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and lunch the day prior to my run, but I'd like to try the packs in case I want to do other pack running in the future.

Run on,
Sydney

------------------
*click click*[/URL" target="_blank">

Guest

1. Oct 24, 2007 9:05 AM

in response to: ChaiKitty

Make sure you pick a pack with the most cinching straps available - for your gear on the back half, and chest/belly straps on the front. You don't want that baby to move, or you will have blisters in the weirdest places and the run won't be any fun at all. Can't give you reccomendation on a particular pack - you'll have to try some on.

Keep the bag weight as light as humanly possible - ziploc bags for your lunch, not plastic containers; khakis not jeans that day, etc. etc.
You can get decent sized hydration packs, but for 5 miles I personally wouldn't bother.

StPauligirl

244 posts since
Nov 27, 2006

2. Oct 24, 2007 2:13 PM

in response to: ChaiKitty

what I used to do was bring my clothes and extra stuff needed in backpack the days I biked, then on run days, just run....then on Fridays I would bike home and bring dirty run clothes. (I had a locker in gym though to leave stinky stuff)
please dont wear your run shoes at work! not only stinky, your feet need a change, and it wears your running shoes out quicker. Keep running shoes only for running (also for fashion reasons...I think you should only wear running shoes if running, baseball hats if playing baseball, flip flops if you are at the beach...etc

VictorN

406 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

3. Oct 24, 2007 7:39 PM

in response to: ChaiKitty

I do a lot of bike commuting and an occasional run into work and I try to bring in what I need on Monday since I usually drive on Mondays. I keep a complete set of clothes and a towel at work just in case I forget something. I also keep a few pair of shoes at work. That way I don't have to worry about carrying clothes. I'll throw lunch in my backpack when biking, but I don't like to carry anything while running.

Victor

------------------
www.competitiverunner.com[/URL" target="_blank">

mcsolar99

1,018 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

4. Oct 25, 2007 4:21 PM

in response to: ChaiKitty

i've commuted by running in the past, about 6 1/2 each way. i never tried to carry my gear, but chose the second option... actually went as far as getting a second pair of glasses to leave at work. all i carried while running was my office key, couple of bucks, and credit card. i was able to get in two good workouts on those days, and save some gas. i would bring clean clothes, lunch, etc the day before.

good luck and have fun! i've been seeing more people doing this recently... it's a fantastic idea.

ChaiKitty

15 posts since
Sep 16, 2002

5. Oct 26, 2007 10:15 AM

in response to: ChaiKitty

So, I attempted my first run to work yesterday. I didn't have a chance to drop stuff off at my lab first so I used the hat off my backpacking pack (the top bag that doubles as a fanny pack). I had jeans, a shirt, keys, and sandals stuffed into it and it worked... mostly.

My biggest problem was getting it tight enough around the skinniest part of my waist, under my ribs. It had some bounce, but it was okay for only a 20 minute run. I was surprised at how taxing it was to run with just a little extra weight, though. I walked up one of the steeper inclines because I didn't want to be drenched when I arrived at work.

Regardless, this does work!! But I think I will do what others have suggested. I'll pack an extra lunch, leave my jeans at work the day before (I wear bike shorts for the ride to and from work), and bring a pair of my 'work only' shoes to leave here.

I agree with you StPauligirl. In fact, I have a system for my shoes. They are running shoes first, then they get down-graded to gym-only shoes when worn out, and after that they're trashed or for house work. Sandals and urban shoes are the only shoes I wear otherwise. It's a good system.

For those more interested in carrying gear, do a google search for "adventure racing packs" to see backpacks made to run with. They're somewhat pricey but might be an option I'd explore down the road...

I highly suggest everyone try a run-commute. It was fun!!

------------------
*click click*[/URL" target="_blank">

Guest

6. Oct 27, 2007 5:22 PM

in response to: ChaiKitty

I do a lot of run commuting... and have written some about what works for me. Here are a couple of pointers:

http://davidtreadwell.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!556BCC6296CD41D7!204.entry[/URL" target="_blank">

http://davidtreadwell.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!556BCC6296CD41D7!199.entry[/URL" target="_blank">

http://davidtreadwell.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!556BCC6296CD41D7!318.entry[/URL" target="_blank">

dg12002

622 posts since
Aug 26, 2003

7. Oct 27, 2007 10:07 PM

in response to: ChaiKitty

Amazingly my work is exactly 13 miles. I've done it several times. I used a backpack carry change of clothes, water, and phone/mp3.

Half of it has huge shoulder and other parts have no shoulder (scary) since on a county road with 60 mph traffic. It's very hilly in most places.

iLoveNature

60 posts since
Jun 4, 2007

8. Oct 29, 2007 1:13 AM

in response to: ChaiKitty

I couldn't dream of doing this even on a short run of say four miles. The reason is I would be drenched with sweat even if the temp was in the 50s. I am glad it's worked out for several of you.

gregw070

250 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

9. Oct 29, 2007 11:26 AM

in response to: ChaiKitty

quote:<HR>Originally posted by iLoveNature:
I couldn't dream of doing this even on a short run of say four miles. The reason is I would be drenched with sweat even if the temp was in the 50s. I am glad it's worked out for several of you.<HR>

I (and I hope the others who run commute!) take a shower at work. I'm lucky in that I work at a good-sized company that has a gym.

I preposition my clothes, but have thought about trying the backpack thing for some added flexibility (e.g., not deciding to run in until the night before, being able to bring something to work). Another option is to always keep extra everything at work so I can decide on the spur of the moment.

dg12002

622 posts since
Aug 26, 2003

10. Oct 29, 2007 11:31 AM

in response to: ChaiKitty

quote:<HR>Originally posted by gregw:
I (and I hope the others who run commute!) take a shower at work. I'm lucky in that I work at a good-sized company that has a gym.

<HR>

My workplace has a nice gym with 2 large showers. Then it's about a 100 yd walk to the main bldg..

vprunner

13 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

11. Dec 26, 2007 7:03 AM

in response to: ChaiKitty

I occasionally catch a ride into work with a coworker and run home from work (about 9 miles). It's a lot of fun, and I don't have to use the gross work showers.

http://This message has been edited by vprunner (edited Oct-30-2007).

Oct 24, 2007 8:39 AM

Run-Commute to Work: Gear

New Runners

Training

Competition

Age Groups

Fitness

The Lighter Side

Feedback

Related Links