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If youve never heard ofruncommuting, its exactly what it sounds like.
It seemed a little crazy to me.
But I also kind of wanted to try it.
I started asking my runner friends if theyd ever done it.
I even dabbled for a day here and there last spring.
But I had never decided to make it my main means of getting to workuntil now.
I set a goal to try it for 10 days.
Here’s how it went.
I only live about a mile away from work.
So commuting to and from is a pretty easy feat, since Im used to running even longer distances.
I ended up lucking out because both were only a 15-minute walk from the previous destination.
And then once the night was over, I walked home since it was just another 20 minutes.
I gave myself 40 minutes to run roughly two miles, plus have time to cool down and change.
I packed up mybody wipes, sandals, and mascara, along with an outfit to change into.
It ended up being one of the only Starbucks Ive ever seen without a bathroomof course.
Luckily, the restaurant was casual and my breakfast companion wasnt super dressed up either.
Monday morning, I laid out all the clothes I’d need for the week ahead.
Man, was that an awkward barre class.
Afterward, I ran home to shower and change.
I’m strong, but I do have my limits.
To be honest, if they had just a shower membership, I would be first in line.
They have Kiehls shower products and the locker rooms are always clean.
I started my week with some newfound optimism.
Now that I had the shower situation figured out, how hard could it be?
I also decided to take the subway or walk more often.
One day it was raining, so I decided not to run.
But I was still up most mornings with my backpack on and ready torunto my next breakfast meeting.
I logged three miles that morning, which was great.
During and afterruncommuting, I reached out to everyone I knew who did it to get their advice.
Note to self: The option for one way is there!
“Save intervals or tempo runs for days you’re not schlepping any extra stuff.”
And, he’s been doing this for 11 years.
Now that’s dedication.
My mind started running through a checklist every time I was about to run somewhere.
Since I was practically living out of abackpackthe entire week, I would double check everything often.
Its like packing for a flight every single morning.
All it takes is a little bit of planning and only doing it when it makes sense.
Being done with a long run by 9 a.m. on a Friday?
That sounds worth it to meas long as Ive got somewhere to take a hot shower after.
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