How to get started with run commuting
Kim is our Global Retail Sales Manager and he clocks an average of 100 km per week. His primary passion is trail running, but like everyone else with no forests in the backyard, most of the weekday mileage is done in the city - and some 60-80 km of these are done as part of the daily run commute to and from work.
There’s plenty of good advice from Kim for anyone interested in incorporating this into their daily routines. Keep reading to explore his tips and tricks, and use these as a good way to hit the ground running in January.
Start out slow. Take the train or bike some or all of the way, and then run the second leg – in essence, make it manageable. Also start by doing it a couple of times a week – you can always increase it as you get more comfortable with the distance.
Plan ahead. Anticipate which days you will commute by running. That way, you can bring a change of clothes and a packed lunch the day before. Pro tip: remember underwear and socks, as this is what is most often forgotten (you can thank us later).
Pack well. It is important that your running bag fits well. Pack the heaviest items on top and closest to your body. Pro tip: find a good place for your keys so they don't rattle all the way to the office.
Safety. Remember to be aware of your surroundings when running. If you're running with headphones, make sure to turn off the noise-cancelling feature. Reflective clothing is a must when commuting on dark days.
Stay motivated by teaming up with colleagues or friends to make it easier to get out the door. Vary your run with different routes and find beauty along the way even on the darkest days.
Layering. Good layering is essential, especially at those times of year when it's cold in the morning and gets warmer throughout the day. Pro tip: remember it's warmer when running with a backpack on.
