I was sat in traffic today thinking, I could run faster than this. No, I could walk faster than this. Which gave me an idea - why don't I run to work? Well I know the answer to that: my suit won't fit into my rucksack. I could probably try but I don't think my boss would be impressed by me rolling in looking like I've applied the hair crimpers to my shirt.
But it would save me train fare, kick my fitness routine into gear, and ultimately even save me time. Maybe I could bring a week's worth in at the beginning of the week? Maybe I could straighten my hair in the office? I did go through a phase of running to work when I worked in a hotel and had to start at 7 in the morning. The difference there was that I only had to pack a very basic uniform, and I only lived 3 miles away. Now I work in an office about 10 miles away and I am expected to look smart when my boss walks in at 9.
Maybe cycling is a nice compromise. I would still have to organise my clothes for the week carefully, but at least it would make the distance more manageable. But then again, driving in that traffic today was chaotic, I'm not sure I would want to be on a bike trying to negotiate the rush hour. However the main thing stopping me attempting to cycle to work is that they don't have anywhere to keep a bike, never mind the fact I don't actually have a bike. I would get a bike tomorrow if I could find suitable place to store it other than chained to a railing in the street or mounted above my bed. My poor little studio flat hardly has room for two people to sit comfortably in.
A friend at work once suggested we go for a lunchtime run. This sounded like a good idea to me at first; after all I used to go spinning in my lunch break at University. But then after we had talked about it for 5 minutes we both abandoned the idea. We both agreed we rarely get a full hour and sometimes work through as we eat a sandwich at our desks. Once we had factored in getting changed beforehand and getting showered and changed again afterwards, and then trying to actually fit food in there somewhere, we agreed it wasn't worth it.
So for now, at least, I think I will just have to stick to plan A for now, the usual commute to work but just find time when I get home to go for a run. At least I can have a nice read of my book on the train - hard to do whilst jogging!
What do you think? Do you run or cycle to work? What are the positives and negatives of running into the office? Let us know in the comments below.
I ride into work 5 days a week. It's about 5 miles from home. I bring my clothes for the week in on Monday, and have all I need to get freshened up and changed is in a bag under my desk including dry shampoo. I find riding my bike to work less stressful then driving the car leaving me feel more prepared to start the day and if I didn't get time later in the day to exercise then I don't feel guilt. I feel really frustrated when the weather is too severe e.g gale force winds or I have another reason I can't ride my bike. I have also saved myself over £60 a month as at the moment I am only needing to fill my KA up with petrol once a month so its better on my pocket too.
give the run a go! i run to work once or twice a week. it's 10.5 miles...well i've just moved house so it will be about 13 miles now. i take my clothes and a spare coat in the day before, and the next morning i just run in with a bottle-no bags or anything. it was a bit of a strategic annoyance to start with but i've been doing it for over 2-years now and i love it!
Unfortunately I have no chance to be able to run or cycle to work as I need my car to travel to visit clients. I'd love to do it otherwise... and perhaps if we had a shower too!
Lunch breaks are no better, although we live in an ideal area with plenty of fields and quiet roads, I never get a full hour's break. Like you toughgirl, I wouldn't be able to fit in a run+food+shower!
Guess I'll have to stick with the gym in the evenings and enjoy my runs outdoors on the weekends. Everyone that is able to run or cycle to work, I am quite envious :)