Running for beginners

kazmcdonald

Yay week 7 day 1 done!! Have had a particularly bad week due to a death which meant I had 3 days between week 6 days 2 & 3. Planned to take the usual 2 days usual rest before moving to week 7 and ended up sick so done nothing for 4 days and I'll be honest I had a feeling of dread doing the 25 mins. Kicked my ass into gear this morning... I even managed a mountain (oh okay it was only a slight hill but it felt like a mountain to me) so am thrilled with my little self!

gutenberg

Long time no chat in this thread!

I saw a physio about the hip flexor issue and have been slowly getting back into the swing of things.

Some of you may have seen my thread about running backpacks, but I thought I'd ask in here too as everyone has always been very friendly. I'll be starting a new job soon-ish and am thinking about incorporating some runs into the commute: I'll probably be commuting anywhere between 2-4 days a week (it's an academic job & the timetable is somewhat variable). It's 3K from the train station I'll arrive at to the campus, so I was thinking of running between them in at least one direction (maybe both some days). I have access to a shower at the campus, and I also have an office for storing a towel, and keeping things like spare clothes.

I am wondering if I need to look into a running backpack. I'll probably need to carry items like a packed lunch, some clothes, maybe one or two books with me. Has anyone any experience of backpacks, or any thoughts on whether I'd need one for such a relatively short distance? I have a small-ish backpack already, should I just try that out with the straps kept quite tight? Any tips appreciated, as are any tips from people who have incorporated running into their commute or similar, and whether it's doable!

Maximus Alexander

Generally the preferred option would be to bring whatever you need into work on the days you're not running if possible; running with a backpack on won't do you any favours. That said, I do it myself semi-regularly on a much longer commute. I don't have a special running backpack, just a small regular one. As long as you keep it light and the straps tight it shouldn't be an issue, though I've never done it with heavy items like books in there.

Amadeus 2014

Running as part of a commute is doable but tough if you are incorporating a train as well - the practicalities of running to a train and stinking the place out or traveling in your gear / changing at the station are a bit of a pain. I ran 3-4 miles to and from home to work without a train a few times carrying a regular backpack strapped tightly and it is ok but not ideal.

Much better if you can (IMO) is to try and get in a little earlier, get changed and run before work or even just at lunchtime if the facilities and flexitime support it.

gutenberg

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

Generally the preferred option would be to bring whatever you need into work on the days you're not running if possible; running with a backpack on won't do you any favours. That said, I do it myself semi-regularly on a much longer commute. I don't have a special running backpack, just a small regular one. As long as you keep it light and the straps tight it shouldn't be an issue, though I've never done it with heavy items like books in there.

Amadeus 2014 wrote: »

Running as part of a commute is doable but tough if you are incorporating a train as well - the practicalities of running to a train and stinking the place out or traveling in your gear / changing at the station are a bit of a pain. I ran 3-4 miles to and from home to work without a train a few times carrying a regular backpack strapped tightly and it is ok but not ideal.

Much better if you can (IMO) is to try and get in a little earlier, get changed and run before work or even just at lunchtime if the facilities and flexitime support it.

Thanks both.

When I say books, I should qualify by saying I mean a paperback or two, and I wouldn't have them every day - maybe once or twice a week. I'm going to try & be organised & keep as much as possible in work, but I will undoubtedly have lunch at least every day. I have a small Mountain Warehouse backpack, I can test it out & see how it goes.

I appreciate the difficulties having to tie in with a train presents. I'm anticipating that I'll primarily do the run from the train to work, since I'll have the shower once I get there. However, I also know that it's "only" 3K in distance, so not a very substantial run (though better than not running at all!), hence thinking trying to incorporate the run back on some days. I have a pretty flexible timetable, but am somewhat constrained by the commute & train times: to run before work near my workplace, I'd have to be getting a very very early train. Likewise with a flexible timetable, it means I can mostly avoid rush hour trains, so I don't know how often I'd be able to dedicate time at lunchtime etc. I think I will just have to tweak around with things & see how it is once I start.

Maximus Alexander

Just give it a shot and see how you get on I suppose. I expect you'll be grand, and you'll know soon enough if you need to lighten the load because it will be quite uncomfortable.

WhatsGoingOn2

Take a scenic route to make it a 5k or more run.