Running to work

[bmccasland]

I'm not sure who he is, but there's a guy in my office building that I see running into the office every morning, with a full backpack (larger than a day pack). I don't know how far he runs, but considering the office is in an industrial area, I'm guessing its more than a couple of miles. He does wear a hi-viz vest, and there's reflective tape on his pack.

Makes me feel even lazier as I'm cruising into the office lot in my car.

So 7rider - you go girl! Your plan sounds terrific!

[Wahine]

I run to work sometimes. And I run errands sometimes. It's a great way to sneak in some running when you're on a tight schedule. You do have to be well planned out and it sounds like you are. And like LPH said, try to not have anything loose in your pockets, it's super annoying.

I also run splits at times to help get my mileage where I want it. So instead of running 7 miles at once I might do 4 in the AM and 4 again in the PM.

Lastly, I don't think you need to get too hung up on the long run being 40% of your weekly mileage thing. I have done programs successfully and have had coaching clients do the same, where the long run is what it is and the rest of the week my runs are only as much as I need to do to get some hill and speed intervals in. For example, I might have one 5 miler and one 6 miler during the week, but still run 13 to 18 miles on the weekend depending on where I am in my schedule. That's tempered with the fact that I am also cycling.

[limewave]

I think its a good idea! If you are up for the planning ahead, then I say go for it.

I, too, have run with a pack. In fact, I sometimes trail run carrying a large camelbak--good training for adventure racing. It's not too bad as long as there is a sternum strap and the pack fits well.

We have a friend that is an elite marathon/ultramarathon runner. And he used to run 13 miles into work on occasion. Sometimes he'd commute on his bike, other times he would run. He carried a backpack.

Wahine has some good advice about the long run and weekly runs. I've followed that philosophy myself and have had success.