Meet Dave, Lynn, and Paige. Here at Hydration HQ, we encourage every Nuunie to rethink their driving habits and find alternative forms of transportation. Many of us have run to work at least once, but these three are our most dedicated run-commuters.
They're also big trail runners!
We know the first run commute can be a little intimidating, so we asked them to share a few tips to make your first time easier. Follow their tips for a hassle-free run commute!
Map out your route the night before.
It’s helpful to know the most pedestrian-friendly areas, especially if you’re running through a big city. Side tip: if you’re training for a big race, it’s super fun to switch things up and incorporate/adapt your route according to your training plan (hill repeats, interval training, etc.).
Gather your clothes the night before.
While you're at it, plan both your running outfit and your change of clothes before you go to bed. Make it as convenient as possible so you don't waste time in the morning.
Be prepared for darkness.
During times of the year when the sun rises later, reflective gear, blinky lights, and headlamps are all essential for staying safe. In addition, depending on the length of your run, consider bringing spare batteries.
Bring the right backpack.
Get a small backpack that doesn’t bounce around but has room for a change of clothes, a laptop, and any necessary fuel. Most of us don't have a commuter backpack but instead wear our trail packs. They're suitable enough, but they don't allow for extra items, so planning and packing lightly is key.
Put your clothes in a bag.
Make sure your clothes are kept dry by wrapping them in a garbage bag, even if you have a waterproof backpack. This will also keep your clothes sweat-proof.
If not, bring clothes to work prior to your run.
If you don't want to carry your clothes in a pack, try bringing extra clothes to work on a previous day. Dave brings his every week on Monday so that it becomes part of the routine. And if he does forget, he has wiggle room to bring clothes the next day.
Fully charge your phone and bring cash.
This is true for all runs, but make sure you have a fully charged phone and cash on hand if you get injured and need to call an Uber/taxi or pay the bus fare.
Keep spare toiletries and a towel at work.
Or, if you don't have a shower at your office... dry shampoo and body wipes are a shower, right? Well, maybe not, but they sure work great in a pinch (and your coworkers will thank you!).
Run home from work.
If you don’t want to run to and from work (or aren't ready for that level of commitment), try just running home! Take public transit one way, or carpool with a coworker, and bring your running gear with you. Having a reliable alternate commute plan takes the hassle out of your run.
Have fun! We run because we genuinely love running, and run commutes should be no different. Don’t forget to stay hydrated during your run commute and stock up on plenty of electrolytes with Nuun tablets.
Key takeaways
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Plan ahead for a stress-free morning: Map your route, lay out your running clothes, and pack your change of clothes the night before.
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Stay safe during low-light hours: Use reflective gear, lights, and headlamps—especially in winter or early morning runs.
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Choose the right backpack and pack wisely: Select a snug, non-bouncy pack that fits your essentials and protect your clothes with a waterproof bag or pre-deliver them to work.
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Be prepared to freshen up: Keep spare toiletries, dry shampoo, body wipes, and a towel at the office for quick clean-ups post-run.
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Start small, stay hydrated, and enjoy it: Try running one way (like home), and remember to stay fueled and hydrated with Nuun electrolytes for a better experience.
