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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to consider this commute feasible (it’s a run to work one)?

122 replies

Mysteriousgirl2 · 25/08/2023 21:27

Wondering if anyone else is a run commuter out there.

My (new job) commute is 5-6 miles, rural and no street lighting. I need to be at work for 7:30 and will be leaving at roughly 4.

The roads are a mixture of A and B roads. The A roads are fast but there is mostly a pavement. The B roads are twisty and slow but I’m confident I can pop into the hedge if a car comes (I’m used to this kind of running and not too concerned).

Cycling in would not work for various reasons. There’s no option of part run commute as there are no buses/ trains anywhere near and I’ll need my car once I get home for the nursery/ school run (in opposite direction to my work).

Im keen to increase my daily exercise. Exercising in the morning and evening is tricky as I have 3 very small children.

Has anyone done this or should I stick to home workouts in the dry and then safely drive in to work?

Haven’t really sussed out the showering situation etc yet but there’s bound to be staff showers (secondary comprehensive school).

OP posts:
PenguinLove1 · 25/08/2023 23:45

Drive to work early and go for a run near the school before you start work, with clothes in your car to change in to afterwards surely?

CharlotteBog · 25/08/2023 23:51

Im keen to increase my daily exercise. Exercising in the morning and evening is tricky as I have 3 very small children.

Can you explain how the commute would work with the children?

If you run commute, you'd need to leave at say 6.15am. Someone will be minding the children at this time. So why can't you exercise at/from home while the children are being cared for then.

Likewise, what's the difference between running home or driving home and then doing some exercise? Each requires that the children are looked after by someone other than you.

ZenNudist · 26/08/2023 00:00

Don't do this. You're going to end up in a road accident.

Yellowshirt · 26/08/2023 01:33

@CharlotteBog . It is absolutely suicidal to run these roads in the dark. Even in daylight I avoid running on roads if possible.
If the road is wet or iced she doesnt stand a chance if a car meets her on a corner and someone is coming the other way.

Catsmere · 26/08/2023 01:49

OP, your description of the van driver slowing down and opening his window is the one major argument I have against this. Never mind the traffic dangers, the likelihood of burnout, lack of recovery time, chances of injury - you'd be setting yourself up as a target. You'd be the woman who runs every day, alone, at the same time, along those roads. It only takes one opportunistic, predatory man.

Marynotsocontrary · 26/08/2023 02:27

Sounds dangerous for you and the drivers. Terrifying to drive around a bend on a narrow road and be almost on top of a runner! Especially challenging in the dark or in bad weather.
I don't think it's fair on drivers to do this and you're risking your life! Madness in my opinion.

CharlotteBog · 26/08/2023 02:51

Yellowshirt · 26/08/2023 01:33

@CharlotteBog . It is absolutely suicidal to run these roads in the dark. Even in daylight I avoid running on roads if possible.
If the road is wet or iced she doesnt stand a chance if a car meets her on a corner and someone is coming the other way.

If I never ran on a B road I would not be able to run from my home. I can assure you that runners all over the country are running quite safely on B roads.
Our club organises regular summer runs along B roads.

theGooHasGone · 26/08/2023 03:18

Augend23 · 25/08/2023 22:30

It doesn't have to be all or nothing, does it?

Could you drive to work one day, run home that day, run in the next day and then drive home?

Even if you did just that over a week that's 20km more than you would have fitted in otherwise. Also avoids the problem of not being able to transport things!

I probably wouldn't want to do it in dreadful weather either.

I agree with this. Going from a non-running commute to doing 10k each way 5 days a week is crazy. Why not try running there and back one day a week and see how you get on first?

Landlubber2019 · 26/08/2023 03:24

I took a job which was within walking distance from home, the roads were hilly, bendy with large swathes with no pathway.

I can't begin to tell you how terrifying it was, ultimately it didnt last as it was simply unsafe.

ShowOfHands · 26/08/2023 03:43

I work in a secondary school, similar distance and same hours. Even without everything else, we have no showers so it simply wouldn't be possible. I cycle in regularly but can't on hot days as I risk teaching whilst smelling awful.

If you're able to fit in two 10ks a day around a school run, surely you have time to work out morning and evening before and after work whilst driving for your commute.

Original poster
Mysteriousgirl2 · 26/08/2023 06:58

CharlotteBog · 25/08/2023 23:51

Im keen to increase my daily exercise. Exercising in the morning and evening is tricky as I have 3 very small children.

Can you explain how the commute would work with the children?

If you run commute, you'd need to leave at say 6.15am. Someone will be minding the children at this time. So why can't you exercise at/from home while the children are being cared for then.

Likewise, what's the difference between running home or driving home and then doing some exercise? Each requires that the children are looked after by someone other than you.

Essentially because I know that my DH will look after the kids if I run to work in the morning because he will have to as I’m not there he’s kind. But if I’m doing exercise in the house (a workout video or something), the children will be all hanging off me. He’s already vetoed a treadmill or exercise bike sadly.

OP posts:
eurochick · 26/08/2023 07:11

That is a LOT of running. Also, how will you be able to transport marking and other materials? Teachers never seem to travel light. You could probably do it one or two days a week, with planning so you take stuff in the days either side.

Dragonwindow · 26/08/2023 07:11

Mysteriousgirl2 · 26/08/2023 06:58

Essentially because I know that my DH will look after the kids if I run to work in the morning because he will have to as I’m not there he’s kind. But if I’m doing exercise in the house (a workout video or something), the children will be all hanging off me. He’s already vetoed a treadmill or exercise bike sadly.

Show quote history

Do you have a gym at work? Our school gym is staff only 7-7.30am. Or could you get to work early and run a lap of the playing fields etc? I totally understand about having to be officially gone from the house in order to get anything done!

NotMadeOfStone · 26/08/2023 07:28

If DH is home why not just go for an early- morning run then come home and get ready for work? That's what I used to go; I loved it! Felt very fit and virtuous by the time I sat at my desk at 8am 😇

rwalker · 26/08/2023 07:32

Those roads sound like an accident waiting to happen

hermioneee · 26/08/2023 07:33

Try walking it (not all the way!) on a weekend and see how you feel. It will be less busy then so you can imagine it without the pressure or setting off and having to get to work in your first week.

CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 26/08/2023 07:39

I run commute 8 miles each way once or twice a week. The difference for me compared to you is that the whole route is on paths, many of them away from roads completely.

I take my stuff (including a change of clothes) in a 10l run vest on the days I go there and back in the same day (I often run home one day and back the next). Heavy stuff like laptop etc I leave in work the night before.

I wouldn't do it on the roads you describe. I'd just not find any of it relaxing or enjoyable. Is there an off road route you could take instead, even if it's slightly longer?

sadaboutmycat · 26/08/2023 07:39

KateyCuckoo · 25/08/2023 21:46

She's leaving work st 4pm... not home at 4am.

The way the OP wrote it, I also read it that she would be leaving at 4 to run 10k to work in the morning.

Phunny · 26/08/2023 07:44

Hello - I totally understand what you’re trying to do here. I have two small children and definitely need to fit exercise into my routine and away from the house if it’s going to happen. I have done a similar run commute (5 miles each way). BUT once or twice a week max. I probably am a “seasoned” runner but I still feel very drained on the run home, it’s different after a day’s work. I do love getting those miles in though!

There are brilliant commuting bags, I carry everything I need every day since I don’t have a locker. Look on wiggle.com

i run on twisty b roads. I do avoid them where I can in the dark though. But even if you do it once or twice a week in the summer, that’s still a lot more than nothing. Good on you for going for it. I’d be interested to hear how you get on.

good luck!

StrawberryPi · 26/08/2023 08:05

I regularly run commute and I love it! Though to be fair not that often do I go both ways. That said, couldn't you just do it 2-3 days a week rather than four, which would give you a weekly mileage of 40-60k, probably a little more achievable than 80k for someone who is self professedly not a big runner.

My weekly mileage has only hit 70k+ when I've been training for an ultra and it is a lot!

StrawberryPi · 26/08/2023 08:06

P.s I keep shoes and a jumper at work, and run with a small running rucksack which can hold clothes if I need them, my lunch, another other bits and bobs I may need for the day, it's perfectly comfortable!

Fizbosshoes · 26/08/2023 08:11

I think I would either do a shorter run first thing while DH is home or if you leave at 4pm in the car, will this not free up some time when you get in to do a run/workout before collecting kids?

I used to commute run home maybe 3 x a week when I lived closer to work. It was about 6 miles but I could get the tube to work (there were no showers) and run home.

Ragwort · 26/08/2023 08:13

As usual it sounds as though you have a DH problem .. how can he 'veto' a running machine or an exercise bike? Unless you physically just don't have the space for them.
You've had three DC with this man - surely you are entitled to some time to exercise ... could you go for a run after school but in the same neighbourhood before collecting the DC.

WhatapityWapiti · 26/08/2023 08:18

Ragwort · 26/08/2023 08:13

As usual it sounds as though you have a DH problem .. how can he 'veto' a running machine or an exercise bike? Unless you physically just don't have the space for them.
You've had three DC with this man - surely you are entitled to some time to exercise ... could you go for a run after school but in the same neighbourhood before collecting the DC.

Yes, this is worryIng. Why should a husband be able to veto anything that is not a joint purchase?

CharlotteBog · 26/08/2023 08:21

Essentially because I know that my DH will look after the kids if I run to work in the morning because he will have to as I’m not there he’s kind. But if I’m doing exercise in the house (a workout video or something), the children will be all hanging off me. He’s already vetoed a treadmill or exercise bike sadly.

Then go out for a run.