The New Run Commuters – October 2014

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]We’ve been a bit busy around here lately prepping for ultras, raising kids, and meeting the demands of our non-running day jobs (ugh), but we’re picking back up again and have a some great new stories and articles to share with you. To kick it off, we’re starting with an overdue edition of The New Run Commuters.

In this month’s edition, we feature Seth Leon, a UCLA Statistician from Los Angeles, CA, and Lori Corpuz, a data analyst living in New York City.

If you are interested in being featured in The New Run Commuters, please fill out the form at the end of the post and we’ll be in touch.

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Runner Basics

Seth L. - 02
New Run Commuter Seth Leon
  • Name: Seth Leon
  • Age: 51
  • City/State: Los Angeles, CA
  • Profession/Employer: Statistician, UCLA
  • Number of years running: 4
  • # of races you participate in a year: 2
  • Do you prefer road or trail? I guess I prefer the trails as we have some beautiful trails here in Socal, but 90% of my miles are on the road.

Run Commuting Gear

  • Backpack: Osprey Daylite
  • Shoes: Hoka One Cliftons
  • Clothing:  The usual, but I wear Shock Doctor Knee braces and spandex to prevent chafing
  • Outerwear:
  • Headgear: Usually a hat
  • Lights: I attach some blinkers to my backpack
  • Hydration: None, I’m basically a camel and only need to hydrate on 20+ milers

On Run Commuting

Why did you decide to start run commuting?

About 1 ½ years ago, partly out of necessity as I had a bike I was commuting with stolen. I didn’t think I could handle the mileage as I had been injury prone in the past, but was surprised how I responded to running doubles with a gradual buildup.

Seth, when he's not running
Seth, when he’s not running

How often do you run commute?

5 days a week

How far is your commute?

Typical week of round trips:

  • 2 days, 15 miles each
  • 2 days, 5 miles each
  • 1 day, 4 miles

I drive part way to work so I have go to street parking spots depending on my schedule.

I have done the full 21-mile round trip a few times. I like to do the 15-milers back-to-back (along with a Saturday long run with my group The LA Leggers) on Tuesday/Wednesday, as it seems to help my endurance.

Do you pack or buy a lunch?

Buy

What do you like most about run commuting?

  • Turns the worst part of most days in LA (the commute) into a productive healthy, consistent activity
  • Better for the environment & reduces traffic
  • The morning/evening doubles are great for base building
  • Don’t have to pay for parking, pay less for gas

Do you know of anyone else in your area that runs to work?

I see a few folks, but don’t know them personally.

When not run commuting, how do you get to work?

On rare occasions, say, when I need to wear a suit for an important meeting I drive.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who was considering run commuting, what would it be?

Do it, but start slow and gradually increase miles or days.

Anything else that you would like to include?

I am fortunate working at UCLA. I have showers and a locker waiting for me when I get to campus. Run commuting (along with those knee braces) allowed me to overcome injuries that were limiting me to 20 miles a week running. Now in large part to the recovery that the doubles allow I am running 65-70 miles a week.

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Runner Basics

New Run Commuter Lori Corpuz
New Run Commuter Lori Corpuz
  • Name: Lori Corpuz
  • Age: 23
  • Location: New York City
  • Profession: Data Analyst in the Financial Services Industry
  • Number of years running: 10
  • # of races you participate in a year: 3+ Half Marathons
  • Do you prefer road or trail? Trail is better for my knees, but I live in a concrete jungle.
  • Preferred Running Application: Nike+
 

Run Commuting Gear

  • Backpack: Nathan Vapor Shape
  • Shoes: Any Nike Stability shoe, looking into Hoka
  • Clothing: Various articles from Nike and Lululemon
  • Outerwear: Various Nike and Lululemon jackets
  • Headgear: Nike Cap, Lululemon beanie
  • Lights: Petzl headlamp
  • Hydration: small glass of Cytomax before the run
 

On Run Commuting

Why did you decide to start run commuting?
I first learned of run commuting from my Executive Director who runs into work everyday. After beginning work in NYC, initially I would do a loop in Central Park or meet-up with various running groups; however, when I began studying for the CFA Designation, I fell off due to time constraints. I realized run-commuting would integrate well by displacing my morning subway ride and keeping me accountable to managing my studies and workouts around my work schedule.
 
Lori C. - 02
Sunrise in Brooklyn, NY

How often do you run commute?

Each morning of the workweek
 
How far is your commute?
5.5+ miles
 
Do you pack or buy a lunch?
Buy at a grocery store upon arrival, or during lunch
 
What do you like most about run commuting?
Waking up to an adventure and amazing sunrise every morning, while tackling many responsibilities at once (i.e. commuting, working out, planning my intentions for the day, photojournalism by way of social media, reading/podcasting, jamming to new music, etc.)
 
Do you know of anyone else in your area that run commutes?
I will soon enough.
 

When not run commuting, how do you get to work?

Lori C. - 03
Scenes from Lori’s run commute
Subway, or I’ll bike.
 
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone who was considering run commuting, what would it be?
Run a few trial runs before the real deal so you can learn from your mistakes beforehand. Otherwise, Concede Nothing and Just Do It.
 
Anything else you would like to include?
In the words of Robert Frost, I strive to take the road “less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”.
 
 
 
 
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Interested in being featured on The Run Commuter? Fill out the form below and you could be in next month’s edition of The New Run Commuters!
 

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Tell us a little about your run commute! (required)

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    Author: Josh

    Run commuter for over a decade. Father of three boys. Husband of the world's greatest bicycle advocate. Can be found running everywhere in and around Atlanta, Georgia.

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