Commuting has continued but it’s now taken on a new form – “Covid Commuting“.
It’s been so long since my last blog entry I almost forgot how to use the publishing tools! I’ve also found it difficult to find the motivation to post, but finally managed to get around to it. It’s funny how one’s motivations can change so drastically in a short space of time… Working from home these days also means I am spending a minimum of 8 hours at my computer so never really feel like spending more time to write a new post…
Covid Commuting
Just like the rest of the world, my life changed massively in 2020 due to the global pandemic. Thankfully it has not been due to personal or family illness, but rather the lock-down and associated issues. My office shut it’s doors for all but essential onsite workers at the end of March. Most of the remaining employees were set up with laptops and remote access so again I am hugely thankful that my employment has continued uninterrupted.
Obviously this has impacted on my daily commute though!
Keep Riding
Having commuted to the office for the past 6 years I didn’t want to lose the fitness and stamina that had been built up over that time. I therefore very quickly set upon a new task of getting a psuedo commute in before and after work. This would help keep me focused on something other than work and ensure I had time to clear my head and de-stress away from the study.
I’m pleased to say that the morning rides have been immense! I think I’ve only failed to get out twice over the lock-down period so far. However, it was much too ambitious to think I could fit a second one in after work. There are just not enough hours in the day, with work being particularly busy and an equally busy family to support.
However, I quickly accepted the change and am now more than happy with the new arrangement. I can get anything up to 30 miles done before returning to my desk and beginning work.
New Roads
One of the benefits of not commuting to a fixed office is that I can now head in any direction and take whatever roads I wish. If the wind is strong one way I usually prefer to head into it first and have the second half with a nice tailwind boost. If I get bored of any particular roads there are another hundred nearby that I can take on.
This flexibility has probably been one of the biggest benefits to me of the new commutes. I’ve also stumbled upon places that I never knew existed, and walks that we could go back to with the family at a later date.
Exploring
The exploration that I mention above can be boosted by using an app that I recently discovered that aims to try and encourage you to search out new roads. It’s called Wandrer and is really more of a plugin for Strava than an app. Basically you link it to your Strava account and it then notifies you in the comments section on every ride if you cover some new ground.
It’s a good idea and gives you a target to aim for while doing all the hard work of tracking things for you. I’ve not really targeted new ground yet but the above screenshot shows that I have covered 21% of the roads in my region. Not bad but lots of work still to be done!
Variety
Despite the positives I mentioned above, as time has progressed I have sometimes found it difficult to get myself out in the morning. This is especially true if its grey and damp outside.
(I do always – and I mean every single time – feel better almost immediately and for the rest of the day if I get myself out there!)
When I had to get to and from the office there was no alternative, so the drive and motivation was always easy to find. Mentally I have found it a challenge but if I keep in mind the positives I’m hopeful I can keep on top of it. This will inevitably become harder as winter approaches and I’m not sure I will be able to muster up the appetite when those freezing mornings with potentially icy roads arrive.
Speaking about variety reminds me that I have really enjoyed doing more running that I was able to previously. It used to be only a run every few weeks, but over the summer I’ve managed to get out many days after work. This is much easier than getting on the bike as it just needs a quick change, running shoes and off you go. Also, in my case running tires out the body much quicker than a cycle will so I can fit that in after work much more easily. This cross training also benefits the body as it’s not ideal to focus entirely on one sport.
It’s also been great to try and encourage my youngest boy out with me. He’s not always dead keen to come but over the summer he has managed about 50 runs with me. With the lack of after school activities this has been super to keep his fitness ticking over.
Targets
Since it looks like our office will keep us working from home until next year (and actually even longer as they will be introducing more home working in the future) I have had to revise my usual targets. 8,000 miles a year has been my normal riding but for this year I will now aim for 6,000 and see where I end up.
I’m 100% committed to continuing my “commutes” though and will try and update things on here as and when I can.
Please let me know how you are finding Covid Commuting or if you have any further tips.
Wishing everyone continued and safe riding!
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