How to Have a Successful Lunchtime Run (without alienating co-workers or losing job)

Sarah Fitness is hosting a Couch to 5K program starting Monday. Since that is the case, I thought I would share some things I've learned for those participants who may have no other time to run than "lunchtime".

Lunchtime runs put me in a better mood. You're welcome, co-workers.

I love my lunchtime run. It's the only time I can do it during the week. However, many days I have to get right back to work, and as a librarian, people might notice my sweaty stinkiness.

So, I've created this handy guide to a successful lunchtime run:

1. Put it on the schedule.
Everyone in my office knows when my lunchtime run is. I'm lucky enough to have a flexible schedule, so unless I have a specific meeting in the afternoon, I don't always have to go right at noon. But, when I write out the to-do list for the day, I put the lunchtime run.

2. What to bring:
Washrag, makeup, change of underwear, hairbrush (optional), deodorant. Also optional: Baby wipes.

3. The Spit Bath.
After my run, when I'm in my running clothes and sweaty/gross as heck, I bring my work clothes, *change of underwear*, makeup and a washrag into the bathroom. When I was a kid and I didn't want to take a bath (or, now that I'm a parent I'm starting to suspect my parents didn't feel like doing the whole bath thing), we did what my parents called a "spit" bath. It sounds gross. But it just means scrubbing yourself off with a wet washrag. So, that's what I do.

4. Try to have low maintenance hair.
I would love to always have a cute hairdo. But, that's one of the things I give up with my love of lunchtime running. I usually start the day with my hair fixed and looking fabulous. Then I put it up during my run. I usually leave it up for the rest of the day. On some rare days, if I want to look especially good and I have a few extra minutes, I'll get out the straightening iron and work on it on my desk so I can put it down again. But, that doesn't always work...

My hair looked so good before this run, I had to document it before messing it up.

5. Take a shower when you get home.
Even with my brilliant "spit bath" technique, I still don't quite feel clean until I've had a proper shower. However, since you've had your "spit bath", you don't need to go too crazy. 5 minutes should be enough. (or 3, if you have kids like mine).

Do any of you run at lunchtime? What are some of your tips?

Happy Running!

I just ran. Where's my washrag?