I've been able to do this more or less to coincide with the triathlon training I want to do... Which is a must for my sanity and all with still trying to have a semblance of home time with the family. It's working a bit like this;
1 day per week... Up early for turbo session indoors.... But before warm down hop on to previously prepared and packed commute bike for a ride to the station. Takes less then 15 mins so I can get there having done a good workout in time to grab a coffee and train ride in. Yes I'm in bike gear, but it's not too sweaty as I do at least change my top between turbo and departing! Getting the 7:26 means arriving at Staines at 8 just in time for the 8am shuttle to work. So I can get to work by 8:15 for shower, change and breakfast. I find these days pretty productive. Home in reverse so shuttle bus to train station and an easy bonus ride home. Trying to get the 17:11 or 17:23 if I can so door to door is hopefully as 11hour day....
1 day per week run to the station.... Means a lighter bag with bare minimals in... I can either go down the main road (which has footpath) or cross country a bit (which is pretty but has a hill in it!) but either way it's an easy 30mins form session and again into the 7:26 train with coffee. Way home either jog the 2k to Staines or take the shuttle... And always so far asked for a pick up from the train (too knackered to contemplate another run!!)... Same time train as above.
I've had one occasion the last few weeks the train was late in the morning. - this is a bit of a pain as it means I'm hanging about at Staines for 20+ mins for the next shuttle, if it happens on a run day I can run in the 2k but not an option with bike shoes on (mtb I may add!) ... So packing a warmer layer to put on will become significant I think in the coming months
1-2 days I'm driving ... For these I'm either trying to leave very very early (ie 6:50ish) so I can get to work by 7:30 and got for a run when I get there.... Or leaving late (after the rush hour) so go for a run or swim before starting the journey.
Leaving anytime between 7:30 and 8:30 has proved to be the worse time of day to drive in.... Today I left home at 7:35 and didn't get the measly 25k down the road until 9am.... Indeed yes I could have cycled it quicker (were I to value my life less I may attempt that, but the roundabout at the bottom of the eg ham bypass appears to be an accident waiting to happen in a car so probably a death trap on a bike)
The journey is certainly not and would never be as good as working in Frimley. Of course the offices are much nicer, modern (new), the showering facilities are getting there (the shower is good and I have a locker with towel and shower stuff in). I'm keeping two suits and two shirts on a coat stand by my desk (we don't have anywhere else to store them but at least I can use the coat stand). There's a canteen and we get breakfast so that does help.
I have found out I hate HATE being stuck in traffic.. I certainly wouldn't want to do this as a drive every day..... It would suck the life out of me. The train is expensive (which I can't fathom ... It's hardly encouraging anyone to get off the road but it certainly must be making someone some money).... Anyway at £15.20 per day it's I think at least 3 times that of the car (even when you include diesel, depreciation and wear and tear etc).... But I find the train whilst a longer door to door time both less stressful and more productive (fitness and brain time)... And that's why I guess I'm trying to do 2*train journeys a week, despite it costing at least £20 per week extra to me and my pocket.
So I'm still hopeful this will work, winter will be telling and certainly if the trains become less reliable that wouldn't be great! But we will see!
No comments:
Post a Comment