Walk to work and don’t forget your….

Ever since Tom rode his bike to work, there has been lots of buzz (and a little trash talking) going around the office for when I was going to walk to work. After months of hearing the taunting, I knew it was time I strap on the sneakers and make the trek. Never backing down from a challenge, there was no way I would let someone out do me on the eco-friendly scale!

Last Thursday, bright and early I was up and ready to conquer the walk to work. Not only does walking have a number of eco-friendly aspects such as no gas consumption and no pollution, it’s also one less day of wear and tear on the car. And with gas prices at $3.75/gallon, it’s nice on the wallet, too. My lunch was packed, clothes picked out, I was ready to roll…and then… I looked outside. I thought to myself, “it’s going to rain, I know it. You have to be kidding me.” In a half awake state, I made it over to the computer to check the forecast, rain all day. Okay, there was no way I could make the trek in the rain; I had important meetings that I needed to look professional for. Back to sleep for an extra 20 minutes, let’s table the walk for next week.

Fast forward to Monday morning and there’s no way I would wimp out again. I’m up over an hour earlier than normal, made my way downstairs and fixed a mega breakfast. I packed up my clothes, packed up my gym bag, and grabbed my iPod on the way out the door in shorts and my favorite Cubs t-shirt. It’s early, the sun is starting to peak up, and I have a 2.5 mike hike ahead of me.

• 10 minutes into the walk, this isn’t so bad. It’s refreshing, I’m feeling eco-minded, and the tunes are playing smooth. I’m diggin’ this walk, we’re onto something here.
• 25 minutes into the walk, this still isn’t so bad. I’ve got a nice sweat going, but if it’s for using less energy, I’m down for it.
• 45 minutes into the walk, I get into the office, head on down to the locker room with my gym bag, ready to take a shower and get ready for the official work day.

Dress shoes, check. Dress socks, check, Dress pants….YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Awwww man, I left them at home. Is this really happening? I’m two and a half mile away from home, without a car…and without pants!!

After a coworker in the locker room calms his laughing, he tosses me his keys so I can drive home and grab some dress pants. Still can’t believe it, trying to be eco-friendly and here I am in a car, driving the same trip I just walked!

Once the workday came to a close, it was time to make the trek back home, hopefully this time I remember to bring everything I need with me. Right out of the gate, it’s 83 degrees and uphill, but walking in the shade makes it pretty nice. Richmond is much more alive in the afternoon; the VCU ultimate frisbee team is out practicing, countless other students are riding their bikes to class, and people are out grabbing happy hour drinks at the local bars. Walking home was a nice way to decompress from the workday and spend some time outside.

All in all, walking to and from work was a really easy eco-friendly/conservation thing to do. I saved a few bucks on gas; I was one less car on the road, and I got in a few more miles of exercise I wouldn’t normally have had. But the biggest take away from this experience: Don’t forget your pants.