OK, I know this will sound like bragging, but the main point of the post is to encourage anyone who is starting out and feeling like their commute simply takes too long. My story:

Started commuting about 18 months ago from the suburbs to Boston. It's about marathon distance roundtrip. When I started, it took me nearly an hour and a half door to door, and today I did it in 45:36. That is now faster than taking public transportation (50-70 minutes), and of course much faster than driving in rush hour.

What changed?
* switched from an upright "comfort" bike to a road bike (w/fender)
* lost 30#
* optimized my route to shave off about a half mile
* clipless pedals
* riding in work pants --> "real" biking clothes
* riding off-peak to avoid traffic
* got comfortable proceeding through intersections without cross traffic
* of course, flexibility and strength increased

maybe there were other factors, too. anyway, if at first the commute seems too long, over time there is a lot you can do to shorten it

My first commute was last May and the length is between 44 and 48 miles round trip, lately that depends on how much of the route is flooded. First few months last Summer I was cycling to to work 2 or 3 days a week and averaging one hour and 45 minutes each way. Couple of weeks last Summer I rode all 5 days and was just plain worn out by Friday.

Now five days a week is the routine and am averaging 1 hour 20 minutes each way and enjoying every minute.

Main differences for me are the weight loss, 60 lbs, and the increase in fitness. Also have figured out the timing of the traffic lights for the part of my commute on city streets.

I'm also very fortunate to work in a building that has bike lockers right outside the entrance and has a full locker room w/ showers in the basement. That helps minimize the time spent cleaning up after my ride in the morning.

I thought my commute was long. 40 miles RT. You guys are great. Keep up the good work.

Great post. Also, getting the routine down (packing clothes, etc ahead of time) saves time after a while, too.

If my commute starts taking much less time I'll have to take longer routes home to get the same workout. :-)

That was good encouragement though, thanks.

rock on. My story is about the same. The biggest factor by far though, was optimizing the route to avoid lights. Even though it added a little more distance, I avoid major traffic areas.

Going from full suspension big knobbie tires to a road bike only shaved 5 min. or so. But the amount of getting my butt kicked decreased exponentially which resulted in being able to commute from 3 days a week max to 5 days no prob and still energy for weekend rides.

Realizing you will be late and fired/sacked, if you are, is a good motivation .

Mine did as well. It went from 60 to 45 minutes starting in April and ending in November.

Great job, Mtalinm! I've shortened my commute, too, but not anywhere like you have. Guess I'll have to push myself a little more.

Well done.