Two runners – Four Coaches and a Semi Marathon

How did we get challenged to a 10km and then a half marathon I do not remember.

But I do remember how it felt running 3 km, then 5 and when a10 km run became the norm for training.

About 2 weeks ago Rita my running partner and I, both finished our first semi marathon. It is a great sense of accomplishment.  But for me it ended up being a lot of fun.

How we kept and stuck to the training for the last 4 months …  Our coaches. We had the best coaches in the whole world.

Training with your dog will not help you win a marathon or a semi marathon. Dogs are built for endurance and are very good at saving energy while running. They do not run very fast but they are excellent pacers.

For the average runners it is perfect.  If your goal is to have fun and be fit, they are the best running partners.

• Timba is a German Shepherd cross. She is a great pacer and likes to keep the pack together.
• Bear is a Hound cross. This girl was born and built for running. Her only complaint .. . Can they run faster? Are we already done?
• Luna is a German Shepherd and 5 km is her distance. She does not like running on the leash but loves cross country because she can be off leash.
• Falcon is a German Shepherd and loves hanging out with the girls. So when he goes running with Timba and Bear he is in heaven.

1 – If you are an advanced runner, take your dog on a test run for  3 or 5 km and watch how he is performing.

Like people, dogs needs to train and gradually build stamina.

2  - Check with your vet to make sure your dog is healthy enough and can run with you.

3 – If you have to keep your dog on the leash, use a harness, it is easier on the dog neck … and NO it does not make him pull.

4 – Use a 6 foot leash minimum and give him some room. You will find that most dog do not run well when they are to close for the body. They need a little bit of space.

5 –  It is important to have your hands free while running. So have a system where you can tied up the leash around the waist.

6 – If you are running more than 5 km you must carry water for your dog. if you are running on the road, you can drive first and put a few buckets of water on the side of the run.

7 – Keep a close eye on your dog all the time. I like to follow their pace and slow down when they start getting behind.

8 – Keep in mind they do not sweat. So make sure you use common sense when it is hot. Do not run in the sun and have plenty of water available. I have found that running in the morning during hot days works better because the road is still cool from the night.

9 – Check the paws after a run. Especially if you are running on the road.

10 –  The first 800 m is for the dogs. Dogs do not walk or run in a straight line. They love to sniff and check things out. When running, you do not want to be stopped every five minutes. I let them do what dogs do for the first 800 m. Then come the magic world: Let’s run. They know I mean business and off we go.

A note of caution. Running is addictive and you might get hooked. And running with your dog is just plain bliss. The downsize, you will end up with a healthy pooch and a healthier you.

What kind of exercise do you do with your dog? Use the box below to add your comment