Have you ever gone running with a dog?
While I was dog/house sitting for Mr SOTSS this past weekend I figured I’d try and take Chester running with me to give him the exercise that he is used to. Mr. SOTSS normally runs with him 2-3 times per week. Everything went fairly well.
my first running with Chester attempt
And I think we bonded a little! He was 90% perfect! I won’t tell you about how he knocked me down at the end of our second run when we were just 2 houses from home in an attempt to get to another dog. 🙂
Second run….5 miles total. 0 with Duncan, 3.5 with Chester and the rest alone.
I learned a few things:
Speedy first mile!
- The first mile—which is usually the hardest for me—became the easiest and the fastest because of Chester. He was just so darn happy to get out the door. Both runs we did together started off with a sub 10 minute first mile. Thanks pal! Way to get my endorphins going!
- Dogs stop and sniff a lot……like every single tree! I realized certain blocks that had less foliage allowed for longer stretches of continuous running but some of those tree-lined neighborhood streets were sheer stop and go. It took a little getting used to but eventually I just sort of coordinated walk breaks during his sniff breaks. He kept me running fast when we were actually running so our overall times were pretty consistent with my solo runs.
sniff stop
- It felt really good to give a dog the exercise that they need. So I felt even more accomplished after my runs with Chester.
Happy dog!
But Chester and I (and Duncan!) took our resting time seriously too.
resting
resting
really resting
switch positions and rest some more
I came back home on Sunday night and my week has been fairly uneventful so far. I had a really terrible run Monday. I didn’t get going until about 11am and the sun was just too strong. 
I worked most of the afternoon and then in the evening I took Duncan to the park for a walk.
Yesterday I changed things up a bit. I took Duncan to the park in the morning, worked all day, and waited until after 6:30pm to get my miles in. While the humidity levels were higher the run overall felt easier without that harsh sun beating down on me. I ran a slow and steady pace but didn’t have to stop and walk at all.
8am walk in the park
Evening run
So I have a silly poll for those of you who are in a relationship but don’t live together:
- How often do you communicate daily?
A. 0-1 times a day (out of sight out of mind)
B. 2-3 times a day (just checking in with a good morning or good evening)
C. 4+ times a day (long text threads or sharing of daily happenings) - What is your preferred method?
A. Phone Call
B. Email
C. Text
Thanks!
I’m taking today as a rest day. My knee is a bit sore.
We actually just got a puppy last week. He’s a little bitty thing that was abandoned so I don’t know how big he will get but would love to take him on runs with me if his size permits!
Aww. Congrats! You’ll have to keep me posted on how big he gets.
My boyfriend and I run with my (our) dog. She has pulled me down chasing creatures but, for the most part, she is a great companion. She is also large, but docile, so I don’t mind people being cautious around her!
My boyfriend and I text during the day. We both work in city government, but not in the same department, so email is usually only work related. We also both eat lunch at home quite a bit. Together. Dog included 😉
That sounds like a great balance. Dog included for sure! 😉
I had a miniature pinscher for 10 years and always wished that she could run with me! She would have loved it when she was young, if her little legs were just a little bit longer (and she had been a little less skittish while walking, LOL).
I saw a guy bike riding with his fairly old shi-tzuh in a basket at the front of the bike once. It was really cute.
Nothing specific to add – newish reader here – but I love reading your posts. I really enjoy your “voice” and love seeing your running stats – time, distance, etc.
Have a good day!
Aww thanks!
I run with my Goldendoodle , Gracie. She loves to run! If she sees me in my running clothes she gets very excited. When she is outside she starts hitting at the back door to remind me to take her! She likes to go after squirrels, cats, and deer. She’s been a great running companion.
Woo hoo! Aww Gracie, I love that name. And I’m partial to doodles 🙂
Hi! I just discovered your blog and I am so glad to have found it–I love how positive you are! It reminds me why I love to run so much 🙂
In response to your “silly” poll–I love to hear what other people have to say about this stuff, so I’ll answer too!
My boyfriend and I usually talk on the phone 2-4 times a day, and no matter what, I always call him at the end of the day
Welcome! And thanks for responding to my poll. 🙂 Have a great day!
I run with my goldens Riley and Coulson. Riley loves to run and is my constant running buddy. It amazes me that he can run 6-8 miles and be ready to play ball shortly after whereas Coulson is ready for a nap after 1-2 miles lol.
I’m always amazed at dogs who have endless energy! Envious a bit. I love the names Riley and Coulson.
Your dogs are so cute! When my husband and I were still dating, we talked probably 3-4 time per day, mostly texts and IM conversations concluding with a few hours on the phone at night.
Thank you! And thanks for the poll response.
Pingback: Hello September -