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!

1. 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!
2. 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

3. 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:

1. 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)
2. 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.

Do you have a dog?

Do you run with a dog?

Are you an animal person?

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