From Fat to Triathlete

Tag: running with your dog

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On My Own

February 22, 2012
My running buddies

My running buddies

My morning runs usually consists of running a mile with Marshall, then a second mile with Wrigley.  It gets them both some needed exercise as they are young energetic dalmatians and it gets me to run twice as far.  Unfortunately, for the past few days Marshall has been sick.  He was throwing up, very lethargic and dehydrated.  He has not been up for running.

So, even though I can work out when I’m sick, I have a difficult time running when one of my running buddies is sick.  (There is probably a blog post about the importance of workout partners somewhere in there).  Needless to say, Wrigley and I have been doing some walking, but not much.

This morning I decided I just needed to do it, with or without my running buddy.  Every day missed is one day closer to my Ironman with no preparation.  Wrigley and I ran a mile and then I did the second mile on my own.  I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about running by myself.  But I did it, and it had good and bad aspects.

Good – I was actually 2 minutes faster over the course of the mile.  I will chalk that up to not having to stop at every bush, tree and mailbox along the way.  The chart of my pace from Map My Fitness shows that my pace was relatively consistent over that mile, which makes me happy.

Bad – There was no one to talk to.  I actually was lonely.  And it’s not the same talking to yourself.  However, that is a feeling I will have to get used to because during the race I will be alone most of the time.

All in all, I’m glad to be back to training after a few days off.  Marshall is feeling better and will be up and running soon, but even so, I can run with just myself for company.

On another note, this past Saturday I participated in the Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics.  You can read all about it here.

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: Training
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Let the Countdown Begin

June 27, 2010

Today marks the official start of my 20 week half ironman training.  The program I am using is from BeginnerTriathlete.com and can be found here.  The plan calls for a 40 minute run and 40 minute swim workout.  I’m not sure about fitting in the swim today, but the plan is to go canoeing this evening and I think that will give me the arm workout I need.  This morning’s run was 2.5 miles in 40 minutes.  And it is hot, hot, hot out.  According to weather.com, it is 86 degrees with 77% humidity.  I know it’s been hotter, and this isn’t a complaint, (I complained about the cold, so I have a hard time justifying complaints about the heat too…..) just observations about this morning’s weather.  I don’t really mind so much for myself, but Wrigley begs to go with me, and who can refuse this face?

wrigley azaleas So, I let him run with me for 15 minutes.  We try to follow all the safety rules for running with your pet.  It’s not worth it if something were to happen to him.

Exercise is important for a healthy, well-behaved dog.  We love that we can take Wrigley with us when we go places and he will be a nice calm boy.  But, this didn’t just happen.  We exercise his body by running and playing and his brain by taking him to obedience and agility classes and working with him every day.  There are some guidelines to exercising with your dog that I think can’t be said enough.

  • Do not participate in vigorous exercise within 45 minutes of eating.  This can lead to bloat which is a very serous and potentially deadly condition.  Some of the signs of bloat are pacing, hard or distended stomach, panting and drooling and unproductive attempts to vomit.  If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately.
  • Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink.
  • If it’s hot, try to exercise early in the morning or late in the evening.
  • Keep a close watch on them and stop if they seem to be overheated, panting excessively or are acting outside of normal.
  • Never exercise with your dog if they have a injury or medical condition.

As I read back through these tips, the advice is good for 2 legged and 4 legged runners, except for maybe the bloat part.  People can choose for themselves what works best as far as eating and exercise.  If you are new to exercising, especially in the heat, be safe and don’t overdo.

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: Running
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Running with Man’s Best Friend

November 2, 2009

Running with Wrigley has been a great motivator for me because he is so excited every morning to get out and go.  His exictement  is sometimes the only thing that gets me out the door.

When you are starting an exercise program, you don’t just hop up off the couch and start running.  There are some important things you need to do in preparation for exercising.  The same is true for your four legged running buddy, however, he can’t do these things for himself.  He relies on you to take care of his preparation as well as yours.  Here are some things you can do to ensure that your running partner stays healthy and able to enjoy the time with you.

  • Have your dog checked by a veterinarian before beginning any exercise program.  The vet should check his general health, heart, lungs and joints to make sure he is healthy enough to run.
  • Make sure you have a period of warm up and cool down.  This will be good for both of you.
  • Carry enough water for both of you or run in an area where there will be plenty of water available.
  • Start slowly.  He needs to build up his endurance and also needs to build up the toughness of his pads.  (He doesn’t get the fancy cushioned running shoes you bought for yourself.)  Check the bottom of his feet often for sings of soreness or blisters
  • Your dog will become overheated quicker than you will, so try not to run during the hottest part of the day.
  • Along the same lines, dogs keep cool by panting and also by heat exchange through the pads of their feet.  If you are running on hot pavement, they can’t cool off effectively.
  • Keep an eye out for the signs of overheating.  They are:  excessive panting or salivation, red gums, vomiting, diarrhea and general weakness.
  • Use a leash.  This is for your dog’s safety as well as the safety of others.  You never know when that rogue car will drive by way too fast or swerve way too close.

When done safely, running with your dog can be great fun and bring you closer together.  Wrigley and I highly recommend it!

On another note, here are my training times from this morning

Distance: 3 miles

Total time: 57:42

Mile 1: 20:52

Mile 2: 18:06

Mile 3: 18:44

Average Pace: 19:10

I’m happy with these numbers for day 2.  I have a lot of work to do to be where I’d like to be, but I”m moving in the right direction!

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: Random, Training
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