Running Trails With Your Mutt

I recently took my dog Daisy for her first train run.  I run mostly on pavement with her.  I wanted to do my favorite run up at Red Rock and decided at the last minute to take her.  It is not a really difficult trail so I wasn't worried about her paws getting tore up.  I was planning on 7 miles but figured I would see how she did. If I needed to cut it short I would.  I met a client of mine and we were ready to go. I made sure I took my citronella spray in case we came across any dogs off leash.  Daisy is not friendly with other dogs and some people think it is OK to let their dogs off leash when they are on trails. It is a sore subject for me because it really annoys me.  Their dog may be friendly and stay with them but if they come up to Daisy there will be a fight.  The citronella spray will keep them away and not harm them.  Fortunately this day I did not have to use it.  Daisy is a funny dog. I am sure all people think that about their dog.  She always has to be in the lead when she is running.  The only time she will stop and want to go back is when my boyfriend runs with her ahead of me.  Then she wants to come back to me.  Well this day Amy (my client) was running behind me. Daisy seemed so concerned where Amy was. She ran behind me the entire time frequently looking back to see where she was.  This was OK because I had strained a muscle a few days before so I was OK with a slow run.  About two miles into the run I checked her paws and they were good.  The trail was mostly gravel so I didn't expect her paws to get tore up.  She did amazing during this run.  It was such a beautiful day for a trail run. It was cool and slightly overcast.  Toward the end of the run I could tell her paws were getting tender.  They did not have any scratches on them but she had slowed down.  Daisy can easily run 13-15 miles and still have energy.  This 7.5 mile trail run wore her out.  She came home and slept.  She didn't annoy anyone in the house that afternoon!  She didn't try and play with Tigger like she normally does.  She didn't pace around the living room because she was bored.  She was on her bed sound asleep.  I think we will have to do that again! 

As I train for my marathon I plan on taking Daisy on my long runs.  This weekend calls for a 14 mile run.  We won't do it on a trail this time.  Some people joke and say that I am mean because I make her run so much.  If they saw her run they would know that she is in heaven when she is running!

Let the running begin!

Daisy and I are ready for marathon training!  Yes Daisy will be doing most of my long runs with me.  She loves to run and has the perfect genetics for it.  I had her DNA tested last year and she is made up of breeds that love to run.  She is a Doberman, Dalmation, and Shetland Sheepdog mix.  This mix has created an ultra runner!  She has ran up to 14 miles with me (with ease). I am pretty sure 20 miles will not be a problem. 

When running with your dog make sure you build mileage slowly just like you do for humans!  To prevent injury and overtraining you need to increase by no more than 10 percent per week.  She will come with me for a few of me short runs during the week and my long run on Sunday.  Off days she will be walking with her other roomates Tigger and Spec!  We picked the perfect time of year to begin our marathon training because Daisy does not run well in the heat.  With the cooler weather she will perform like a champion but I still need to keep her hydrated.  I always run with extra water for her (in my camelback) and a collapsable water dish.  I will keep you posted after each of our long runs! 

Pumped For Paws Pictures

The Pumped for Paws event was a huge success.  We had people working out with their family all for a great cause.  We raised money for the NSPCA.  All participants paid $10 and all the money went to help support our local NSPCA.

There will be a November event and details will be coming soon! Everyone had a great time.  This event is for all levels of people.  You can bring your teenagers, dogs, neighbors.  There are workouts designed for people who bring their dogs and people without dogs.  Come join the fun.