Last year when I was training for the Comrades Marathon I ran the Revel Mt. Charleston Marathon and qualified for Boston. The Comrades Marathon was an epic race and in training for it I raised $3,500 for the Nevada SPCA and my Run For Fido was a success. I love running with my dogs and the dogs at the Nevada SPCA. I recently have been training for the Boston Marathon with my dog Pacer. It takes place next month on April 16th and Pacer has run up to 18 miles with me during my training. Having a dog for a running partner is so great for both of us. She has so much fun and having Pacer with me makes the miles go by so much faster. In January I ran a local marathon and she ran 18 of the 26 miles with me. My other dog Lilly ran the last 8 miles with me. This past weekend she ran 11 miles of my 18 miles with me. I carry a snack for her on our long runs like salmon cakes and every once in a while she gets one of my fruit chews. I give her water periodically from my camelback and then I carry a collapsable water dish for the halfway point.
I am excited to run Boston for the first time! Not many people train for their marathons with their dogs but for me its the reason I run. I love having her by my side and she seems to be perfectly happy running with me. If you plan on running with your pup get them checked by the vet to make sure they are healthy and able to run. Work up the mileage slowly and always be prepared to change your plans if your pup isn't feeling well. Once on a run about an mile into the run Pacer threw up. I fed her something different than her normal morning meal and it must have upset her stomach so rather than continuing our run we walked home. Be aware of the weather in particular on warmer days. Dogs will do anything to please you so they will run even when they are in distress. Be careful out there and most importantly have fun and be safe.  |
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