Pooch to 5k

So, you’ve decided that you and your dog need to start a running program to get fit, become more active and to enjoy the fresh air. Great, maybe you’ve joined a Pooch to 5k training group, or you might be doing it on your own. Unfortunately this morning it’s raining, horrible weather for running. Or maybe you’re still stiff from the previous run.  You also had to work late the night before and just want to sleep in this morning. Suddenly all that running doesn’t seem like such a good idea anymore.

Sound familiar?

It can be hard keeping your motivation when it really challenges you, or when life gets in the way. Fortunately there are a few things you can do to keep motivated.

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So you want your dog to be your running buddy, but where to start? Before you start your workout routine, it’s important to make sure that you have the correct equipment to make running enjoyable for both you and your dog! Your dog can greatly affect your health as your running partner!

Collars

The type of collar or harness that you use for your dog is very important. For your running partner, a collar is as important to him as your set of running shoes is to you. Sometimes the type of collar needed is determined by how well your dog is trained.

The best collar for running is just a regular buckle collar. It will not apply unwanted pressure if your dog is not pulling, and it is a lightweight and non invasive option. Make sure that any collar you choose for your dog is the right size and does not have any rough areas that can hurt your dog. Examine the collar when you snap the leash on each time you go out to double check that there are no weak areas, tears, or cracked and damaged buckles. By doing a quick inspection, you will know that the collar will hold tight and keep your dog secure during a run.

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Last month our family participated in the Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run.  Organised by the Our Lady of the Rosary school as a fund-raiser, the event incorporates a 10km and a 3km run and a non-competitive 3km walk.

While not strictly on the foreshore, for most of the race the foreshore is in sight.  Last year the kids and I with our dogs ran/walked the 10km run; this year we decided to run the 3km as the youngsters haven’t been doing as much running as before.  On a beautiful clear winter’s day we dropped Audrey and Guinness off at the start of the 10km at Golden Beach and drove across the Caloundra headland to Race HQ at Moffat Beach, the start and finish of our run and the finish of the 10km for Audrey. (more…)

Here we are at the end of the K9 Camp challenges, and this one is just about what we do to keep fit with our dogs. It’s easy to tell that we run with them, anywhere from 5km to a half marathon. We run on roads and footpaths but we much prefer trails. We run in groups of dogs and  their owners, or just with our own four legged best friend.

So, why do we run with our dogs?

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This week’s challenge came around quickly. The idea is to see where you can fit in fitness with your dog in your daily activities. By taking a minute here and a minute there, you can have a positive effect on your health and that of your dog.

I had to think hard about this. My day is filled with homeschooling my children – checking maths, doing science experiments and going on excursions. I’m not sure I could find anything there that could improve Guinness’s fitness. If I’m not doing that, I’m writing for my clients, and that too isn’t very exercise – friendly.

It was very timely then to find an article written by a veterinarian about conditioning exercises for canine athletes. Could I incorporate Guinness into what I already do?

Now, before you read the rest of this post, you have to promise not to laugh…I’m not co-ordinated at the best of times but when trying to exercise with a dog, well…

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