if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
– MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Role models – Claire and Monty show us how it’s done!
Who says running can’t be fun?
Especially, when your best friend is your running partner.
I always enjoyed walking; a form of physical exercise that can also have a mentally calming, and a mind-clearing effect. I would walk forty minutes to work and back home at the end of the day. I would walk with my husband in the evenings and with friends and friends with dogs on the weekends. Now, I enjoy daily walks with my dogs.
Even though he’s small, Henry has an abundance of energy, and he loves to run, full throttle along some of the beautiful trails we have in our area. Unfortunately, he is not so good at recall (that’s me being kind; HE CAN NOT BE TRUSTED). So, for Henry to be able to fly like the wind, one of his people has to be at the end of his leash!
Anyone, who has attempted to become a ‘runner’, knows this title is not assumed overnight. It takes time to build speed, and stamina, and proper technique so as not to injure yourself.
I started out by joining a running group and met new friends in the process. Such groups are becoming quite popular; if there’s not one in your area, why not start your own? Guides and other tools are readily available online.
One such group is The Running Room. Although dogs are not invited to participate, there are several groups you and your companion can join later. When you’re able to keep up with your dog!
For information about upcoming workshops, visit http://www.runningroom.com/
Our friends Claire and Monty, are great examples of teamwork and as you can see from the video, both truly enjoy the experience. Claire shared with us the following sentiment;
We have been running canicross for about 14 months now. We run as part of Ashridge Canicross Club and we run on a Wednesday night (in the dark) and Sat mornings when my shifts allow. We have competed quite a few races in 2014.
All our runs are on the trails and many normal running races are now allowing Canicrossers to take part as it is becoming so popular.
The photo and Video is from Ashridge Club race weekend. As a club it was our first race that we had organised and it went really well. We love it because it keeps us both fit, great socialisation for Monty and the bond between us since we started running together is something I can’t really describe.
I thought we had a great partnership before but since being involved in this our friendship has gone up another level. He gives me his all when he is running and when he sees the harness coming out, he goes bonkers! And if he is happy I am happy.
Well done Claire and Monty; you have set a great example for the rest of us!
Photograph courtesy of Houndscape Photography – thank you Vicky Stipetic
http://houndscape.co.uk/
Ashridge Canicross Club
http://ashridgecanicrossers.org.uk/
Love this article especially as it involved my old club the Ashridge Canicrossers! 🙂 Sarah
Hi Sarah, so nice to meet you! I love the concept of your blog – a great resource for social pets and their people!
Thanks for visiting our site.
Mom has been a runner her whole life, so it has never been difficult for her to get out and just run. One of her friends calls her the energizer bunny of running. She has run with dogs all her life too, and she says they are the best training partners one can have. Running without a dog is just no fun!
Emma recently posted…One Year Of Nose Work
Dogs make everything better! Thanks Emma
I had no idea there was anything like this! Thank you so much for sharing this topic!
My pleasure. Thanks for visiting our blog!
Wow, what fun. I haven’t run in a few decades, but before I was hurt, Riley and I began running. I never knew this Shih Tzu had it in her. She runs at the perfect pace for me…I was very impressed by that :).
Christine & Riley recently posted…Shih Tzu Pain During Exercise & other dogs too!
It’s funny how some people assume little dogs don’t need much exercise. The same can be said about large dogs needing plenty! It truly depends on the dog.
Great post! My Husky is super high energy & loves to run – I wish I still had the energy, and the knees, to take up running.
Cathy Armato recently posted…Can You Afford Your Dog? Financial Peace of Mind
Thanks Cathy, Hopefully your Husky is okay at recall and can run circles around you while you walk at your own pace.
Thankfully there are many ways we can enjoy them as they enjoy the great outdoors.
Congrats on being nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award! You can see your nomination here: http://thekitchenrevival.com/2015/01/12/fishtacobowlsandonelovelyblogaward/
Thank you so much Valerie. This is such an honour!
I absolutely loved this article! I have not heard of canicross before this and will be researching it! My hound dog would have to be tethered to me too, ha! I’ve already started jogging a bit with him in the neighborhood each day, good exercise for old me and for young him!
Ruth Cox recently posted…Great White Waterbird Hunter
Thanks Ruth!
Be sure to come back and let us know what you find out about Canicross.
Hopefully there will be a program near you.