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.

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/