Walk your pet dog 101 miles (day 24)

by kphev Pets

I don’t run without a leash in my hands, a pet dog at my side. lots of runners do not own dogs. other runners have dogs and they don’t bring them along on runs. Either their dogs are “too small” (although I’m sure they could still keep up) or their dogs are too crazy and pull too much (hmmm, wouldn’t that be a reason to run more?). Others say it’s too hot or too cold for a dog.

I chose a pet dog based on its running potential. I wanted a pet dog at least 40 pounds or so, an athletic dog, a young dog, a pet dog with long legs. I couldn’t have found a better running buddy. My mutt Ace’s only problem is his sleek, black coat and lean body. He can overheat in the summer and has very little insulation in the winter.

Ace and I went on a 10-mile run yesterday morning, early enough so the mutt and I would not get too hot. It got up to 80 degrees! but today it’s back in the 30s …

Running 10 miles is a lot more mentally challenging than physically challenging. When I’m at mile 9 with stiff knees, a bum ankle, the wind against me and a worn out dog, my mental strength is what figures out whether I run or walk the last mile.

I’ve done enough long runs to know that I can’t make it through unless I’m mentally having a good day. That’s why I plan my long runs very carefully. I pick sunny days, very carefully pre-planning routes with new paths and some grassy areas where the mutt can be off leash. I also tell myself I can go as slow as I want, as long as I complete the run. That seems to do the trick.

How do you motivate yourself for longer runs and walks?

April miles: 80.85