Hate running alone and can’t seem to find the right running partner? It’s time to start running with a dog!
The sound of our alternating steps and heavy breaths fill the quiet air on a chilly early morning. The sun tries to peek through the huddled masses of clouds, but it’s clear it’ll be yet another gloomy day. Despite the blustering winds and dreary skies, nothing can break our stride. Because on days like today, days when we’re in sync and moving forward in tandem, despite the low temperature, our spirits are never higher. I look down at my side in admiration, and my bushy-tailed girl, Nala, lovingly returns the bright-eyed glance. We don’t need words to communicate; we speak the universal language of running.
Barking up the wrong tree
Mere feet from us, a squirrel darts across the road, teasing her as it stares back at us with its beady eyes. Nala attempts to stray from the pavement towards the grass where the miniature mammal quickly makes its way up a huge oak tree in the woods. I pull the leash away from the squirrel’s direction and we continue running forward without a hitch. “Next time, I’m DEFINITELY catching it!” I bet she thinks to herself with each spotting of the elusive, tree-scaling rodent.
Sometimes, running can feel like a spiritual experience, and it’s always better to have someone to share in the ethereal. After all, if a squirrel climbs a tree in a forest and a dog isn’t around to see it, does it make a noise? That’s how the saying goes, right?
Every dog has its day
Today I’m experiencing the divine with my Goldendoodle Nala, who just may love running as much as her not-so-furry dad. Naturally, we have much different gaits — it certainly looks easier with two additional legs — but when running together, we share the same pace…eventually.
Nala likes to start out in front, proudly leading the pack of two. Not long after, she starts to realize it’s not a sprint. Our runs are no marathons, either, but give Nala the chance to train for one, and I bet she could finish, all with that big, infectious smile on her face. The girl sure loves to gallop; you’d be forgiven if you confused her for a gazelle.
Our two-to-three-mile runs serve as a great warm-up for the longer voyage I’ll take after I drop her off back home. I still have anywhere from two to 18 miles to go, but our strong start fills me with equal parts confidence and excitement for what lies ahead.
“There’s no stronger connection forged with a four-legged friend than during a run.”
Run with the big dogs
Some would argue the greatest bonding with a dog occurs through playing fetch, going on strolls, or perhaps, during training sessions. With Golden Retriever lineage, Nala does love to fetch, but she’s not so fond of returning the ball. Walks are a regular part of our fitness regimen, but it’s just not as exciting as running. And regarding obedience training, well, let’s just say, Nala needs a lot more training.
For me, there’s no stronger connection forged with a four-legged friend than during a run. Throughout my runs with Nala over the past few years, I’ve come to learn that a dog is a runner’s best friend. Why? I don’t have to exchange a single word during the run — the pitter patter of her nails and the thumps of my shoe rubber striking the road speak volumes and provide the perfect playlist for our workout. No need to coordinate schedules with anyone — running is always on my time. Most importantly, Nala holds me accountable to my training through her incessant nagging to get her out the door. Ok, maybe I am on her schedule.
It’s always nice to find ways to use your running to benefit others — it was my driving force behind creating this site. Similarly, running with Nala is a great way to provide her with a healthy lifestyle. Ok, it doesn’t hurt that it uses up all her frenetic energy and tires her out. She’ll sleep well tonight.
“I’d be a little on edge too if I had to conduct my private ‘business’ publicly on the grass of a stranger’s lawn. At least she doesn’t have to use a porta potty.”
A dog’s life
She starts to stray again from my side, only, this time, there’s not a squirrel in sight. It can only mean one thing: it’s potty time! If I have one criticism for my running buddy, it’s her extra-long potty breaks. Nala has to find just the right spot to do her business. And I get it — I’d be a little on edge too if I had to conduct my private business publicly on the grass of a stranger’s lawn. At least she doesn’t have to use a porta potty. Honestly, when there’s no toilet around, it’d sure be nice if this “business” was legal for humans too.
Puppy love
Nala knows how much fun running is, so when she sees a fellow canine on a leisurely walk, she can’t help but sympathize with them. She refuses to break eye contact with them as she tries to get their attention. Long after we pass them, she continues to turn her head, staring back lovingly at them, as if to say, “Come join our group run!”
Goldendoodles are among the most sociable breeds so it’s no surprise that she has an abundant supply of love and no discretion on who she shares it with. Not only is she a runner’s best friend, but she is everyone’s best friend. Hey, there should really be a notable saying about a human’s strong connection with a dog.
What a thoughtful blog post, filled with so much feeling and love. Thanks for sharing your experience running with Nala!