A Different Way to Run

I tried out a new running partner on Friday. His name is MacTavish, he's 95 pounds, and he is a beautiful Gordon Setter. Mac's parents are out of town, so I'm in charge of feeding him, exercising him, and making sure his long strings of drool don't get all over everything in the house when he does the head-shake thing.

Running with a dog is a new experience for me, and there were definitely some key takeaways (disclaimer - these only apply to Mac; you may have completely different experiences with other dogs...):

1. Don't expect negative splits. Mac was cruising way faster than my 10 minute mile pace in the beginning, but after about 2.5 miles he was trotting behind me. He did sprint the last block with me, though, so he's all about the strong finish.

2. If you're used to occasionally stopping to walk, then running with Mac is great. He has a little A.D.D. so he doesn't stop for too long in any one place (and I have one of those retractable leashes so I can get pretty far ahead of him when he slows down to sniff). But on those occasions when he's stubborn, the leash jerk forces a quick rest.

3. If the dog doesn't stop on hills, neither will I.

4. Great arms workout. Retractable leash in one hand, plastic baggie in the other (no, Ryan, I did not take your advice and just leave it).

5. Dogs are a trip hazard. I pulled a Twinkle Toes maneuver a few times when Mac cut out in front of me, but luckily took no diggers.

6. I've renamed the 5k my "Mac workout," because that's about as far as I can get with him before he gives me the "can we just go home" look.

7. Like people, dogs respond to positive reinforcement. When the going got tough, a "good boy," or "C'mon Mac" made all the difference.

8. The best part - Mac got a great workout, and was so tired that he ate his dinner and pretty much slept for the rest of the night. And considering he usually likes to play human jungle gym when you sit on the couch, or show off his squeaky toys, this was quite a feat.