Running with your dog

[Jailbird]

Has anyone else who runs with their canine companion found they have developed a shoulder problem? I seem to have stiffness in my neck and pain in my right shoulder. As I run mainly hiding the lead in my left hand I was wondering if I have overworked my right arm. I'd be interested to hear anyone else who has a similar experience.

[roseabi]

I don't have a dog, but I can imagine that holding a lead while running could easily create an imbalance. You'll probably need to rest your shoulder for a while until it feels better - perhaps try to use your other hand, or invest in a lead that fixes to your belt. After that some upper body strength work would be a good idea (pushups, planks etc - side planks on the weak side in particular).

I know Maddee_6333 is a canicrosser, so she must know a lot about those waist belts!

[Jailbird Graduate10 in reply to roseabi]

Yes, thanks for that. I have been trying to swap hands and also do strengthing exercises. I find reverse planks too painful so have stopped those. I am finding running 10k a struggle at the moment and think maybe I need a rest. How long would you suggest breaking from 10k? I don't want to lose the ability to run that distance.

[roseabi in reply to Jailbird]

A week or two, maybe. It's not really possible to say! See how you are after a week off running, then perhaps try an intermediate distance (6k for example) - run-walking if you have time. You won't lose the ability to run 10k by taking a few weeks off, it will feel a bit harder after a break and you may have to build up from a slightly shorter distance, but you will be able to get back to 10k soon enough.

Good luck! xx

[Circle_On_Legs]

Maybe look up canicross. It's an actual sport. The dogs are attached via elasticated leads to runner's waist

canicross.org.uk/

[Jailbird Graduate10 in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

Thanks for tip, most helpful!

[Joster Graduate10 in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

I see these at parkrun.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

I’m not running with mine currently during lockdown, but when I’ve used a lead in the past (for example at PR), it’s always a hands free one, attached at the waist. I’d definitely find it uncomfortable if I was holding a lead.

Maybe worth a go? 😀

[Jailbird Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes, it hadn't occurred to me. Thanks very much!

[Joster Graduate10]

I run with mine but he is mostly off lead as it’s river bank and field/off toad trails. I can imagine some imbalance would occur if they are on lead. Swapping sides isn’t easy as both dog and owner are so accustomed to left hand walking!

[Jailbird Graduate10 in reply to Joster]

Yes, that is the problem. I will look at the belt attachments, could be the way forward. Thank you!

[Joster Graduate10 in reply to Jailbird]

Good luck with it - I’d be interested to know how you get on as my boy is nearly a year old now so when parkrun reopens I might consider taking to our local dog friendly one from time to time. 👍👍

[Jailbird Graduate10 in reply to Joster]

Will do! 😊

[Hidden]

You can get waist belts that allow you to attach a dog lead to it, means you are running hands free.

[Vegout25]

These days my dog joins every run. He cries constantly if left behind & my partner says he’s inconsolable. Like you I get pain in my shoulder & elbow so minimise the time on the lead. As soon as it’s safe he’s running free & always returns with a gentle command. Returns instantly at the approach of any tractor, car, horse, dog or person so pleasure to be with. I’ll look into hands free leads people have posted on here. Happy running 👍😊

[Jailbird Graduate10 in reply to Vegout25]

Yes, I've tried letting him off the lead also, which I can do during the summer, although he has a nasty habit of eating anything and everything! It was the dark winter months that forced me back to using a lead all the time and then is when the shoulder problem started. I'm going to try the belt and lead option and see how it goes. Enjoy your dog friendly runs! 🐶