Long run

[Maddee_6333]

My HM plan had me down for an hour easy - Zone 2 - run today - I’m working to a Heartrate plan again as it definitely makes more sense when some of my runs are done with a dog (or 2) ‘helping’.

Yesterday I did a very off plan ‘thing’ and started the day, by running as hard as I could for 19 minutes, so I was absolutely on board with a very gentle run as a recovery run. It also meant I could harness up Taylor Beagle alongside Merlin and let her dictate the pace instead of me or him doing it.

As a woman of a ‘certain age’ I have night time hot flushes, which this morning meant I woke up at about 3:30am and didn’t get much more in the way of sleep until 5:30, when I gave it up as a bad job, got my gear on, had a cup of tea while the dogs were in the garden, then popped them in the car and headed to the river.

I could have run them straight from the front door BUT Merlin and I are taking part in a virtual Canicross group event this week, and are down to run 7 miles, so I wanted to check that the extra loop I had planned to add would take me to the 11k mark. Which it does 👍 with enough for a nice cool down walk after.

It took us an hour to cover the 7k down to the foot bridge, with a couple of comfort breaks, a few walk breaks, and a stop in the shade on the way. And with the exception of a pair of dog walkers, and a couple out on their bikes, we were the only people about. The sun was shining, but it wasn’t too hot, or humid - the joy of getting out early! Although there were a lot of sheep making a lot of noise, which the dogs found very distracting, but near their field I was pleased to see that one of the more derelict stiles has been replaced by a kissing gate. Which is so much easier, and safer, to manage with the dogs. 😊

By the time we got to the footbridge there were definitely more people about, but not too many, and the water was much lower, so I set my watch to do a set of four x (5m, 1m) timed intervals and let the dogs off for a bit so they could cool their paws.

We finished off walking the last stretch to the car, with a pause at the trough for the dogs, so we were all thoroughly cooled down by the time we got there.

Time elapsed, just under 2 hours.

Tracked distance 10.79k - actual distance was more.

All in all a lovely way to start the day. But I think I will need and afternoon nap 😴

[HappyNoodle Graduate10]

What an great way to start your day! (Apart from flushes, I’m with you on that one.)

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to HappyNoodle]

I hate hot flushes with a vengeance.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

That sounds perfect Maddee so good for the dogs too and a lovely place to run

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

I do like running by the river. It’s always that little bit cooler. Still can’t head out too late though 👍

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

That is such a lovely post, sounds like you and the dogs had a great outing. Happy running 🤗

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

It was such a good outing 😊

[RunWillie Graduate10]

You’ve just encouraged me to not give up on training my crazy cocker spaniel Willie to run with me one day. I ditched him week 5 doing C25K but maybe he deserves another chance 🏃‍♀️🐕

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Dogs are great running partners.

As you can see, I Canicross with mine - so they’re helping me along, it gives their brain a work out as they have to listen to commands, as well as being good exercise 👍. Taylor was actually the reason I got into Canicross - and C25K! - she was my daughter’s dog but couldn’t always be let off with her dodgy Beagle puppy recall 🤣 she’s not keen on doing more than 5k anymore, but is happy to free run through the countryside with me.

[RunWillie Graduate10]

Canicross is amazing! Willie would love it if I can train him not to want to stop and say hello to everyone. When I was doing C25K I would shout ‘RunWillie’ as he dragged me off to say hi to every dog and his owner. It was hilarious and didn’t really help my running.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

It’s often easier for them to get the idea when there’s at least one other person (and their dog 😃) along to show them the ropes.

If you’re on Facebook there’s a group called Canicross Trailrunners facebook.com/groups/canicro..., in the files there’s a map with lots of clubs on it. Most of them are just social groups, so there’s no fees or anything to pay. Though of course, lockdown and the hot weather have put most runs on hold.

[RunWillie Graduate10]

Thanks so much. We’re in Australia 🇦🇺🏃‍♀️🐕

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

I was not expecting that! 😀

We have people in the group from all over Europe, as well as Canada, the U.S and South America, never noticed any Australians though!

[RunWillie Graduate10]

Once we’re in a better place with COVID I’ll look forward to checking out any Canicross events here in Australia. I’ve got a non-stop harness and a bungee lead and he loves to pull so we’re half way there 😂

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Definitely a great start! And good kit too.