Restarting C25K where I left off and with my dog.

[Mimirossi]

Hello I am a newbie here.

I got to week 3 run 1 and then had to stop for a few weeks because of a chest infection, bad asthma and then, when that was better, I had a fall onto both knees and they were very bruised and sore. I restarted this week where I had left off and today I completed w3r3. My first run this week went brilliantly, but today I must have given slow a whole new meaning as I staggered along! It was the first time I have finished with a bright red face! I was really pleased that I didn't give up though. My knees have always been dodgy since I was in my teens and they are really aching now. I have decided to have two days off and then repeat week 3 next week.

The last two runs have been in the fields with my dog and I liked it so much more that on the lanes.

Does anyone have any tips on running with dogs?

[misswobble Graduate]

Running with dogs is great fun. My borrowed dog only breaks out into a jog when he feels like it so that's what we do. I have to do my runs without him, sadly. I only started C25k programme so I could keep up with him as he used to exhaust me. He doesn't now!

There is a wonderful group called Canicross, where folks race with their dogs. That would be great wouldn't it. You can take your dog on Parkrun too. You can get a proper lead which fastens round your waist.Loads here are running with dogs so will be along soon to reveal all.

[Rignold]

Running with dogs can be great fun. The decide factor of me is being somewhere the dog can be off the leash and there is not going to be any traffic/ other dogs/ sheep etc. Of course it largely depends on ten size, temperament and strength of your dog. I used to run with my Labrador all the time. A 25 min 5k was dial pace and distance for her. Sadly she ruptured a cruciate ligament at the end of last year and, whilst recovering well from the op, still isn't up to that sort of distance. Junior dog is a French Bulldog and does not have the stamina for that sort of distance.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

I run with one of mine on leash from time to time. He only likes the intervals of run-walks, he's too old for the solid running sessions. When the podcast queues up for a running session I always say 'let's go' and he knows that we're about to pick up the pace.

Dogs pooing will throw a wrench in your running intervals, but I always ran on the spot.

Stuff the empty poo bags in a pocket and try and dispose of the full ones ASAP or carry some sort of contraption strapped to you or the dog. Carrying anything in my hands when I run makes me clench my fists quite tight and I start to feel pain in my shoulders.

[Mimirossi Graduate]

Thank you for your replies. misswobble Canicross sounds great, but I don't know if I will ever be up to racing! I think I would let my dog down! The belt lead sounds good. I held the lead when we were in fields with livestock and let her off in empty fields. She is lively, but well behaved which helps!

@ Rignold such a shame about your dog's injury.

@runswithdogs, I have a "dicky bag" on a belt for carrying poohs. So far she has done them just before we start or in the walk parts, which has been helpful!

She is a lot better at running than I am at the moment!

[skysue16 Graduate]

Sounds as if you are doing really well despite setbacks. Running with a dog can be fun and motivating. I run with my Springer in the forest where he can be off the lead (no good around sheep!). Occasionally I also go down the road with him on the lead and he is getting better at jogging along just in front rather than pulling. I am thinking of getting a proper belt so when he does pull suddenly my hips/waist take the impact rather than my arm/neck. What type of dog do you have?

[misswobble Graduate]

Racing is just something we fall into post Graduation, something none of us would have dreamt of 😃 It!s really fun though 😃

[Mimirossi Graduate]

misswobble Haha! Racing seems an impossible thought at the moment, but .....you never know!

skysue16 We have a springer too. They are fabulous dogs! She lively and energetic, but well behaved. I have just used her ordinary collar when she was on lead and she didn't pull, but I am thinking about getting her a harness and belt for running.

We also have a 14 week old sprocker spaniel, who is not old enough to come with us yet, but she goes like a rocket in the garden!

We went to watch our local park run this morning and it did look fun. I can't wait until I am good enough to enter!

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Mimirossi]

Oh, they both sound lovely - please post a photo of them! Sprockers are very lively aren't they