Running and dog sitting!

[Flopil]

Hello I'm new to running and I'm on week 6 I've enjoyed taking my cocker spaniel out with me but have to holler to get him back with me every so often as he loves socialising! It's been a great distraction I am so chuffed I've got this far I've never been a runner and feel good about it afterwards.I am about to run for 25 mins without stopping which is daunting I've have repeated the last 2 weeks to try and build up to get to this point!

I'm contemplating on to go alone now without my pooch so I can focus on the task! Anyone have some advice? I guess he needs training too!!!

[Nenenene Graduate]

Well done!

And about the dog, I used to bring my small dog on the early runs, and it was nice then, but she's almost 14 years old (and getting a little less active than she was), so now she stays home when I run.

If my dog was younger I would still mix it up I think. Running some runs by yourself gives you the opportunity so focus on just you and your running for a bit, and I felt like that was beneficial to me at least.

Try running without your canine companion and see how it feels. If you don't like it, you can always get back to running with your dog on the next runs.

Happy running!

[Flopil in reply to Nenenene]

Yes I ran once without him and could concentrate a bit more on the task! Thank you for your advice

[oldwheezer69 Graduate]

Haveyyou tried a hands free lead for your dog? 🐕

[Flopil in reply to oldwheezer69]

No I haven't tried a hands free lead yet I am worried he may pull me fast though!

[Rallan79 Graduate]

I used to take my dog up until wk5 as she started to run in front of me (on an extender lead but kept close) and slow me down plus you could guarantee she needed the toilet when we started running! I used her as a companion at first but now I'm happy to go alone. We still do little runs together. I'm on wk 7 and think she'd distract me so much. Do the 1st 25 min solo and see how you feel. Good luck. 🏃🐶😀

[Flopil in reply to Rallan79]

I'm week 7 too! Yes I will go it alone on Saturday I think and see how I feel although today my little dog did behave himself!

[MutleyShuffle Graduate]

I often take my little doggy out jogging with me but he is 12 and starts flagging if he's too hot so I only take him if it's cool (not much of a problem so far!). He is on the lead most of the time though so I have to jog on the spot if he stops for a wee! It is easier going solo but I like his company 😊