5K - Yay! ....A bit of a (docked) tail!

[Sara_Wales]

Today was my third consolidation run. I hadn't intended on running more than the usual 30 minutes, but I altered my route at around the half way mark to avoid a guy and his dog. Prior to lockdown (and C25K) I used to see the pair on my way to work, and be thankful I was in the car.

Now don't get me wrong.... I love dogs.... I was brought up with them. But this dog is wild! He's the biggest doberman I've seen (possibly a King Doberman?) .... I usually see a doberman and think how beautiful they look.... but this one just looks nuts! The owner has absolutely no control of him. When a car, or anything else for that matter, passes the dog lunges at it! The owner holds him back as best he can but the dog pulls him forward, even with just his two hind legs on the ground..... and the bark and snarls - omg! I suspect he's a dog that isn't well socialised - and acts out of fear rather than true aggression. But to not muzzle him is absolutely ludicrous!

The owner saw me coming this morning and dragged said snarling beast into the road - off the path.... but I really didn't want to get any closer... in case the owner lost his grip on the lead! It's an accident waiting to happen.... the guy has to put all his weight into holding him back.

So I quick turned down an alley, and the diversion commenced! As I said, I had no intention to extend my run.... but, I did.... and as a consequence I bagged my first 5K! It wasn't pretty, and it definitely wasn't quick (37.56)..... but I did it!! It was my goal to acheive 5K before my birthday in a few weeks... and I got there earlier than planned.... to say that I'm super happy about it is a complete understatement!

So while I feel really chuffed to have achieved my target, I'm now not sure what to do going forward..... (putting the mad dog problem aside - I really hope our paths dont cross again!)..... should I stick with 30 mins for a couple of weeks longer... or add in some more 5Ks? Any tips would be very much welcomed!

[Hidden]

Aww Yey to the 5k! And omg that dog would go mad if he saw my little Magnus x we have a few nasty doggies around here and he’s already been attacked 4 times!!!! I think it’s because he’s so submissive and they like to bully him?! As for advice? None sorry just super happy for you that you’re running 5k and not in a and e with extensive dog bite injuries aha

[Sara_Wales Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Haha.... yes, the avoidance of an A&E visit was the cherry on top!

[Hidden in reply to Sara_Wales]

Seriously though what if that guy trips one day and the dog gets loose? I wouldn’t ever take the chance as my ex and I have been bitten by dogs as kids and he has a very nasty scar on his thigh from it, I was just bruised and shocked x that’s an accident waiting to happen

[Sara_Wales Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I know... joking aside... it beggars belief that the owner thinks it's ok to go out like that. Both owner and dog need training..... and the dog needs to be muzzled! Even then, it's that large a dog, he could still do a dog or person injury... he looks incredibly powerful.

I haven't seen him out so early before.... I'm hoping it was a one-off 🤞🏻😬

[EThomas Graduate]

Well done on your 5k. It is a great achievement.

It sounds like the owner needs to employ the services of Graeme Hall (the dog trainer on the series Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly on Channel 5. He works miracles with both dogs and more importantly their owners.

[Sara_Wales Graduate in reply to EThomas]

Thank you 😊

I haven't seen that particular programme.... but have watched programmes before on dog training.... it's amazing how dogs can transform with guidance and consistency.

[EThomas Graduate in reply to Sara_Wales]

Its a great programme. There have been cases where owners have been dragged across roads by their dogs, nearly into traffic, and with is intervention they are transformed. It definitely sounds like the owner needs training into how to control his dog before it bites someone or causes a nasty accident.

[Dootamie Graduate]

Well done on getting your 5k. You really are notching up the achievements.

[Sara_Wales Graduate in reply to Dootamie]

Thank you 😊

I still can't claim to be enjoying the runs per se... but I enjoy the challenge and sense of acheivement afterwards.... so all's good!

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Maybe stick with the 5k’s for a while and aim to improve your time, which by the way is none too shabby...seriously 👏🏻 I aimed for a 5k in under 30mins which after many attempts (about 17 I think) I eventually achieved and now I’m gradually increasing distance, I did 3 x 6k runs last week....I use Nike Run Club app, which has a good variety of guided runs to choose from. Including 5k ones with coach Bennett who is great 👍

[Sara_Wales Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

Thanks very much for the encouragement and tips! I'm looking forward to seeing how my body responds in the consolidation period. I feel like I am currently running at the 'right' speed for me.... but of course it would be great if it increased as my fitness and stamina improve. I think I'll be aiming for increasing distance rather than speed after consolidation.... but time will tell. 🙂

[PhoenixRise Graduate]

Sounds like a great run - and a good time! 👍 (Besides the mischievous Doberman! 🐕). Try mixing up your runs a bit for consolidation maybe? I’ve just finished my third week of consolidations and I’ve been using the C25K+ podcasts for the most part (Stepping Stones, Stamina and Speed). Two longer runs and one short run with intervals - lovely to have Laura back pushing me on in my ear!

[Sara_Wales Graduate in reply to PhoenixRise]

Thank you! Those podcasts sound really interesting....... I'll take a look at them 👍🏻🙂