Finished Wk3 this morning...slightly scared of Wk4 !!! Do I continue to take my dog as I sense its gonna get tougher?

[TimeforChange]

Well I woke up to a sunny sky this morning so running shoes on and out with the dog !! I did find it a bit tough but have had about 3 days off... I need to keep on track but I am nervous about my Wk 4 run on Sunday. I also take my dog (kill 2 birds with one stone), however if its going to get tougher will the dog just get in my way and pull when she shouldnt...or keep taking her so she makes me keep going? Oh, the decisions hey !! Any advice or inspiration??

[RhonaL]

Probably depends on the dog!! I'm lucky that I can run with mine off lead but if you have managed so far with the start / stop of the earlier weeks, longer runs should logically be easier. You can buy dog leads with integrated belts, some with bungee type rope. There is a whole sport of running with your dog called CaniX (mind boggling). Good luck on Sunday.

[JayLou]

I wish my dog would come with me, she just looks at me with that 'you must be joking' look, Give it a go on week 4 and if it does not work out then at least you tried it.

Keep up the good work

[mwgolfacademy Graduate]

I couldn't imagine not running without my dog! Every time I put my running shoes on she runs around in circles in anticipation

[sfb350 Graduate]

Try it with the dog - the worst that can happen is that it doesn't work out and you have to try again, but at least you'll have walked the dog I wish I could have a dog to run with.......

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I blogged here how tough I found W8R1 and that having the dog on the lead is a definite factor in less enjoyable runs - but then they are less enjoyable walks if they are all on lead too. I don't think it is related to how far into the programme you are though - and the effortless running of a dog is motivating.