A runner's best friend

[pinkhat]

I'm fortunate to live near a wood that's accessible enough to have various paths that are perfect for running, some well-worn and straight and others more secret and challenging, and large enough so that it's rare to see another soul (a blessing for those of us not yet loud and proud to be seen in our running gear).

However, the biggest bonus is that I can have my dog off lead. He's only wee (a border terrier) so has to either trot along to keep up with me or have serious sprints to catch up when he stops to sniff around - and he's loving C25K. I'm only up to W5 but, in looking for ways to keep at bay the nagging self-doubts about whether someone my age (50) and size (87kg) can ever become a 'real' runner, I've come up with the image of me completing 30 mins - and then 5k - with my happy dog having to run, rather that trot, beside me every step of the way to keep up.

Of course, when it happens, the difference between us that he'll still be raring to go at the finish!

[Cazvs Graduate]

He's so cute! I love dogs and I'd love to have one to go running with. Sadly I have cats and a dog-hating husband (daughters and I are gradually wearing him down though).

[pinkhat Graduate in reply to Cazvs]

Wear him down! If you've got a dog, you'll walk more often and further than you would believe (you don't really have a choice!) but, as I've discovered, running with one is a whole new ball game - makes you feel like a real 'pack leader' when he's running beside you.

[pinkhat Graduate in reply to Cazvs]

But unless your cats are fierce and can stare down a dog, best not go for a border terrier - it's game-on whenever a cat starts running!

[Cazvs Graduate in reply to pinkhat]

My cats are absolutely enormous but quite wimpy- not sure who would win!

[Beads Graduate in reply to pinkhat]

Fred, our Westie, is a bit like that, but the cat has got him pegged, he lies in wait and attacks when poor old Fred isn't thinking about him!

[Malcy Graduate]

Hi. Don't listen to the self doubt. Sounds like you'rereally motivated. I started the plan last February at age 56 as a way of helping to lose some of my "adequate proportions" - I was 97 kilos. I didn't take part in the community at the time, but got a lot of support & positive reinforcement by jst sitting on the side and listening to others' discussions. I graduated at the end of April and have kept running since then Today I did the Great Winter Run (see another post in the 5k+ category) - if you'd have told me a year ago that I'd do that, I'd have laughed in your face.

I don't have a dog but I'm sure yours must be a great running mate who will keep you motivated!

[pinkhat Graduate in reply to Malcy]

Way to go Malcy! My self-doubts and I have an ongoing battle for the upper hand but hearing stories like yours help me keep them in their place. Well done on the Great Winter Run - seriously impressed.

[gdeann Graduate]

Sounds like a great run and a gorgeous place to run. With those sweet eyes, I bet that little furry friend can motivate you to run plus spoil him a bit! He is adorable! He should be eligible for a C25K grad badge at the end of the program! Gayle

[pinkhat Graduate in reply to gdeann]

Ha, ha - hadn't thought of that, I could put it on his collar!

[gdeann Graduate]

Just showed the pic to Steve and he agrees, he needs a badge when he completes C25K!! The collar will work perfectly! What is his name?

[pinkhat Graduate]

He's called Murphy, thanks for asking! And yes, while he is very cute/adorable at times, he is also a typical terrier - lots of 'character', in other words a mind of his own, can be stubborn and grumpy when you move him from the best spot on the couch, and would run over hot coals to chase a cat!