Running with TWO Dogs

So when I started this blog, there was only one - Penelope. Hence, the title.

Well as I've mentioned, we've since added to the pack. And it turns out, although Penelope will always be my special running partner, Lela may turn out to be the better runner.

She is bigger than Penelope and as a German Shepherd she can just go and go and go.

She is stronger though and I'm hoping my arms are getting toned from holding on to both leashes.

We've had some fits and starts and I've struggled with how to keep them under control and not get dragged down the road, but for better or worse, the three of us run together now. We've gone through harnesses, harnesses with the leash clipped on the front and now pincher collars. It kind of broke my heart to get the pincher collars, but it seems to work and helps me to keep them by my side and slowly they are learning to run without pulling ahead.

Lela only falls in step though when I am running at her preferred pace, which happens to be considerably faster than my own. Oh well, guess it is good interval training.

Somedays when it is hot and I need to go for a longer run, I try to split it up and trade dogs mid-run. Apparently for the people in the house with the left behind dog (Justin & Stella), it's not so fun. They hate to be left behind. If I leave Lela and take Penny for 3 miles, Lela stands at the door and whimpers and whines. When I leave Penny, she sits in the bay window and just stares sadly out the window (see below).

I've gotten Justin to start running a bit again, so then at least we can each take one. So they hate to be left out, but they do seem to love it when they get to run alone.

The other morning I took only Penelope and I hate to admit it, but I loved it. Reminded me of our first runs and I think she felt the same way. She seemed so happy and excited. I love Lela dearly, but there's something special about Running with Penny.

I think as we head into summer, trading out dogs on longer runs may become a necessity so they don't overheat. Even though for long runs, I bring a water belt largely filled with water for them, I don't want them to overdo it and so I may need to split them up.

But I do love running with my pack. It's certainly not something you see every day and when they jump into their postions - Lela always on the left, Penny always on the right - and we set off down the road, I think how lucky I am to have such great dogs..... until we see a squirrel.......

Running Intimacy

Wow, it has been quite a while since I last posted. Funny how life gets in the way. I was also determined to have more pictures, but haven't convinced Justin to come take pictures of us all running...



I read a quote that I loved and it made me think of the early mornings spent running with my dogs.

"Do not underestimate the intimacy of running, and the people [dogs] with whom you share your miles." - Kristin Armstrong, Mile Markers Blog on Runner's World

So true. We rarely think of the way that running together bonds us to those around us, be they dogs or people. Those miles spent together most mornings are so special to each of us and it forms the basis of the wonderful bond I have with Penelope and Lela. There's something about running that allows us to communicate without talking, both dogs and humans, and as we sweat and/or pant side by side we feel united.

On the best morning runs, ones that aren't full of pulling on the leash or chasing squirrels, the three of us find our pace and settle in. Obviously, we aren't talking. Although I have found, that like a crazy person, I do talk to them through most of the run and let them now when they are doing well. But somehow we feel connected.

As the Frederick Half Marathon was fast approaching and sadly, I'd need to leave my training partners behind, I realized that maybe I needed to run without them. That's when I remembered this quote. I'd never really realized the role their simple presence played in my running. I couldn't remember NOT running with these two and was a little scared to try....

Running is solitary, but it is also communal, in those footsteps and paw steps, we find our balance and our connection and no one has to say a word....

Thanks puppy dogs for being my faithful companions!