I’ve been thinking on the topic, I’ve decided to post some of my research and (eventually) observations from starting a running program with a dog. Hopefully this will be useful to someone digging through Google searches one day. This is “part one” of many. (Though if I get more than five official entries on the topic, I’ll make an index and link to it.)

Sparkle, a four year old whippet, is in moderately good shape. She was at the vet yesterday and there is nothing wrong with her physically. She’s had her shots. She gets out for a daily walk (except in winter when, due to the extreme cold, we need to find alternative forms of exercise) and usually gets a good sprint in a few times a week. We are starting a running program together for two reasons: (1) I’ve been running on-and-off (but more “on” lately) for upwards of a year and can comfortably do a five kilometer run at a measured pace of about 9.5 kilometers per hour and am comfortable enough to start bringing along a companion, and (2) Sparkle has spent the last year adapting to a new addition to our family and has encountered some random obedience and dominance issues that I think might be tempered by some exercise and some quality-time on a controlled lead.

I’ve been taking running clinics through The Running Room for about six months and their teaching-slash-training methodology suggests a run-walk interval. Currently, I’m running 10-and-1, meaning we keep a good running pace for ten minutes then walk for one to restore heart-rate and discourage lactic acid build-up in the muscles. Repeat. And, just this weekend I’ve just bought a brand new pair of running shoes that were specially selected to fit my stride and foot stability. I try to get out at least twice a week (though I’m not always successful), and I’m feeling pretty good about where I am as a runner these days.

Sparkle is probably not quite conditioned for the kind of running were going to take on, and tomorrow morning is going to be a challenge for her. Good thing she doesn’t know what’s about to happen. For that reason, I’m going to back off my own training schedule (at least when I’m not in clinic) and spend a couple weeks working her up to where I am.

The Plan for Week One

Right now my running clinic is on Monday evening. That means I’m still fairly bagged on Tuesday mornings and pulling a double shift on Monday is not even a question. For this first week — Monday through Sunday — we’re going to run three times:

Run 1.1: Wednesday Morning, 3 sets of 5+1s, Estimated: 2.6 km
Run 1.2: Friday Morning, 3 sets of 6+1s, Estimated: 2.9 km
Run 1.3: Sunday Morning, 3 sets of 5+1s, Estimated: 2.6 km

Considerations

The Path: For the most part we’re going to try running in the park. For me that means asphalt trails, but for her it gives the option of either the trail or the grass alongside. Luckily there are plenty of local streets with grassed boulevards if we ever get bored of our route, but for now this is where we are starting.

Hydration: For longer runs this is going to be an issue, but for these short ones I think I’m going to rely on having a bowl of cool water waiting back at the house. If we ever get over five kilometers I think carrying water might be an option.

The Business: When you are a dog routine dictates leaving at least a few marks along the path. I will need to carry bags, but I’m going to try to convince her to clear out the morning dew before we leave the yard.

Leash Control: As I mentioned previously this whole exercise is one of managing some obedience issues. Simply, that means I’m going to need to seek out a good balance between control (being able to lead and pull from the numerous other dogs wandering the paths with their owners at six in the morning) and safety (too close and paws get stepped upon).

For now, that’s about all I can meaningfully contribute to this topic. I’ve wrangled myself a running partner of yet-to-be-determined enthusiasm for the sport. Though, with that pup I have a feeling she’ll be pulling me out of bed in just a few weeks.