Running with a four-legged pal is one of the most iconic portrayals of joy with open fields, swoopy trails, and a dog obediently and graciously leading the way. In reality, running with a dog takes a lot of training and patience. Whether the dog is under verbal command or a leash, there is constant communication from runner to pup. It is a balance of spacing. Being pulled, tugged, or tripped is irritating. Then the run gets interrupted by side sniffs or potty stops.
Even with these complications, running with a dog leaves a warm feeling in my heart and a sense of solidarity. There is something comforting about getting home from a run with my dog, getting a glass of water, and hearing Sam slurp water from his dish. During moments like those and on the trail with Sam, I realized that the things I tell my dog are things I should be telling myself as a runner and human.
“Stay,” is a command I use when I want my dog to stay near and focused. As a runner, I have learned I need the same reminder. It is easy to have a puppy-dog “squirrel” moment in the depths of a training block, when the monotony of running sets in and distractions look tempting. A new pair of shoes, a faster workout pace, or a sudden urge to change the plan starts to look appealing. Trusting the process and staying the course keeps us aligned to our goals. Do not be the dog bouncing from one ground squirrel hole to the next. Command 1: Stay. Stay the course. Stay on track. Stay focused on your goals and ignore the distractions.
This leads to the second command: “Leave It.” This is what I say when Sam has ignored, “Stay” and is now deep into distraction. “Leave it” typically means he has found something dead, smelly, or messy. For a runner, these are the things that seem too good to be true. We know there are no magic-fixes in running, recovery, or training, but sometimes in the woes of injury or setbacks, we just want something. Does scrolling the internet for the solution sound familiar? Walk through the aisles of a sporting goods store and there is a cascade of socks, stretching tools, and water bottles for any situation. Again, trust the process and respect the time. Leave the gimmicks alone and do not get dirty rolling in the muck.
Positive words matter. Before you say the next phrase, put a happy, upbeat tone in your head as you ask, “Who is a good dog?” The words we think and say become the words we believe. We are so kind to our dogs and encouraging of the behaviors we want them to exhibit. Why is this so difficult to apply to our lives, thoughts, and words?
You would never tell your dog they are terrible or too slow to be a real dog. And yet, we sometimes talk to ourselves this way. If you are in the habit of trash-talking to yourself, practice talking to yourself like you talk to your pup. Celebrate what you are doing. Acknowledge the work you are putting in and pump yourself up. When we are out on the trails, mid-race, and in the elusive “pain-cave” it is essential we use our puppy-dog talk.
From words to actions. Now, picture yourself walking past the dog’s water dish and you notice it is low on water and needing a refresh. Instinctually, you bend over and start refilling it. This is your cue that you should do the same thing: have some water. Hydrating is essential to your pup’s health and, yes, yours too! When you ask your pup, “Want some water,” the answer is yes for both of you. Caring for our bodies, even the little things, keeps us going and going longer. We need the water. We need the doggy naps. We need consistent meals and check ups. Our bodies deserve the same attention we give to the people and pups we care about.
Lastly, “Who wants a treat?” The answer is always yes. Dog treats flow generously when we are training our dogs, and the same should apply to us. I have kept a small dish of candies in the cup holder of my treadmill. These candies have been used to mark down the miles or reps done for a speed workout. Having a piece of candy acts as fuel and is more rewarding than writing tallies.
Food does not have to be the only treat either. Booking a massage, getting a new running book, or gear can act as an incentive. Hard efforts deserve praise. Learning new skills need positive reinforcements and we know they work well for four and two-legged pals. So, treat yourself and let’s not forget to treat others well along the process. Did someone share a run selfie, get a new pair of shoes, prioritize something in their health? Recognize it. Call it out and celebrate. Treats and rewards keep us moving in the right direction.
Whether your next run is on a treadmill, city streets, country roads, hillside, or mountainous trail, think about all the pups who are out running and living their best life. If you are lucky, you know one of these dogs, or have one. Treat yourself as well as you treat those dogs. Stay on course, leave the negative, hydrate well, and reward graciously.
