So I've signed up for a 5k run tomorrow and you can take dogs so I was thinking about taking Stanley. He has to stay on lead so I think it will be a good test for him anyway, but he should be ok now to do that sort of exercise shouldn't he? He's like 21 months so nearly 2. Thanks
How long are your normal on-lead walks? Do you take him running on lead at all? What surface is it on? It's not so much the distance, but the distance at a pace dictated by you. 5km isn't long, but after the winter I still tend to build up to it with a couple of 2km runs first - and that's without having the dogs on lead. It shouldn't cause any lasting damage, but could cause some muscle soreness. If you do it, make sure you warm him up well first and he should be fine.
He doesn't really get on lead walks. He's always off lead for the majority of it. It's just gunna be on grass because it's in the park. We're definitely going to be walking more than running anyway because I can't run 5k. Not a chance! I'll give him a good run about before we go
The only thing I can think of is the pacing may be odd for you (or Stanley) - that can take dogs a while to get used to. But if you're fine just adjusting to Stanley and aren't in it as a serious run for time, it should be a fun day out for you both!
Go for it with Stanley if you plan to walk the 5k I'm sure he'll have lots of fun, and a few stops for sniffs en route .Enjoy the experience - and show us the photos
Thanks everyone I've even bought a bum bag to store his treats in which everyone at work is making fun of me for we're going to be the coolest people there
I have a bum-bag hydration pack which holds dog treats, poo bags, my phone and a ball (as well as the bladder full of water) for when I run. I am the COOLEST!
I always use a purple patterned bum-bag when on holiday to make sure that I have all the essentials on our walks - poo bags, treats, wet wipes, phone, keys, money, tissues, thankfully I don't get to carry the water . Bum-bags are COOL!!
I carry way too much stuff for a bum bag, so I get the very attractive back patch of sweat whenever I take off my backpack to grab something (in summer, anyway). If you're ok with just a few bits and pieces then a bum bag sounds smart! And gooooo Jen (and Stanley). I trained for a 5k once but never managed to run more than 3 I walk 5k regularly and it always takes at least 20 minutes longer with Xena because of all the sniffing
When we go on long hikes we take a proper rucksack for picnic, water, wine (you gotta have wine on a picnic!), first aid kit etc. It's brilliant, one of those that sits away from your back so you don't get a sweaty patch. Especially since the husband carries it
You go @JenBainbridge and Stanley, sounds great. I am jealous because I used to run (slowly slowly slowly) but had to stop because of arthritis. I'd love to run with Plum. I will enjoy a run vicariously through you and Stanners!
So we completed our 5k (hopefully get some pics when they go on the website) in 39 minutes and 43 seconds. Considering I haven't stepped foot in a gym in about 2 years and I have never really ran with Stanley before I'm impressed with that. We had to make a couple of wee stops and I let him have a couple of sniffs. He also stole some cones and we had to go and return them but generally he was a good boy. Although the marshalls gave him the award for the naughtiest dog and when we finished he got a huge cheer and loads of cuddles and fuss. A little soppy note now.. I hate exercise with a passion. But Stanley manages to make everything fun, I really enjoyed it today and I think he did too. I chatted away to him and tried to keep his focus on me and the run didn't seem that bad. When I decided to get Stanley a lot of people tried to talk me out of it because he would be too tying and he'd stop me doing things. I don't even know how people can say that.. any part of my life Stanley is involved in he makes 1000x better. I adore my little lad and there is no doubt about it he's the best friend I've ever had
Well done, massive well done to both of you !! Dear Stanley , he is so lovely, how could you not fuss him ? Looking forward to the pics xx
Oh what a fantastic post @JenBainbridge . I'm so pleased you had such a great time on the fun run and that Stanley was the star of the event Have fun with your boy each and every day