It’s been so long since my last post. Sorry, summer is a
pretty busy time, as I’m sure it is for all of you.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how different my fitness
would be if I didn’t have Hershey. I think I would still run, but I don’t think
I would enjoy it quite as much. So I put a list together of all the great
things about having dogs as exercise/running partners.
Why dogs make great running/fitness companions:
1. Motivation- Nothing motivates me more than
thinking about how Hershey will benefit from a run. Even if I really don’t feel
like running one day Hershey gives me that needed push because I know he will
be miserable if he doesn’t get out, and that’s the last thing I want.
2. (Silent) Companionship- Running with friends is great;
knowing that someone is waiting on you gives you a push to get out of bed and
go run. However, there are times when you just need a good solo run, some time
to think and not worry about anyone else. I don’t know about you guys, but if I’m
in a bad mood starting a run, I’d rather be alone so I don’t ruin anyone else’s
day. Running with Hershey on those days though puts me in a little better mood,
because I know he is there, loyally running by my side.
3. Safety- Especially as a girl, I feel a lot safer
running with Hershey by my side. This is more for when I’m running on an
unfamiliar trail but I love knowing that having a dog gives me a good level of
protection.
4. They make you look good- No matter how bad I
look or think I look on the trail I know Hershey always looks adorable. Whenever
I run with Hershey I always get smiles from people passing me no matter how bad
of a hair/face day I’m having. (Or maybe they just feel bad for the crazy
looking, wild haired girl trying to run and feel it’s best to smile :-P)
5. Accomplishment- Seeing Hershey tiered at the end
of a run makes me feel like I accomplished more than just running. A tiered dog
is a happy dog and having a tiered Vizsla is definitely an accomplishment!
So there you have it, some great
advantages to exercising with your dog. I don’t take Hershey on all of my runs
but for the majority I do. Sometimes it is nice not to have to worry about
holding a leash but then when I get back he’s jealous ;-).
Doesn't this face just make you want to run?
For those of you with dogs,
What kind of dog do you have?
Do you run with your dog? How often?
