Here’s why you need to start running like a dog

The most valuable things I’ve learned about running have been taught to me by my dogs.

I’ve been a runner for years, and until recently I had ingrained running habits and specific routines–routes I liked to follow and paces to nail down. A very energetic border collie named Ty joined our family unexpectedly, and out of necessity (at first) he began coming along on my runs.

A few months after our first dog arrived, a second dog, Rexie, found his way into our home and into my training. While they’ve added time to my routine and we’ve had some challenging escapades, they’ve brought more value to my runs than I could have imagined.

It’s important to stop and look around

I have been guilty of being a data-driven runner. I used to admire a solid-looking run on Strava, and would aim not to break stride or stop for any reason on a speedy run. The dogs have changed that. If there’s something interesting, their desire to stop and take a look is non-negotiable.

At first, I’d coax them away from whatever they were after, and we’d continue. On one run, something clicked, and I stopped to look as well.

Since then, we’ve spent time admiring a multitude of wildlife I would have trudged past, spotted cactus flowers on the single day of the year that they bloom, and made friends with many a passerby. Not ideal for my speedwork sessions, but infinitely ideal for my mental health and easy run enjoyment.

The day that spring truly arrived, the dogs made sure I appreciated what a big deal this change of season was. Post-run, I felt satisfied and full of delight at what we’d seen, and I realized that without my fur-friends, I would have dashed by everything without noticing.

You should be having way more fun out there

Adults have way too little fun. Exercise, even doing something we love, can become one more item on a to-do list. The dogs, in contrast, are thrilled with every moment of every run. Nothing daunts them–a big snowbank I would detour around is bliss. A giant puddle is an opportunity to splash with abandon. A river? Mid-run cool-down session (yes, I join in).

Running through pouring rain or winter blizzards is the epitome of happiness to the dogs, and it’s definitely contagious. Once I started viewing the obstacles we encountered as opportunities for more joy and adventure rather than things that slowed down my pace, my mindset shifted.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Keeley Milne (@keerunsfar)

Running is a worry-free zone

When I’m running with the dogs, it’s hard to remain mentally focused on issues in the rest of my life. With so many things to observe, so many new routes to try and random opportunities for exploration, I’m able to be in the moment.

Running with the dogs becomes a respite from a busy world and life. While I might have less enviable Strava data to upload, my time on the trails has been revitalized. When the dogs aren’t with me, I might be able to fit in those track repeats and tighten up my marathon pace, but the lessons they’ve taught me carry over.

We put in so much mileage training for races that are over so quickly–it’s well worth it to make sure that most of that mileage is fun, full of interesting things, and stress-free.