Finally the weather and my schedule cooperated to be able to play with the new equipment and be focused on it. Due to heath-related issues with my other dog, Luna had to take over as my assistant in a massive training project/testing. With that weekend behind us and a beautiful warm day we pulled out the harness!
I decided to try the easy thing first and be a "bad trainer." I put on my belt, put Luna in her harness and pulled out our fancy tug line....and waited to see what happened.
It was nice! Obviously we're lacking in some training to do just about anything, but she did get into position out front and was pulling a little if I moved faster than a walk. I could not believe how much leash walking alters -my- balance. When using a leash, I tend to put more weight on my left side and have my arm ready to hold and shift my weight back if my dog is to pull, but now there are no worries! My arms were free to move and I was able to move in a more dogless fashion as well as be comfortable while my dog pulls!
Now, back to the training!
Kristen
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Finally! Happy Dogs :)
After a week of Track practice I am not sure who was happier to do a slow easy run, me (because slow and easy rarely happen at practice), or Owen (because I haven't run with him in forever, since last Sunday. He runs with my mom but its not the same.....). So we went a nice slow six miles and survived despite the tight legs and rapidly dropping temperatures. The high for tommorrow is 15 *F - I'm sure I will be very glad to run on the indoor track again. Now if my harness and belt would just come....
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Know Your Professionals- Kristen
Knowing who to turn to for help is always a good thing. In an athletic endeavor like this, its of importance to consult your doctor to be sure that there's not more-than-average risk.
But don't stop there! When I've got questions about running I bring them up to Karin who has almost too much experience and always seems to know the answers. My local vet gets questions and gives answers pertaining to dog related matters, but I'm also making contacts with vets who know more about 'canine sports' and those who compete in this type of 'sport.'
I spent most of my day driving, about 10 hours total, to and from a vet appointment and can really appriciate the importance of recieving information from qualified persons. I have a hard time understanding why I would do such a thing and at the same time knowing I would respect others who do it. For the type of assitance I needed, this was the closest (and I think the best!) facility and which justified the trip. Take the time to find and maintain good contacts and the professionals you need to do well. It's worth it!
Enjoy your dogs...you never know what's going to happen next.
Kristen
But don't stop there! When I've got questions about running I bring them up to Karin who has almost too much experience and always seems to know the answers. My local vet gets questions and gives answers pertaining to dog related matters, but I'm also making contacts with vets who know more about 'canine sports' and those who compete in this type of 'sport.'
I spent most of my day driving, about 10 hours total, to and from a vet appointment and can really appriciate the importance of recieving information from qualified persons. I have a hard time understanding why I would do such a thing and at the same time knowing I would respect others who do it. For the type of assitance I needed, this was the closest (and I think the best!) facility and which justified the trip. Take the time to find and maintain good contacts and the professionals you need to do well. It's worth it!
Enjoy your dogs...you never know what's going to happen next.
Kristen
Winter Returns- Kristen
Did I accomplish my goals? Nope! Do I have any great excuses? Nope! Am I going to do something about it? Hopefully. As it's how I tend to do things, I apply the doggyness things to the 'rest' of my life. Let's look at how this went and what I plan to do about it.
My 'Training Plan' needs to be modified. Last week I had set specific weekly goals, and left it at that. It obviously didn't work very well. The main error seems to be that I didn't 'split' the criteria and then raise it gradually. Instead of setting weekly distance, I will have a time of 15 minutes every day. I've gotten a fancy little calandar thing and will set aside a certain time every day so that it doesn't get pushed to the last minute. My equipment will be setting in a spot where I can easily access it. Currently my clothes are in a basket in my bedroom, my belt on a collar rack, my shoes in my car, the outerwear hanging in the basement, my boots in the kitchen, my dog at my feet, and my harness somewhere between WA and OH! Outerwear is going to be hung in the basement and dog-gear (and shoes) will be kept in a drawer of my fabulous 'organizational unit' that sets next to the crates.
Though it's slightly disapointing to not meet the goals I had set, I can happily report that I did make progress! I went out three times last week with a total (estimate) of 5 miles.
We'll see how this new plan works out. Stay warm,
Kristen.
My 'Training Plan' needs to be modified. Last week I had set specific weekly goals, and left it at that. It obviously didn't work very well. The main error seems to be that I didn't 'split' the criteria and then raise it gradually. Instead of setting weekly distance, I will have a time of 15 minutes every day. I've gotten a fancy little calandar thing and will set aside a certain time every day so that it doesn't get pushed to the last minute. My equipment will be setting in a spot where I can easily access it. Currently my clothes are in a basket in my bedroom, my belt on a collar rack, my shoes in my car, the outerwear hanging in the basement, my boots in the kitchen, my dog at my feet, and my harness somewhere between WA and OH! Outerwear is going to be hung in the basement and dog-gear (and shoes) will be kept in a drawer of my fabulous 'organizational unit' that sets next to the crates.
Though it's slightly disapointing to not meet the goals I had set, I can happily report that I did make progress! I went out three times last week with a total (estimate) of 5 miles.
We'll see how this new plan works out. Stay warm,
Kristen.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Crazy "Runner Girl" - Karin
When I am around dog people it does not take long for me to get the nickname of "runner girl" . Its almost inevitable, and I have glady accepted it. But most people's question to me is why in the world do you run- and enjoy it??? (Ask Kristen, she has said this to me more than once...) If you are a runner you will understand that running is just...part of you(and if you are a "dog person" the same applies), so I had to think about this question for a little bit.
I know why Owen runs. For him it is fun, it smells good, he gets to spend time with me, there might be wonderful stinky stuff to roll in, and there are squirrels and best of all DEER!!! If you are ever in Northeast Ohio and see a black and tan border collie mix jumping and screaming(squealing??), there is a pretty good chance it is me and Owen and he saw deer. On leash he is typically wonderful, but deer turn him into a crazy monster. Not if I could only get half as much enthusiasm during agility...
But me? Why do I run? Well when I started in seventh grade I ran track for something to do after school. The I discovered I was pretty good at it and it was fun, so I ran to break the middle school record and to be part of a team. Then I became competitive in high school and ran because I wanted to be able to compete, not just at small races, but at big ones too. And somewhere in between all this I realized that I love running (someone please remind me of this in about a week when I can't move after track practice and wonder why I torture myself!) I don't think I can answer the "why do you run and enjoy it" question. If you are a runner you understand- and if not come try it and find out for yourself!
I know why Owen runs. For him it is fun, it smells good, he gets to spend time with me, there might be wonderful stinky stuff to roll in, and there are squirrels and best of all DEER!!! If you are ever in Northeast Ohio and see a black and tan border collie mix jumping and screaming(squealing??), there is a pretty good chance it is me and Owen and he saw deer. On leash he is typically wonderful, but deer turn him into a crazy monster. Not if I could only get half as much enthusiasm during agility...
But me? Why do I run? Well when I started in seventh grade I ran track for something to do after school. The I discovered I was pretty good at it and it was fun, so I ran to break the middle school record and to be part of a team. Then I became competitive in high school and ran because I wanted to be able to compete, not just at small races, but at big ones too. And somewhere in between all this I realized that I love running (someone please remind me of this in about a week when I can't move after track practice and wonder why I torture myself!) I don't think I can answer the "why do you run and enjoy it" question. If you are a runner you understand- and if not come try it and find out for yourself!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Be Careful!-Kristen
There's more to being careful than carrying your poop bags and having a first aid kit in your car.
As Karin pointed out, there's been a good bit of news on people getting into dangerous situations when out walking/running. I had recieved a nice email from my school about people being threatened on a path nearby...and only read it after I got home from a three mile walk with Luna!
The warm weather is leaving for a while, but not long! Or so the weather people are saying...
We're continually putting up new content on our site www.trailrunningdogs.com Tonight I'm working on a video about how to measure for harnesses. Keep in mind that I'm -not- a professional when it comes to that! However, I am good at following directions, know how to handle dogs, and know some structural terms. A link will appear here when I'm finished:
As Karin pointed out, there's been a good bit of news on people getting into dangerous situations when out walking/running. I had recieved a nice email from my school about people being threatened on a path nearby...and only read it after I got home from a three mile walk with Luna!
The warm weather is leaving for a while, but not long! Or so the weather people are saying...
We're continually putting up new content on our site www.trailrunningdogs.com Tonight I'm working on a video about how to measure for harnesses. Keep in mind that I'm -not- a professional when it comes to that! However, I am good at following directions, know how to handle dogs, and know some structural terms. A link will appear here when I'm finished:
Monday, January 7, 2008
I Suprised Myself!-Kristen
Hours ago I was whinning to Karin about how muddy it was outside and how I really didn't want to get my new shoes dirty. I'm not opposed to getting dirty, but I don't get satisfaction in getting my stuff filthy and then washing it again.
I did the logical thing, and gave up on the idea of running today. I'd gotten back later than expected this afternoon and wasn't able to reset my car and get to the park in time to run on the nice, dry, paved pathway. However, I set that monsterous goal of 10 miles this week (and what? Karin said she's doing that today?!)...if I didn't start today I would be in trouble as the rest of the week will be much more busy!
A piece of fence around the pond was down so we could walk right on in and have the pleasure of being on the highest bit of ground. The cows had been in there a few weeks ago, but all that was dried up enough to not be a hazard. I did wear my nice 'fashionable' rubber boots....getting wet is not something I enjoy either.
We only ended up going around twice (total of 2/3 mile, maybe?)...I had too much fun taking pictures of the dogs to be productive. But soon after returning I decided it was dry enough to wear my new shoes, fell in love with them while Luna and I went 1 1/3 mile! Horray! Total of 2 miles! A start!
And did I mention that this 70* weather in January is quite nice...?
Week total: 2
Year total: 2
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Crazy Dog! Attempting to Measure for a Harness- Karin
Today was my off day for running, I may need it during the off season but my dog certainly does not. I snowshoed with my family while he sat home and slept. The result is my typically crazy dog is bouncing off the walls- quite literally at times. Being brilliant ( more sarcasm), I decided today would be a good day to measure him for a harness so I could order it.
BAD idea! Owen is a strange dog, he is hard to motivate but at the same time becomes overstimulate very quickly. It always makes him interesting to train. As I quickly discovered measuring fits into the overstimulating category (along with brushing, people coming home, squirrels, deer ...) It seemed simple enough, have the dog stand stay(a cue he knows well) then take three simple measurements. I wish it was that simple. My attempts at measuring went more like this, "Owen stay. Hold still. No you can't eat the tape measure!I am not hurting you. Waiiiiiiiit!!" I tried having my mom hold him but then he acted like I was killing him (he is such a complainer....). Some how I managed to get the three measurement, but I will be remeasuring tomorrow- AFTER our 10 mile long run. Hopefully he will be to tired to care:)
BAD idea! Owen is a strange dog, he is hard to motivate but at the same time becomes overstimulate very quickly. It always makes him interesting to train. As I quickly discovered measuring fits into the overstimulating category (along with brushing, people coming home, squirrels, deer ...) It seemed simple enough, have the dog stand stay(a cue he knows well) then take three simple measurements. I wish it was that simple. My attempts at measuring went more like this, "Owen stay. Hold still. No you can't eat the tape measure!I am not hurting you. Waiiiiiiiit!!" I tried having my mom hold him but then he acted like I was killing him (he is such a complainer....). Some how I managed to get the three measurement, but I will be remeasuring tomorrow- AFTER our 10 mile long run. Hopefully he will be to tired to care:)
Friday, January 4, 2008
Gear is Arriving!-Kristen
I was happy to find my belt from www.alpineoutfitters.net arrived yesterday! It looked huge, but fits great. I can't wait until the harness and line arrive.
Unlike Karin, I can't elequently express the joys of running or the places I've run. Because I don't have many of either item to list. The last time I ran a mile nonstop was in middle school. The last time I ran more than a few steps was an agility trial at the beginning of December... Am I pathetic? Yes.
I've made these great excuses to myself about waiting until I get new shoes..it gets cooler...it gets warmer...I get less tired...my equipment comes. I need someone to push me out the door and make me go...and my dogs aren't going to do it! So how do I change this behavior? Instead of lumping my goals of "start running so we can do half decent at events," I will split it to what I think are much more achievable pieces. For the week of January 6th, I want to have a total of 10 miles, and by the next weekend, the 19th, be able to go a mile without stopping.
Split up your goals, be specific, set achievable pieces, and challenge yourself! Finding the time will definately be my biggest challenge!
Unlike Karin, I can't elequently express the joys of running or the places I've run. Because I don't have many of either item to list. The last time I ran a mile nonstop was in middle school. The last time I ran more than a few steps was an agility trial at the beginning of December... Am I pathetic? Yes.
I've made these great excuses to myself about waiting until I get new shoes..it gets cooler...it gets warmer...I get less tired...my equipment comes. I need someone to push me out the door and make me go...and my dogs aren't going to do it! So how do I change this behavior? Instead of lumping my goals of "start running so we can do half decent at events," I will split it to what I think are much more achievable pieces. For the week of January 6th, I want to have a total of 10 miles, and by the next weekend, the 19th, be able to go a mile without stopping.
Split up your goals, be specific, set achievable pieces, and challenge yourself! Finding the time will definately be my biggest challenge!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
8 Degrees and 7am- Karin
I love running when it is 8 degrees at 7 in the morning (can you sense the sarcasm??) It is not the actual run that is the trouble, but the getting out of a nice warm bed, and worst of all getting out of the car. The dogs on the other hand could care less, they are ready to run and want to run NOW (especially since I cross country skied yesterday and left them at home). They love the snow and jump, hop and eat it during the whole run. It took about three miles for us (I train with my mom during the off season- she is an ultra marathoner) to warm up, but the rest of the eight mile run was enjoyable.
Yes, I just wrote that and 8 mile run at 7am when it was 8 degrees out was enjoyable. I am quite aware that that is an absolutely crazy thing to say(and am glad there are at least a few people out somewhere that would also find it fun...) But would I run if I wasn't at least slightly crazy? Cold runs like this, painful runs like those that will begin when indoor track starts, and slow tiresome runs after speed work outs are what make you a good runner, not the fast, easy ones. And the stronger you and your dog get, the more room for adventure there is. My dog and I spent the weekend in West Virgina mountains for my graduation present, and ran a race there. We have trained through wind, snow, rain, sleet, heat and cold. We have ran through streams, hills, fields, mountains, valleys and woods. We ran together in the hills of New York, one of the few times he has experienced the joy of being off leash with no boundaries in sight. We run for fun, run because we can, and most of all run because we love it. There is something amazing about running with a dog, something that has to be experienced and can not truly be described.
Karin and Owen
Yes, I just wrote that and 8 mile run at 7am when it was 8 degrees out was enjoyable. I am quite aware that that is an absolutely crazy thing to say(and am glad there are at least a few people out somewhere that would also find it fun...) But would I run if I wasn't at least slightly crazy? Cold runs like this, painful runs like those that will begin when indoor track starts, and slow tiresome runs after speed work outs are what make you a good runner, not the fast, easy ones. And the stronger you and your dog get, the more room for adventure there is. My dog and I spent the weekend in West Virgina mountains for my graduation present, and ran a race there. We have trained through wind, snow, rain, sleet, heat and cold. We have ran through streams, hills, fields, mountains, valleys and woods. We ran together in the hills of New York, one of the few times he has experienced the joy of being off leash with no boundaries in sight. We run for fun, run because we can, and most of all run because we love it. There is something amazing about running with a dog, something that has to be experienced and can not truly be described.
Karin and Owen
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
I Succeed!-Kristen
I like to be prepared. That is why it took me an hour to clean out my car today. It feels good to know that if I (or anyone else!) need something, whether it's water, snacks, dog toys, or duct tape, I have it. My standard organization policy for the car is two shoe-box sized plastic containers. One is a first aid/picnic supply kit (the two things are essential for travel!), and the other has extra dog and people supplies. Some of this didn't fit or wasn't hygenic enough to be in the first aid kit. I frequently find myself opening this box at agility trials and trips to the park.
Today Luna's eye got irritated by something, and I was glad to not have to rush around trying to find what I needed. I pulled out the eye drops without any sort of search or extra trip to the store.
There are numerous listings of people/pet first aid kit supplies online, and I used one of those to create that kit. I threw in paper cups, plates, napkins, and forks for those emergency meals, as well as a roll of duct tape. My 'adventure' dog kit I have been working to form through trial and error and is as follows.
Adventure Dog Kit
Today Luna's eye got irritated by something, and I was glad to not have to rush around trying to find what I needed. I pulled out the eye drops without any sort of search or extra trip to the store.
There are numerous listings of people/pet first aid kit supplies online, and I used one of those to create that kit. I threw in paper cups, plates, napkins, and forks for those emergency meals, as well as a roll of duct tape. My 'adventure' dog kit I have been working to form through trial and error and is as follows.
Adventure Dog Kit
- Muzzle
- Collar and Leash
- Plastic Bags
- Water Bottles
- Bowl
- Canned Food (with a pull tab!)
- Cleaning Spray
- Dog Toy
- Granola Bars/Goldfish Crackers!
- Tissues
- Sunscreen
- Bugspray (people and pet safe!)
- Permenant Marker
I will have to make sure I keep these supplies stocked as we begin adventuring further and further from home with more and exciting adventures. Don't be caught unprepared, put your kits together today!
Kristen
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year- Karin
Its always nice to start a new year off with a good run. But a speed workout when its 30 degrees and snowing was not exactly what I had in mind... Running itself can be an adventure, when you run with a dog things become even more interesting. Fortunately today was not really and adventure; Owen (my black and tan "All- American") and I ran seven miles, three of which were 80-90 percent effort. We have had plenty of adventures though, and I'm sure we will have plenty more this year.
This will be my seventh year of running ( I had to count multiple times, have I really been running that long???). Owen was adopted 3 1/2 years ago and has ran with me ever since. For me Trail Running with dogs, or Canicross (as it is referred to in Europe), is the perfect sport. Owen and I have been training for agility since I adopted him, and I run Track and Cross-Country at the college level. To be able to compete in a sport that combines my two loves is amazing. Sadly I am only able to run in a limited amount of races due to track and cross country and the limited amount of races in the area. So our focus for this year will be training and working with distractions. I plan to get a harness and canicross gear, and hopefully we will be able to test our strength and team work this year.
This will be my seventh year of running ( I had to count multiple times, have I really been running that long???). Owen was adopted 3 1/2 years ago and has ran with me ever since. For me Trail Running with dogs, or Canicross (as it is referred to in Europe), is the perfect sport. Owen and I have been training for agility since I adopted him, and I run Track and Cross-Country at the college level. To be able to compete in a sport that combines my two loves is amazing. Sadly I am only able to run in a limited amount of races due to track and cross country and the limited amount of races in the area. So our focus for this year will be training and working with distractions. I plan to get a harness and canicross gear, and hopefully we will be able to test our strength and team work this year.
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