Fit Fanatic: Running with man's best friend

By: Cool J
Even before we were married, my husband and I both knew we wanted to get a dog. We did our research on different breeds, and decided that the Hungarian Vizsla was the "Right Fit" for us. They are very smart and easy to train. They also do not shed much. They are clean, low-maintenance pets in terms of grooming. But one of the biggest reasons we wanted a Vizsla...

(other than their good looks and cuddliness)

...is that Vizslas are GREAT running companions. 

Ms. Matilda could probably outrun anyone in my run club. Hands down.

At the time that we were looking to get a dog, I was running alone a lot, in the dark. Usually I would bring one of these hand-held Mace canisters, just in case. 

I thought the added security of a dog would be even more of a deterrent for any potential creepers along my running route. 

So, we met with a breeder, and went to his place to pick out a puppy from a recent litter...and we were sold. 

How could we ever resist this face?

Before we knew it, we were the proud owners of a puppy, whom we named Matilda Sloan.

The vet recommended that we wait to run with Matilda until she was at least a year old. Even though she would run (and run and run) off-leash on her own, we wanted to make sure she was physically ready to go for structured runs. We took several obedience classes, as well as additional "Leash Behavior" classes. 

But even after she was old enough, just like with humans, we had to ease her into running. We built up slowly- first just a mile or two. Then, perhaps we would do four or five miles. Before we knew it, she was showing us that she was a natural runner, easily joining us for eight to nine mile runs.

She gladly joined us for multiple 5k's.

She took first place in the family Turkey Trot 5k last year:

Matilda is a FIT FANATIC- she loves to run!

As mentioned here, I normally run with the Calhoun Beach Run Club. However, on the days that I don't make it there, Matilda is my running buddy.

I highly recommend a hands-free running leash for your dog, like the one shown in the above picture.

This one is "Stunt Puppy" brand, and we picked it up at our local "Chuck & Don's Pet Food Warehouse". It works very well, as it doesn't interfere with your regular running form.

Just like humans, Matilda needs some cold weather gear to run through the winter: a performance fleece, some booties, or a high-tech jacket.

With proper training and a little equipment, your dog can become one of your best running buddies!

From Runner's World: 5 Reasons your dog is your best running buddy....


1) People don't have tails that wag... On days you're dragging, Matilda can remind you that running should be joyful. Her relaxed stride and frisky vigor are contagious. Dogs even look like they're smiling when they run.

2). It's better than bonding over a bowl of kibble... You like to run. And dogs are natural runners. You might be surprised how much you get out of sharing this common interest. It's even better if you both take a nap afterwards.

3) They don't worry about negative splits... Human partners can get caught up in how many calories they've burned and their GPS stats, but a dog will remind you that the best workouts are the ones where you run free.

4). They won't accept your excuses. When that tail starts wagging, it's hard to say no. A University of Missouri study showed that people who exercised with a dog were more likely to stick with it than those who go it alone or with a human partner.

5) A tired dog is a good dog. Get Matilda sufficiently tired, and when you get home, she's more apt to snooze at your feet than chew up your new Nikes.

So lace up your shoes, grab Fido's leash, and head out the door for a run with man's best (running) friend!