Tips for running with a dog (part 1)

Today brought a change for the better in the weather (cooler, drier, breezier). Tasha and I were so excited! We set out for Lexington Center with a bit more energy and faster pace than our usual summer trot. We went around the Battle Green, admired the very nice tush of the Minuteman on display in statue form, and finished at a steady clip up Lincoln. One of my daughters was at the soccer try-outs at Lincoln Field so we mentally wished her luck as we cruised on by.

What a pleasure it was to just run without excessively sweating and panting, going slow to keep the heart rate down, and stopping every few minutes to catch our breath. I wonder if the heat and humidity are really behind us, or whether we'll get hit again in September? Never mind, I'll follow Tasha's example and just enjoy what today brings.

Here are a few tips for anyone thinking they might like to run with their dog: (1) Be prepared to stop on a dime when your dog decides she absolutely, positively must take a bathroom break right on this spot. It helps to have a little slack in the leash that you can pay out as you slow down and stop. (2) Speaking of bathroom breaks, always bring one more bag than you think you will need. (3) Try not to get annoyed if your dog attempts to wrap you like a maypole by running to the left/back/front/right of you. Just pay attention and maneuver the leash as necessary to keep from getting tripped up. (By the way, my husband refers to getting wrapped up like this as being turned into a "dumb-pole." I'm not sure if the "dumb" part refers to the person or the dog! I think I'd better not ask....)