Running With and Without A Big Dog

Today I ran 5K straight. It took me about a half hour -- no records broken. I usually run a bit less in a single run as I don't really want to wear out my knees, but it felt good today, so I kept going. I worked up a sweat by the end of it, but wasn't at all out of breath. I have to crank up the speed again to get more of a workout.

I mostly run on a treadmill. For some reason it is much, much harder for me to run IRL -- I don't know if it's dealing with the terrain, too much fresh air, or something else, but outside I run out of oxygen in about 1K, and usually have to slow down or take a break, heaving and hawing. Is it psychological? I suspect running barefoot at home is at least some of the explanation. It's very different, as I never bottom out on my heels when running barefoot -- something almost impossible when wearing shoes.

I have a dog that loves running, but unfortunately I can't really run with her. I haven't been able to teach her to run along - she will dash at squirrels, lunge at other dogs (going straight for the neck and scaring everyone around), and slow down to give strangers a lick (she loves people but not dogs). When she doesn't do one of the above, she will generally grab at the lead and try to walk me or play tug, which completely breaks my rhythm.

But, the most fun I've ever had running, was sprinting with the dog. I've only done it a few times as it is really scary. If I run fast, she picks up on it and starts accelerating. She starts bounding and gets into a gallop, pulling me hard. She weighs maybe 70 pounds, and develops a lot of thrust very fast. A few seconds later I realize that I am going much faster than I am designed for -- along with an amazing feeling of exhiliration. It's more like flying than running. It is impossible for me not to laugh outloud.

Alas, after a few seconds, I have to decelerate rapidly -- not an easy task -- stomping my feet and yelling at the dog to stop while pedestrians get out of the way. It's like being a kid again.

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🚀 stack

2023-12-22 · 5 months ago · 👍 akkartik

1 Comment

🚀 stack [OP] · Dec 22 at 22:27:

@oldernow - shit, that was fast! Don't you have anything better to do than read hot-off-the-press BBS posts?