Here is another great My Dogs Are Barking 5K running tip! We wanted to share this forum with veteran runners out there or those new to running out there, in a way to help people not only prepare for this particular race but for life as a runner, in general J…

 

We wanted to hear from you! Any questions, please post them to our blog and we will do our best to answer them all.

The overall theme of this past week’s questions was about being a new runner or at least a un-experience runner. One theme in particular…it’s ok to walk! Really. Running, like any other sport, has a period where your mind and body needs to get used to it. Walking isn’t quitting. It’s being smart. It’s being able to see beyond the finish line, so to speak. If you need to catch your breath or are tired, stop, walk. Just keep on moving forward. That’s the important part.

Also, don’t get caught up in all the hype. Running, in its truest form, is fairly simple. It’s a whole lot of fun, but in terms of the running community we are looking to help, we aren’t promising you a sub-5 minute mile or a spot on the next Olympic team, we are promising you some fun, fitness and a habit to be really, really proud of. So don’t get caught up in all the How To’s and What to Wear, and the training program created by the person who calls themselves a running expert but is really no different from you and me. Bottom line; get out the door and RUN! Run at different times of the day, experiment with what foods work best for you before and after a run. It’s not the same for everyone, so jump in and give it a try. The only person who should be and is judging you is you! And of course your dog, but as explained in an earlier post, our dogs are the best, most non-judgmental running partners out there.

Do you run every day? That’s great. So many of us wish our schedules allowed for that. Or for those of us NH natives, we wish the weather always allowed for that. But there isn’t any need to run every single day. Stay active, but try something called cross-training. This is simply when you do other activities to help maintain your fitness level. Biking, hiking, swimming and walking are great ways to cross-train and more importantly this will help prevent injuries. By not using the exact same muscles the exact same way every day, you are helping to prevent injury. And it’s fun to break things up a bit. Personally speaking, some of my favorite running routes I have navigated and mapped ahead of time by either biking on them or walking the dogs on them.

Our next blog we will talk about actually running together! Get ready, the  My Dogs Are Barking 5K is just 26 days away. That’s a little of 3weeks. Plenty of time to prepare!

Ready to run? Great! Now here are a couple of tips to get you and your dog off on the right foot (paw)…

 

To register for the "My Dogs are Barking" 5k Road Race go to www.rescueleague.org

Despite all our best attempts at starting a new running program, continuing your running program, or, taking it to the next level, it all starts with proper running shoes. Running shoes can be found almost anywhere. And there are so many different brands these days, it might feel overwhelming. Couple of things to consider when making this very important investment: 1) if you are new to running and aren’t sure what ‘kind’ of foot you have, it’s worth it to go to a running specialty store and get an experienced salesperson (usually a runner themselves) to help you. You may have a flat-foot, high-arch or a normal foot. Let them help you figure that out first and then you can base your shoe selection on that helpful information. 2) Your running shoes should actually be a ½ size or a full size bigger than you normally wear for everyday shoes. Your feet swell a bit when you run, and you will want that extra toe room. This helps alleviate blisters and black-nails. 3) If you are a seasoned runner, you may not need the assistance of a specialty store and you could probably find your new running shoes on your own. Runners are a funny bunch, we tend to stick to what we know works and don’t even try to introduce us to something new J. 4) Don’t get caught up in the sexiness of a racing shoe (aka racing flats). Unless you’re running is at a point where you are doing specific speed work and you are running road races to improve your times, all you need is a regular running shoe (aka training shoe). 5) Wear your running shoes for running. And not for anything else. We wear down our footwear differently based on the activities we do in them. In order to keep your running shoe supporting you while you run, limit their usage just for running. Also, this helps to extend the life of your running shoe.

What about our dogs? While there are actually shoes for dogs, helping them specifically for things such as hiking over rough terrain or walking through snow and ice, dogs don’t need a new pair (or two actually) of running shoes. BUT, we should be mindful of how their paws are doing. One of the best recommendations I have for your dog’s paw comfort is a product that is equally effective protecting them in the winter, as in the summer, check it out: http://musherssecret.net/index.html

Time for another My Dogs Are Barking 5K training tip! We hope you are all finding these tips helpful. We are certainly in it for the dogs J but how about some discussion on getting the human end of the leash trained? Are you a runner? Are you a new runner? Ever thought about running but just don’t know where to begin? Or, are you reading this blog because you love animals and love the Animal Rescue League of NH, but the thought of running our 5K seems unlikely? Well, do we have good news for you.  Assuming your doctor would give you the go ahead if you asked if you could start running; if you can walk, and you walk actively and regularly already, you can run! And, you can even run a race. There is no better 5K to get your feet wet with than My Dogs Are Barking. Why? Because dogs are the most non-judgmental beings ever. And there are dogs of all shapes, sizes and speeds. Just like humans. Perfect combination for your first time race. There is nothing more enjoyable than running with a whole lot of dogs! Best way to start a running program is to walk. It’s not the speed but rather the distance. If you haven’t run before and are just starting, try a walk/run around your block. Walk down one sidewalk, run down the next, etc. The next time try to add another block using the same routine. Before you know it you have covered more ground running than you may have ever done before. And it won’t seem so hard. Think of it this way, you have just covered more distance on your first two runs than the person who is still sitting on their couch. As you start to build up your distances, and keep it simple at first, remember that your pace in these early, training runs should allow you to carry a conversation with someone. In other words don’t run so fast that you are breathing so hard that you couldn’t talk to another person. Or, to your dog J.