Monday 23 November 2015

Psalm 119:32

Since becoming a runner I've developed a new understanding of who God is. There are a number of verses in the Bible about running and I'd like to start doing some blog spotlights on those verses and what they mean to me. I'd love to hear from other runners and their interpretations or understanding of these verses as well. 
 I have a tried, tested and true 6km route, 8km route and 10km route. I know exactly where 1km from home is in many directions. When I want to let go and run, spend time with God, get a good sweat and heart pumping run in, I lace up my shoes and head out on one of these routes. I don't worry about looking at my watch or doing running math or worrying about how many loops I need to do to round out my run. 
This verse applies in that God has set out commands for us, a way to live, in his holy word. I'm learning them as I grow in my relationship with Christ. As I learn them and explore them I find peace in them. People too often view rules and faith as constricting, borders that impede us when in all reality they are the opposite. Having a path to follow, knowing the direction you are headed in life gives you freedom to run without worry! You know the paths you are following because you've learned them, you know where they are taking you and where your ultimate end goal is. 
I don't overly enjoy trying to find new running routes in different areas. I don't like having to loop the same 1km block repeatedly or what feels like wandering aimlessly and trying to find roads or paths to take. It seems that much more tiring and I obsessively look at my watch, which seems to always be at less than 1km on these runs. I'm glad I don't need to approach life the same way. I have a loving God who has a plan for my life and a direction. Even in life when I'm not sure what comes next, I know God has a plan laid out for me, so I run without hesitation, with freedom, in the path of his commands.  

Friday 13 November 2015

Running with a dog

Getting ready for a fall run!
When my boyfriend Mark and I started dating I also started a relationship with his dog; Zoe is a Bernese Mountain dog and she will be two this December. I have always loved animals and especially dogs so I naturally fell in love with Zoe quickly. I love any chance to take her for a walk and from the moment I met her I got excited for the chance to take her running.

I've been running about 3 years now and my personal bests are getting harder to best. The harder and faster I run the more aches and pains I experience so I'm always looking for ways to find new opportunities to love running. Picking up some trail running has definitely helped as I am not as preoccupied with obsessing over split times and also finding time to run with friends helps as I turn on my Polar watch and turn it off when we finish and don't put much thought into it, just enjoy that time with my friends.

Mark and I have also started running together. I never want to force my passions onto a partner so I am thankful he seems to enjoy running sometimes too. My heart smiles when we run together. He is at a stage where it's easier for him to put on headphones and listen to a podcast to focus on his run whereas I like to have more unplugged runs to chat. I am glad we can find balance together.
First run with these two
Zoe is still a puppy in my books and is still learning how to walk properly on a leash (aka in a controlled manner, not all over the street from side to side) so I knew running could pose a challenge. I made sure to do some quick pinterest research on running with a dog. Many take aways are obvious like dogs, much like humans, need to build up the distance they are able to run and to watch dogs for signs of dehydration. It's also important to know the background on their breed as some dogs are more predisposed to different afflictions to watch for signs of.
Running side by side on the train track trail
Berners are bred for pulling heavy loads and Zoe is no exception to her breed. She loves to near pull my arm out of it's socket if she wants to visit another dog walking or try and befriend a squirrel. As we've started running together I've looked into running belts and purchased one with ample pockets. I am thankful my friend Lisa let me borrow her running belt to try out first. If you are looking into running with a dog ask a friend who runs with a dog if you can borrow their running belt before purchasing to decide what you need in one.

The belt I purchased has a pocket for a water bottle which I liked as Zoe, having such dark and thick fur, can overheat quicker than I would. What I don't like about the one I purchased as compared to Lisa's that I borrowed is Lisa's leash portion had stretch to it, like a bungee cord which made Zoe's frequent pulls easier to manage. Luckily I can keep an eye out for this attachable leash to one day purchase.

I am trying to teach Zoe to pace herself. It reminds me much of running with the kids at school in our after school run club. They just want to run as fast as they can immediately but often grow tired and gas themselves quickly. No matter how many times I told this to the kids they just had to learn it themselves through doing it, I am hoping Zoe will eventually become the same.
All smiles post-run
I love running with Zoe for many reasons:

  • It makes her happy, which in turn makes me happy. Humans and animals were made to move and exercise. Watching her trot along with her tongue flopping out the side of her mouth and her constant smile warms my heart. 
  • It's good for her. She has lots of energy and running allows her to get some of it out. 
  • I feel safer, especially running the trails which I'd like to do more and more of with her. I feel safer from animals and even strange people.
  • It's making her more disciplined on leash. She's learning to not need to pull towards all people and animals she meets.
  • When I am having a rough day, seeing her makes me feel better and so does going for a run. Going for a run with her, well, that's just two great things together!
  • I don't worry about my own pace or distance. I watch her for signs of pain or overheating (she does froth at the mouth from time to time) and make sure she's enjoying herself. I start my watch at the beginning and stop it at the end. 

Running with a dog is still new to me but I am loving it and enjoying taking Zoe out for a run anytime I can. In fact, we have big plans to run the Santa Shuffle together. I even bought her a Santa hat from the dollar store which she hated and ruined. Point taken, Zoe. I am slightly nervous about her running with that many other people and potentially dogs. Today she and I ran with my friend Lisa and her dog Britt. The beginning of the run was interesting to say the least with the two dogs running at one another but they eventually fell into a rhythm and were fine.
Zoe and Britt
Lisa and I 


I still have some things to sort out like how to stop her from pulling so much and if that's a losing battle with the predisposition of her breed. All I know is her tugs hurt my back and that's not good. If you have an advice on running with a dog I am all for hearing it!

My heart explodes with joy running with Mark and Zoe and I look forward to many more runs together.


post-run kisses