My New Running Buddy

Reflections on running with a furry partner:

1 – Pacing is hard, even for a dog. Mr. Quade started our run filled with enthusiasm and quickly fell behind, overeager and undertrained. A common rookie mistake.

2 – It feels great to have some company, but still have a little solitude and time with my own thoughts.

3 – Sweaty hugs are always appreciated and encouraged, as evidenced by vigorous tail wagging.

4 – Quade is a very focused and hilarious runner. We’re talking tongue-sticking-out-and-dangling-to-the-side, eyes cast down, showing no interest in other dogs and even ignoring discarded food wrappers by the side of the road (amazing!).

5 –I am convinced that he understands every word I say to him and am not shy about talking to him while we run, and shouting words of encouragement, as ridiculous as it may look. “Come on, buddy! You’re doing great! One more mile to go!”

We ran to the beach and back, a 3-mile loop, and Quade was pretty worn out. When an enormous rat crossed our path, he barely glanced at it, whereas I had a minor heart attack. When a mentally unstable homeless lady verbally abused us when we stopped by a water fountain (“Get out of here! You’re going to DIE DIE DIE! You’re a bum!” jeez, what is it with this city?), he paid no attention to her. I, on the other hand, felt protective of my little buddy and told her to stop scaring him or he might come after her, haha. I felt bad for a second, then wanted to burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of what I just said. Not only because Quade is the sweetest dog in the world and wouldn’t hurt a fly (or even a rat, as it turns out), but also because he was the epitome of sweetness with his tongue out, tail wagging, and warm caramel eyes that can melt you on the spot.

My buddy was getting really tired and lagging behind, scoring many a sympathetic glance from other runners. I was feeling guilty for pushing him. We switched to run-walk mode and I told myself I would just take him home and run a few more miles on my own. This was his first run, after all. I didn’t want him to associate running with pain just yet.

When we got home, after being properly fed and hydrated, he immediately took a nap, too tired to take his usual place by my side as I cooked dinner.

Looks like we might have a new distance runner in the making! Howdy, Quade!