Run like a dog!

"You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'" - Dave Barry

Like a lot of runners, I run with my dog. It's safe to say that I run because of my dog. Healthy dogs need exercise and since dogs rarely ride bicycles, crossfit or do much of yoga, exercise mostly means running.

Of course, most dogs, mine included, can't go on ultraruns. Dogs aren't built for that. But my dog, Rustle, has gone on long runs, up to 18 miles at times. We've shared a lot of trails together and enjoy being out on the trail in many similar ways.

But there are some other differences between humans and dogs, when it comes to running.

• Dogs don't obsess over diet, high carb or high protein, count calories or plan their pre-race meals.
• Dogs don't race - they only explore.
• Dogs don't post their results on Strava and try to claim segment records.
• Dogs poop on the trail. OK, most ultra runners do that, too.
• Dogs don't know where they are going, or even how far they are going.
• Dogs were into barefoot running before it was in fashion, and continued after it was passé.
• Dogs don't wear tutus on runs, but won't complain if they are dressed in one.
• Dogs notice everything around them on the trail, except the distance, pace, remaining distance... basically the run.
• Dogs don't blog about their running.

Dogs enjoy their runs much more than their human counterparts do. They run for the sheer joy of exploration and exhilaration. They don't train, they don't have a goal, they don't follow a plan. If you want to keep running, you have to enjoy it. Leave your GPS watch and map behind, grab a pair of shoes or paws and just run for the fun of it. Run like a dog.