Hands free leash for runners & walkers and a cool training program for your smartphone.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

I have recently started running as a result of a challenge by my sister (a half marathoner) made to me on July 4th.  The challenge is that I run a half marathon with her by next July 4th.  Me being the competitve person that I am said, "your on sister!".  Of course the next day I thought "what the H E Double toothpicks were you thinking, Nina?"  But a challenge is a challenge and no way am I backing down from a challenge from my younger sister.  So I joined a local running group and started training for my first 5K.  I knew I had to run at least 3 times a week but our group only met 1 day a week. 

In comes the smartphone...  After looking at several "couch to 5K" iPhone apps I settled on Jeff Galloway's Ultimate 5K.  He uses walk/run intervals to help increase distance and endurance.  I am training doing 30/30 (30 seconds running - 30 seconds walking).  I am happy to say that I ran my first 5K on Sept. 8 and ran/walked it in 36 mins.

I am running another 5K on Oct 8 and this one is dog friendly.  I have been training with Harlow so she can run with me next weekend.  The problem though is trying to run with a regular leash; it throws off my balance a bit holding the leash in one hand and a water bottle in the other.  So off to Amazon (via the DK link) for some shopping.  I found a great hands free leash.  Not only does it free up my leash hand but it has a pouch for holding my keys and poo bags, as well as a loop to hold my water bottle.  Now both my hands are free and Harlow & I are enjoying the exercise we are getting.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I give you lots of credit for doing this, Nina!  I'm sure that Harlow loves running with his Mom.

[Dori & Rua]

I am most impressed, Nina!  Good for you and Harlow.  Let me know if you find a 30/30 training for walking 30 seconds and resting 30 seconds)!  I'dd be all over that one!  LOL

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Dori when I first started with the running group there were a couple of ladies who did 15/60 intervals.  I ran with them until I got my stamina up to the 30/30.  There are folks in the group that do 3/3 minute intervals and run 10K in 1 hour.

[sandy b]

I am definitely going to get this leash.

[BG and Gavin]

Nice work Nina!!

[Ellen, Brûlée, and Tira]

You are doing what my brain tells me I should do, but my body says, "Oh, no you don't!"   Keep up the fantastic training and let us know how you're doing along the way! 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Nina, WTG. I run a little and find just a belt and the reg leash works for me. The funny thing is Quincy is not big on the running thing and I find myself saying "come on" a lot. The little stinker will run all day after a ball. Maybe I shoud tie one on a stick in front of his nose. 

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

what is WTG?  I tried the belt/leash thing but I like the extra accessories on this leash cause I am always trying to figure out where to hold my keys and things.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Way to go!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Thanks!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

We have a little path that wanders through our property and I've tried running that with Sedona a couple of times.  I wish someone would invent a Doodle Cruise Control as she either does the Quincy thing and I'm saying "come on" or she's racing ahead and I'm having to run with all my might.  Oh wait, I think they do have Doodle Cruise Control - it's called training!  I just can't (don't) have the time, motivation, umph to get out on that path often enough.  :(

[sandy b]

Nina, did you walk a lot before training? I notice you were looking at "couch to 5k apps".