My Crazy Idea

Today as I left the house for my run I knew it was either going to be a disaster or a pleasant surprise.  I have been feeling sorry for Harper lately.  She went from being my baby to being forgotten due to our human baby.  I decided to take her along for our run.  That's right, I thought it might be a good idea to run with a stroller and a dog on a leash at the same time.

Harper running alongside the trail with us.

I loaded Carter up in his car seat, got Harper on her leash, and headed out the door.  Generally Harper is a very good running dog.  She loves to run and as long as I'm going a decent pace she keeps up and doesn't dilly dally.  If I'm going too slow she takes it as an opportunity to sniff and mark as we go.

As we neared the running trails Harper perked up with excitement.  The hardest part for her was waiting while I got the stroller set up and Carter loaded.  I got her out next and decided to start off walking to make sure I could navigate the stroller with her.

I always use a fabric leash while running with Harper.  I pull the leash through the handle loop and make it tight around my arm.  When we first started out Harper got excited and ran in front of the stroller so I unfortunately ran into her.  Other than that we had a minor hiccup when she started to go after a squirrel and that was it.  We passed multiple dogs and she ran along side me beautifully.  I was so proud of her!

Walking a cool down.

I don't think I'll make a habit of running with the stroller and Harper at the same time.  My back and shoulders are pretty sore right now.  That could also be due to the lifting workout my handsome husband put together for me.  We have an obstacle course race in August we would like to do which will take more upper body strength than the other ones I've done.  I'm getting a head start with the lifting, hopefully I'll stick with it this time.  I think I'll reserve running with the stroller and Harper to easy days like today.

And just because it's so cute, Carter's hair sticking up after a nap.