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Anyone else run with their dog? Anyone using a hands-free leash?

I am considering trying one. Beginning to suspect shin splints in right leg may be caused by holding leash of crazy dog in left hand...

This thought hit me Sunday night on Week 5, Run 1, when I left Mae at home.

Is it possible that I am favoring that side of my body in my gait because I am trying to keep control of her? She is not a bad puller, but most of the time I can't fully swing my left arm in my stride.

Week 5, Run 2 is today. I am going to once again leave Mae at home and see how it goes and how my shin feels afterward.

Thanks for any thoughts!!!

I also run with a dog. I think it does affect gait, though I haven't experienced problems I would attribute to it. I've never heard of a hands-free leash. I find taking the dog really adds to the fun and motivation. In fact, I don't enjoy walking etc without a dog anymore!

I run with my dog but I am very lucky and she runs with me and is generally reliable. She run off the leads

Hey there,
I am just on week 2 running with my dog! I have a leash that clips around my waist! I bought it online from countryhounds.ie. can't think of the make of it now may have been ruff wear or something like that! If you email them Rita or Trevor will help you out they are lovely!!

Hope this helps some

I run with my chihuahua/schnauzer cross and he loves it.

I found a Ruff Wear retailer in my city and bought a "Flat Out" leash. Mae (my pooch) and I tried it yesterday. I think it's great. I couldn't finish that killer W5R3, but the leash worked beautifully and I felt much more stable.

Thanks Rascalini!!

Billiant that's the one I have too!! When you progress more there's one called a cani-cross think it's for a more rough terrain but it's an elasticatwd lead something about reducing the shock to the dog or something! You should look it up! Might be your next purchase they're expensive here though

Hi all,
glad to hear of so many people running with their dogs.my dog Kambi was the one who motivated me to try and learn to run. He always wanted to take off with runners we met when out walking, but I explained to him that even though I love him dearly, he basically got a non-running mum. Then I found this app and the idea started growing that it could perhaps teach even me to run.

I ran w3r2 yesterday and was really looking forward to it. Just love seeing the joy Kambi gets out of it.

I also struggle holding the leash and running with an even gait. My dog weighs 39kg and I worry that he may pull me over on some of the rougher terrain.

The leashes you are talking about sound intersting. I will Google it and see if there are any for sale in NZ. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your next runs!

Hannelise

Hey hannelise, I know exactly what you are saying about the happiness in your dogs eyes! I have never seen my dog so happy! And she's getting tired to boot which Never happened from just walking! She's what motivated me to do it too and I'm so gla I started it! I'm just about to start week 3 so I'm just behind you! I'd definitely recommend getting flat out ruff wear leash or something similar they are so so handy, even for when you want to take our dog to the car but want to carry their bed out too! Free hands come in very handy

Hi Rascalini

thank you for your reply. You will probably overtake me with your runs this week as I put my back out mopping the floor after my run on Saturday!

I am not sure when to start running again and then I may need to start at week 2 or even w1.

Such a pity and my poor pooch is begging to go for a run. As you say it's such a pleasure to see he had a good workout too.

Right now I just need to get my back strong again.

Take care and keep running.
H