My son joined me on a walk this morning with the promise that 1) it was slow and easy and 2) the primary reason was to let the dog play in a large nearby field.  I’ve taken our dog, Grace, here before where it was practically a scene from a live-action Disney movie.

Today, though, was a different story.  Maybe it was the oppressive heat that won’t let up or that we haven’t stopped to play in a while on our runs and power walks. She just hung around us, sniffing cautiously.  Despite our encouragements, she wouldn’t venture out into the uncut grass.

Unexpectedly, my son took off running into the field.  And wouldn’t you know, that’s all Miss G needed to get her romp on.  They played for a bit before Spike headed back to me while Grace continued.  Her smile and prance upon returning said it all: delight.

Lessons learned from a romping dog

Have you ever wanted to try something — a new class, running, a long bike ride, or a race — and were just too … cautious, nervous, anxious, scared?  We’ve all been there.  

My first race was in 1998, at the urging of my co-workers.  The biggest run event in the area at the time was the 9.3 mile Tulsa Run.  No, I didn’t do that, I registered for the 2-mile fun run. My training — and I truly had to train — consisted of running solo outside my apartment complex with an occasional jaunt on the treadmill.  On race day, my husband came out to support me, but I had no one to be anxious with at the start line, no one to run with, no one to high-five at the end.  The race itself was unmemorable.  I was lonely.  

My second experience came a few years later at Komen Race for the Cure.  This time I signed up with a girlfriend for the 5k. We did a few training runs together and compared our progress.  We arrived in the same car, hung out pre- and post-race and walked/ran our way to the finish line.  It was a shared accomplishment.  Much better.  

Sometimes we just need a friend to make that first step with.  

We need to feel secure when hesitant.  

We need someone to giggle with when we feel goofy or whine to when it gets hard.  

Find a friend.

We were made to do life together, and fitness life is much better with a friend.

If there’s something you’ve been wanting to try, grab a friend and go for it.  Despite whatever elements you may be facing, I bet you get more enjoyment than you expect.  You might even find you relish romping in the weeds.

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