Running & Reconnecting With Grimm

I finally had to start running so I'd have some tails to tell.

On March 7th, I started running with Grimm. Now, to be perfectly transparent, I don't run fast, at all. I also don't particularly care about the pace right now, since Grimm and I are just getting started. We've done absolutely zero training for this, so it's been a fun adventure to say the least. Grimm seems to really enjoy the individual attention, and I've been loving reconnecting with him.

I don't think I paid nearly enough attention to how having so many dogs around would affect my relationship with Grimm. He's a phenomenal dog with so much love to give and he's so smart it's just insane. Being able to spend even just a half an hour alone with him on our little runs has really made me fall in love with him all over again.

Our Current Gear:

Like I said, we're in the baby running phase right now. We're going to work towards getting a better set up as we commit more and more time to running. We also picked a terrible time to start since it's gearing up to be one hot Florida summer.

But anywho, here's what we're using and I linked either the exact product I use or one that's nearly identical:

Dog Things:

• 6ft Reflective Leash With Dual Handles: We'll move to a waist leash when we've gotten the hang of running together in general. I like this leash in particular because of the dual handles so I know I can keep him under control if there's a car or critter, and both of the handles are padded.

• RabbitGoo Dual Clip Reflective Harness: Grimm isn't a huge puller, so this one works well for us now, but if he gets really into more of the canicross pull-style running, we'll need to upgrade. I use the clip on the back, the front clip wouldn't work well for our purposes since him spinning around mid-run would probably lead to some kind of injury for one, or both, of us.

• Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax: Hot asphalt, Florida sun, and puppy paws don't mix. I really want to do everything I can to be sure that Grimm won't hurt his paws while we're on runs, so adding in a little treatment every other day or so with this seems to be helping. If nothing else, he seems to like the little massage he gets, and Reaper likes to lick it. I'm trying to avoid booties since Grimm can be a little weird about his feet and I have this ridiculous idea in my head that booties would make him too hot since apparently dogs sweat through their feet.

• A Clip On Treat Pouch: I got one very similar to this one from Petco. I like that I can clip it to one of the rings on his leash, because I really hate holding things while I run.

People Things:

• Brooks Cascadia 16 GTX Trail Shoes: I use these for trail walks right now, but I envision shifting to running on trails this summer when the pavement is too hot.

• Brooks Ghost 14 Road-Running Shoes: I'm actually in an older model, but still good stuff. They're great for when my feet aren't giving me trouble.

• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Road-Running Shoes: Again, in an older model, but still good stuff. These ones have more support, so they come in handy for me when I'm working with longer distances as I've had some trouble with Plantar Fascitis in the past.

• Dear Sparkle 3 Pocket Leggings: Between poop bags, treats, my phone, a sweat towel, etc... I need a lot of pockets. Their shorts are also fabulous, but I'm avoiding showing my legs at the moment.

• Baleaf Fleece Lined Leggings: These come in handy when it gets chilly outside. But honestly, I love Baleaf everything. I have quite a few pairs of their leggings and a couple different types of tops. The leggings have pretty great pockets too and they stay in place when I'm moving and grooving.

• SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra: I swear by these sports bras. I love the fact that I have two different ways to adjust them, and everything is strapped down. My boyfriend teases that it's like a bulletproof boobie vest. It's perfect for high impact exercise. There are other styles that fit other types of exercise too.

• Strava Free App: If you're looking for an app to track your exercise with a little bit of a social media feel, you'll probably like Strava. I have an account, but it's not my go-to since I wear a Garmin to track my workouts. I like that Strava and Garmin talk to each other, and both apps make it really easy to share my runs to social media, because we all know if it isn't on IG, it didn't happen.

• Garmin Venu: I got my Venu used thanks to Facebook Marketplace, and I love it. The watch itself is easy to use, but the app can be a bit overwhelming. The tracking is pretty solid, and I like that I can set up emergency contacts. There's also easy sharing between the Garmin Connect App and my social media accounts.

• Samsung Galaxy Buds: I love the color, I love the fit, and I love that I can adjust the ambient sound to hear more or less of what's going on around me. I haven't run with Grimm while wearing them, because I feel the need to be extra alert with him around. But, I used to run with them all the time and always loved them. I imagine as Grimm and I get better at running together, at least one earbud will work its way back in.

Future Gear:

As Grimm and I head into summer and longer runs, I have to start thinking about the things we will start using. Like I said, we live in Florida and it's fluffing hot out there, so water is going to be a must. After my weight loss surgery this past summer, I can't just chug a water bottle so I have to be really intentional about how I hydrate and when. Grimm doesn't have that same issue, he can chug like there's no tomorrow, and with him being a black dog, the heat is going to be something we really have to pay attention to.

This list is the gear I envision getting, or things we already have that will be making an appearance as the temperatures rise:

People Things:

• 5.5 Liter Hydration Pack: I bought this particular pack for my birthday in 2021. I really like how breathable it is and the fact that it came with two mini bottles. My only real complaint is with the bottles themselves, I'd prefer a softer flask style so they're easier to cram into places. Replacement bottles are relatively cheap, and this listing offers a lot of colors and styles.

• 2 Liter Hydration Bladder: I just like to have backup bladders, because there's no guarantee that yours won't spring a random leak. Honestly, for me it's more about the fact that keeping them clean seems to be hard for me. A little backup never hurts to have.

• Hydration Bladder Cleaning Kit: Like I said, I struggle with keeping the bladders clean, so I'm going to have to suck it up and buy a cleaning kit. What I like about this one is that it has different brushes to get into the tubing, the main bladder, and the mouthpiece. It also comes with this funky hanger to keep the bladder open to dry and cleaning tablets.

Dog Things:

• WilderDog Dog Backpack: I've been eyeing one of these for a while, and it's getting to be time to go for it. I can probably carry everything Grimm would need for a short neighborhood run, but my long term goal is to train for a half marathon again. I got really close a couple of years ago, and I think it's time to bring that dream back around. For those longer runs, Grimm might need to carry some water or some food, so training him to use a pack like this is going to be in our best interest. If nothing else, he'll look adorable on hikes and stuff next time we go camping.

• WilderDog Collapsible Water Bottle: These are more the style I'm going for with the extra water bottles for the hydration pack. I also think that they could work really nicely to fit into a doggy backpack so Grimm can carry his own water as we increase distance and the amount of time we spend running. WilderDog even says these fit in their medium and large Dog Backpacks, so that's a huge plus.

• WilderDog Backpacking Bowl: I swear I'm not sponsored by WilderDog, I just love the look of their products, and the way they market to my inner adventurer online is really working. This bowl comes with a mini carabiner and is intended to be clipped to your pups backpack. It's also made to handle both food and water, which is fantastic.

Our Goals:

I didn't really go into running with Grimm with huge, lofty goals. To be totally transparent, our first run only happened because he wouldn't stop bugging me and very clearly needed to do something more than just play with the other dogs. I figured a run would tire him out and leave him satisfied, and I was right.

Like most people, I imagine, weight loss is part of our running goals. Grimm's highest weight was 58lbs, and while I could still see a bit of a tuck, I couldn't feel any ribs and knew he wasn't in ideal body condition. So one of my goals with him has been to help him lose weight, and we already have! He's down to somewhere in the 52-54lb range, and could stand to lose what I'm guessing is another 2-4 pounds. So continuing to lose weight is the goal for both of us. I've made a lot of progress since my weight loss surgery through diet alone, but it's clearly time for me to be more intentional about the exercise portion of the plan.

Just yesterday, I impulsively registered for the 2023 RunDisney Wine & Dine 5k. So, I guess we're training for that now. I'm fit enough now that I could probably do the 5k just walking now, but following a training plan is something I generally struggle with and need to do a better job of. Long term, I'm really hoping to go for redemption and get into a half marathon. In 2021, I was planning to do the Vacation Races Glacier Half Marathon. I got scared, didn't train enough, and ultimately backed out. I still have a deferral from that race, so I'm hoping that by summer 2024 I'll be ready for a half marathon. I'm tentatively looking ahead for the Vacation Races Grand Teton Half & 5k but we'll have to see how dates and things work out. I think it could be a great trip to test my commitment to running and road trip life.

Other than weight loss and my half marathon redemption, I don't have any big goals. I just want to fall back in love with running. I used to really enjoy it, but I let other things get in the way of that joy. I'm really grateful that I'm able to start again, and even more grateful that I get to do it with my best friend.

Our Training Plans:

I don't have hard and fast rules right now about our training plan, but in the next week or so I want to start transitioning to the Beginner 5k Plan from RunDisney. In general I find that their plans work well for me and have used them a few times in the past. So far we've done a couple of 3+ mile walks/hikes, but our running has only been about 1 mile. I'm trying to be intentional about how often I'm upping the mileage. In the past I've dealt with a lot of general pain and soreness, and I'd like to spare Grimm and I those feelings if at all possible.

My long term plan is to go from the 5k plan to the 10k plan then to the 10-Miler plan before transitioning to the Experienced Runner Half Marathon plan. If you click here, you'll see the different plans that they offer.

I like that the RunDisney plans all feel doable since they don't require more than 3-4 days a week of running, which is about the max I want to do anyway. I'm sure Grimm would love it if we ran every day, but that wouldn't be good for either of us in the long run.

But Why Running?

I'm not sure why running now, but before I loved that it was something I could do anywhere and that is was competitive without relying on others. I have a few friends I've enjoyed running with in the past, and I'm sure we'll get back together and do it again, but I generally enjoy the solitude of running. Grimm makes for an ideal partner in that sense, because he doesn't talk. He also gives me something to focus on and reminds me often to stop and smell the roses.

I hope you've enjoyed reading this tail, and here's to many more!

Danielle & Grimm