The Spikey Ultra

Spike

This weekend I was going to run an impromptu 24 hour event.

I had been very kindly been offered a last minute entry and although I have not done any specific 24 hour training, I was going to seize the opportunity to use the event as preparation for the Ridgeway dream. 

I was also very excited at the prospect of spending a weekend with a very good friend and hopefully help her achieve her dream…

However, a situation on Friday morning with our little foster puppy changed everything… 

Spike has recently been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, probably as a result of very bad breeding practise and a very poor nutritional start in life.  Since he has been diagnosed we have been managing his condition as best we can until a new foster or adoptive home can be found for him.  We would love for him to stay here but it is not in his best interests.  Our dogs have complete freedom to run around the house and garden.  Spike needs to have certain restrictions placed on his exercise until he is fully grown.  We are not able to do that for him as he is very competitive with our younger male and they will race each other around the garden at every opportunity.   We simply cannot provide the life for Spike that he needs just now.  Given time and the right rehabilitation Spikes future prognosis is very good.

However, on Friday morning, Spike collapsed.  He appeared to totally break down whilst we were walking.  There was an incident minutes before involving a kamikaze rabbit – it ran past the huskies on a very narrow path as I held them steady, and then repeated the death dash going the other way….  I managed to keep all huskies’ teeth away from it, but I think it “nutmegged” Spike.

I immediately feared the worst and that his hips had given way.  However as he recovered I was able to ascertain that it was his front legs that were causing him strife.  I could not work out which one as he appeared to intermittently limp on both.  Thoughts of elbow dysplasia sprung to mind.

After this frightening incident I knew there was no way I could leave him for the weekend.  I needed to know what was going on and what we needed to do to help him.  I needed to be there for him and take care of him and not gallivanting in Derbyshire.  I didn't even want to go to work in case he suddenly worsened...

I had a terrible day at work on Friday, dashing away from a meeting to come home and check that he was okay, before dashing back to work for another meeting…. He was absolutely fine and playing enthusiastically with Kroi.

On Saturday morning I awoke feeling exhausted, but relieved that I had made the right decision.  Spike had improved a lot in 24 hours and had spent a lot of time charging around the garden with Kroi, dispelling rumours that ED was to blame…

I looked at all the gear I had packed for my 24 hour event and all the food I had carefully planned and prepared and then I looked at Spike.  As he tried to jump on the bed to say hello, I felt a plan forming in my mind.  I has prepared all week to run a 24 hour event, had everything all set up, why not just go out and run my own ultra.  I could run all day if I wanted to.  I could run lots of different laps, each time returning to the house to check on Spike (and the other huskies) and feed myself at the same time before venturing back out for another run.

And so the idea was born and “The Spikey Ultra” became an event.  No medals, t-shirts or goody bags on offer, just the pleasure of running for as long as I wanted to.

It had several stages, and now I will share them with you all.  Sit back and enjoy the run…

THE SPIKEY ULTRA

Stage 1: Resistance & Patience Training

It was only fitting that I commenced the Spikey Ultra with my four training partners – the huskies.  However walking/ running with all four is a very hard thing to do.  I have three huskies with a working attitude and one husky that is more dog than husky.  One of the three “working” huskies is nearly 13 years old and is very heavy coated.  He is also quite a lazy dog and although he “works” it is at a slow pace.  The “dog” amongst the huskies likes to chase butterflies and wander from side to side….

I should add at this point that the vet's advice is that Spike is okay to jog very gently, but we need to avoid him bounding.  He has developed a gait where he uses his front legs to power himself along, avoiding the need to engage his weaker hind legs properly. 

We all survived the walk/ run although I think Kez and Kroi were rather frustrated at the extremely slow pace and short duration.

Stage 2: Triathlon Training

Just Kez and I, off we went back up my favourite hill. 
I love running with Kez.  He is quite simply an amazing athlete and knows me better than I know myself.  Last week for example when I was frozen solid in fear of my life atop Mount Snowdon, he knew what to do.  He stood by my side and tip toed down the steps, constantly glancing round to look at my face and check I was okay.  I followed where he led, trusting him.  Every time I stumbled he froze, as if knowing that running forward whilst attached to me would cause me to lose my balance.  He just knows what to do and never lets me down.  He helps me run faster when I would slow down – I see his enthusiasm and don’t want to let him down, so I speed up…. He is a full and proper husky and yet he has overcome his natural instinct to pull and only does so when I ask him to.

It was hot today and we took it easy.  For those that worry about the fact that I was running with a husky in hot weather, please do not fear, Kez lets me know if he is unhappy or uncomfortable.  We plan our routes near rivers and he will head towards one if he thinks he needs to.

As we neared the end we went via the local Ford and Kez had a little paddle, almost swimming in the deeper section.

Stage 2: Entering Jurassic Park

Next up was Kroi (pronounced Kree), baby brother to Kez and already showing all the attributes of his elder brother, only with a little bit more enthusiasm and less regard for my well-being….

I chose all the shady sections along the river valley for Kroi as he is not yet of the calibre as his elder brother.  Keep the river within 30 seconds of running was my plan – in the end I had nothing to worry about, but it is always best to err on the side of caution.

I decided to take Kroi on a route he has not been on for a very long time.  Over the winter and most of early summer it was completely flooded and inaccessible.  However I wandered down there a week ago and was astounded with the change.  It was a route we used to travel on most days before the flooding, but it has changed so much.

The plant life is different and appears almost like a new world….  When I broke trail through it a few weeks ago it reminded me of a scene from Jurassic Park where the Velociraptors suddenly attack…

No dinosaurs today, just a human and husky wandering down a narrow path.

Stage 3: Strength Training

Each time I returned to the house I heard reports on the radio about how bad the traffic was in and around Salisbury.  I needed to get some food for the Huskies and thought I would combine my ultra run with some food shopping.  I decided that the frozen meat from Pets at Home would be the best option transportation wise.  So off I headed with a back pack capable of carrying a large quantity of meat….

Now is not a good time to have 4kg of frozen cow on my back...

I took a little detour en-route, just because I could and by the time I arrived at the pet store I was a little hungry and thirsty.  However not so bad that I was tempted with Pedigree Chum…

4kgs of meat purchased, I loaded my ruck sack and questioned my sanity.

Fortunately (or careful planning) there was a supermarket nearby and I was able to get food and drink, whilst taking advantage of some freebies from Clover – did you know that Clover upon a scone is most delicious when you are absolutely starving?  I am sure it is equally delectable when one is not so hungry…

For some reason I decided to take the long way home and over Laverstock Down with my rather heavy load upon my back.  I also decided to run through a herd of pregnant cows.  I apologised to Bessie as I ran past her with one of her relatives in teeny pieces upon my back and about to be fed to some huskies…

Stage 5: Refuelling Stations that provide hydration & Nutrition

Oh yeah, I ran to the pub.  Not the local pub though, one that is a few miles away.  I found Guinness and water there, which I suppose is no great surprise…

Heading homewards again I scoffed three Cliff bars – yes you did read correctly.  I was very hungry and Clif bars are mighty fine especially when combined with a Yorkie bar and I am most certainly a girl!!

I also changed into my Scott Kinabalus for the pub run.  I had been wearing Scott AF Trainer but they are a slightly smaller size than the Kinabalus and my previously injured toes were suffering a little.  Larger sized shoe solved the problem.

Stage 6: Running with the boys again

I forgot to mention, during Stage 5 I got soaked right through to the bone.  By the time I arrived home I was freezing cold and could not use my fingers properly.

Coffee and change of clothes required.  Scott  Next2skin and Salomon Benotti jacket adjourned, I was soon ready for more action.  As it was cold and wet and nearly evening “walky” time, the huskies all got called up for action.  The plan was one husky per run which provided a perfect time for some “one-to-one” training.

Stage 6: Running with the Inspirer

It seemed only fitting as this very special ultra run came to an end that I shared it with the one who inspired it all.  Half walking half trotting we headed back up the route where it all began nearly 12 hours earlier.  I had to keep asking Spike to slow down, fearful of his frail little body.  He looked so happy jogging along, coming back to me every time I called him.  I am so going to miss this little guy when he leaves us for his new life.  I also noticed that the best exercise for him is down-hill running.  He does not try to “bound” or pull his body forward.  Instead he fully engages his hind quarters as he descends.  Lots of this type of movement will help his muscles develop and protect his joints.

As we neared the end of our adventure I felt a mixture of emotions.  I was physically not anywhere near breaking point and yet I knew I needed to stop as huskies had to be fed and it was going to be getting very dark soon.  I had been running for over 12 hours, what was I going to achieve by continuing until breaking point, a point I did not know was.

A Spikey Challenge...??

I had learned enough this day to know that the dream I have for the last weekend in August remains true.  If I continue to believe, then I will achieve it.  Today my mind and body worked together in a way that I have never previously known.  12 hours of running with no pain, no discomfort, no upset tums, in fact no negativity whatsoever and I got to share parts of it with my training partners.

Today was freedom running at its best, mind and body working in harmony, but I cannot help thinking that a very special “Spikey Ultra” for charity would be a glorious thing to do…….

Smile - you never know what may happen next.....

Today as I walked down a path I have walked many times before, I did something different.  I smiled at the homeless man with his dog.  I smiled and he smiled back….

I have seen him many times over the years and always chosen to avoid eye contact or his requests for money.  Walked on by, not giving him a second thought.

Today I could not forget this man and his dog.  I do not know their story or why they sit by the riverside begging for money.  I wondered if he has friends or family, somewhere to lay his head at night.  Does he have a happy past, previously lived in a house with food and warmth, with a radio and a television?

Does he want me to give him money so that he can buy alcohol or drugs?  Will he use the begging money to feed him and his dog?  Or is he saving up to buy a new guitar…..

He does not look a sad man, but why does he choose to sit by the riverside each and every day, strumming notes from his little guitar?

Today I was on my way to Fat Face to buy a replacement bracelet for my favourite one that broke yesterday and is beyond repair.  It has pretty little flowers on it and was the one “girly” thing I wear most days.

I could not get the old man out of my mind and I wanted to do something that I believed would help him.  Instead of going to Fat Face, I headed towards the nearest supermarket with a plan.

I was going to buy him and his dog food to the value of the bracelet I has planned on replacing.  As I wandered around the shop I felt a mixture of emotion.  I was excited about what I could buy him and also worried that he might not like what I chose, or may have an allergy or intolerance.  I opted for some straightforward items that would not perish within a few hours.  I got some dog food as well, hoping that his dog did not have the stomach of a Siberian Husky….

I felt close to tears as I paid for the items, not because they exceeded my original budget, but tears of happiness that I truly believed I was doing something good for another person.

I dashed out the shop, suddenly fearful that he may have wondered away from his usual spot.  Sprinting down the town path I slowed as I recognised his shape on the side.

He smiled again as I placed the bag of shopping beside him.  As I reached over to stroke his dog, both man and dog looked at me for a split second and then moved away from me to look inside the bag.

 

As I walked away I wiped the tears from my eyes believing that I had made a difference.  I had taken time from my busy life to connect with another human being and try to help in a very small way.

If there is a moral to this story it is a simple one.  Sharing a smile can make a difference.  It can lead to so much more.  It opens the connection to another being, whether a human being or an animal.

Yesterday I smiled at the donkey in the picture and said hello - he responded by coming over and giving me a "kiss".

You should see what happens when I smile at huskies….. ;-)     

IAU Trail World Championships 2013

Team GBR

In 2011 I fell on a mountain during a race and broke my elbow.  I did not finish that race, but I made a promise to myself as I wept on the side of a mountain.  Two years later I fulfilled that promise to myself…..

Back in 2011, thanks to the awesome Richard Donovan I had the wonderful experience of participating in the IAU Trail World Championships as an open entry, i.e. I was not officially representing Great Britain but was allowed to run on the same course and at the same time as the World’s best ultra trail runners.  I fell, broke my elbow and although I tried, was unable to finish the race.  I remember very well the moment that I quit the race – I was clinging to the side of Mount Benbaun absolutely petrified, unable to use my left arm to negotiate the steep climb.  I somehow managed to reach the summit and safety, but pulled out of the race at the next checkpoint.

My awesome running buddies

To compensate for all the negativity that flowed through my mind for quitting I made the promise to myself that in two years’ time, at the next IAU Trail World Championships I would return, but this time wearing a GBR vest.  On that very same day in 2011 I also decided the same of a very special little puppy… Only 6 weeks old and yet to live with us at that time, Kroi was gifted his name.  “Croi” [kree] in Ireland = “heart”.  Croi became Kroi because all my training partners must have a name that begins with the letter “K”…  Thanks to Kroi and his big brother Kez I found myself in 2013 about to fulfil the promise and “live the dream”.  In two years I have run thousands of miles with them, run for hours upon hours, sometimes at speeds that defy belief.  We run because we love to run, it is that simple and by doing what we love to do, I found myself standing on Llanrwst Bridge with the absolute honour of wearing a GBR vest surrounded by an awesome team of British ultra runners….

I nearly gave up on this promise - when my whole “life and work” balance spiralled out of control.  Thanks to Ian, Nick, the huskies and a few others, including a brillian new job, the dream was achieved along the West Highland Way in April this year – the Highland Fling 2013 gave it to me, without me really asking….

Team GBR on the way to the start

Anyway, moving forward to the present day, I find myself standing on the start line of the 2013 IAU Trail World Championships, this time wearing a GBR vest.  My elbow still aches, not helped by a heavy fall upon it a few weeks ago – it is a reminder of an experience that I will never forget and of a promise that I will now fulfill…

I know that I will not be at the front, or even the middle of today’s race, but I do know that no matter what happens in the next 8 hours or so, I will finish this race today – even if I have to crawl across the finish line.  To wear the vest of one’s nation means to run with pride and with strength, to finish no matter what it takes.  Honour and valour…..

World Champion Ricky leads the way...

The first hill heading into Gwydyr forest was on tarmac, oh yeah the dreaded solid stuff.  I had chosen to wear a new pair of shoes for today’s race – SCOTT Kinabalus.  My beloved Salomon’s were waiting for me on one of the feeding stations, just in case I needed them.  I would have loved to run the full race in my Salomon’s but recent ankle and toe problems ruled them out and a recent introduction to the Kinabalus had me hopeful that pain would not disrupt my run.  With one week of partnership and less than 20 miles of running together, it was a lot to ask of the Kinabalus.

Practising the descent, the day before....

As we headed into the forest and the first ascent, I remembered why I run.  The amazing feeling of powering one’s self for hours, knowing that the end is infinite….  One day I may reach my limit, but until then I do not know where it lies.  Hours of running, eating and exploring lay ahead of me.  Yes I would also find pain, but hey ho I have become a master in pain management, I know how to deal with it!

At the front end of the race there were some awesome performances.  I wish I could write about them all, but I cannot and only a fool would try.  I never saw the winning lady on the trail, but I did see the winning male and a few of his followers.  Ricky Lightfoot glided past me by the side of the lake.  He floated over the rocks and tree roots, a man on a mission and a man so worthy of the title of “World Champion”.  With Salomon on his feet and in his heart I felt so proud to be a part of his experience as he coasted to victory.  I remember my prediction before the start of the race…. I guess I do get it right sometimes Ian… ;-)

It was hot, but it was fun

Anyway, back to my race…. I had chosen to wear a Nathan Vaporshape for the event, to ensure that I always had my CLIF Shot and Bars with me.  It was a strategy that worked well for me as I wasted little time at the feed stations and spent nearly 8 hours being hugged by my backpack.

As I jumped over rocks, negotiated tree roots and cursed the gravel trails I was happy with all the decisions that I made pre-race.  My feet felt good in the SCOTT Kinabalus and my trusty Zensah Compression socks and I had all my nutrition by my side, well strictly speaking by my side and upon my back!

The course was awesome, a well-chosen variety to keep us runners on our toes – quite literally for the fast ones amongst us!  From tree roots on steep ascents to rocks on narrow paths where the long grass tried to mask the obstacles, it was a very well chosen and fun course.  There was even a little patch of mud and a little stream to run down.

No bogs and no scree and no broken elbows, just fun.  But then again there was never the view that the summit of Mount Benbaun provided, oh well I guess one race cannot provide everything….

Having fun doing what I love...

Ricky won the race and Nathalie won the ladies race.  Awesome and awe inspiring performances from both athletes.  Ricky and his GBR team mates helped secure team gold for GBR, Nathalie secured gold individually and for her French team mates.

In the ladies team event brilliant performances from Jo Zakrzewski (hot on the heels of her amazing Comrades performance), Fionna Cameron (WOW! What an amazing GBR debut – star of now and the future for sure) and Tracy Dean (another awesome performance on her GBR debut) secured bronze for Team GBR.  Izzy Wykes showed amazing strength of character when an inappropriately placed quad bike obscured a marker on the trail and sent her off course.  Izzy soon bounced back and obliterated the common myth that females don’t have a good sense of direction when she found the trail again and flew onwards to the finish!

Me?  I loved my run.  I got to eat croissants, maple pancakes and CLIF bars for nearly 8 hours whilst enjoying the fabulous scenery that Wales provides.  I had fun, I smiled a lot and I ran the dream.  The huskies watched as I ran, Ian and Amanda looking after them for me.  Not sure if I have mentioned Amanda before?  The most awesome person and best neighbour one could ever dream of having.  Just don’t ask her for an opinion of travelling by train from South of England to North Wales…..

My ankle allowed me to remember how to manage a familiar pain and my shorts gave me an experience that I have never had before – how can one pair of shorts create gouges that look like you have been attacked by a tiger’s claws??!!

Kez assessing my new "K" training partner - Kinabalus

And how did the Scott Kinabalus perform?  Brilliantly.  Very responsive on the technical sections of the course they also provided ample cushioning on the hard packed gravel sections.  There was not much mud on the course, but the little sections that we did encounter was no problem and the grip was good.  I think I may well have found another awesome training partner.  Do you think it is mere coincidence that their name begins with the letter "K"....

Before I go I have one last person that deserves more than just a mention.  Without Ian’s support I would not have been on the start line.  I would not have had the honour of representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the second time in a lifetime.  I would not have fulfilled my promise and lived the dream.

(Photos courtesy of tzruns)

Little Boy Blue: The Running Husky...

Over the past few weeks we have seen a huge change in Little Boy Blue [Spike].  

He now looks like a typical young husky, albeit with legs and ears too big for the rest of his body!  He is still a little underweight, but has good muscle development and gets stronger by the day – this is most noticeable when running down hills and he realises that he can run faster than me…

His little personality is shining through and his love of life and humans
is lovely to see, especially when you consider the trauma his mind and body must have endured prior to his rescue.

Spike is now very respectful of the boy huskies, who are all proving to be brilliant role models with regards to their laid back and relaxed attitude to life 

He is abiding by the house rules - well, most of the time….  Some leaflets inappropriately stored in the hallway were converted to confetti when we left him alone with Krofti and forgot to give him his toys!  Fool us for not thinking like a puppy!

He still has a huge appetite with table manners that need a little refining...  Last night he demolished 6 chicken wings in the time it took Kez and Kroi to munch two chicken wings!

  

Unfortunately this style of eating does sometimes leave a nasty odour in the room a short while later, Spike is certainly an accomplished bottom burper….

This little boy loves all humans and wants everyone to hold him and cuddle him.  Most people shy away from his requests, but there is a male human not too far away that will happily satisfy this puppy’s on demand cuddle requirements – it makes a change from the three grown up boy huskies that only like being cuddled by the female person that runs with them!

Running with his favourite human

Spike ran his first 5k race with Ian last week.   Not a proper race, but an organised event with lots of other people.  Ian had fun guiding him around the trees and geese on route – Spike still needs to learn a few directional commands!   Great fun was had by both of them and it will be interesting to see how he progresses in these events.

I have been running him every day, sometimes twice per day, but only very short distances.  Mostly he runs either alone with me or with Krofti -at a pace that can best be described as “leisurely”.

I started running him in harness a few weeks ago as part of his progression into the “working world of Huskies”.  The first time he wore a harness I attached him to Kez hoping that he would naturally run beside Kez and copy his behaviour.  Kez is a highly focused worker and nothing will distract him from his “job” - including an over enthusiastic and irritating puppy trying to bite his ears….  

Running with Kez

It worked very well and after a few successful runs I decided to run him in harness attached to me while Kez and Kroi ran ahead of us on long collar and lead.  The plan was that he would run after them and keep moving forward in a straight line.  When I run him on his own or on collar and lead he wanders from left to right and has a tendency to stop right in front of my feet!

Our first few runs as a threesome were less than perfect, but Spike is now starting to understand what our runs together mean and I don’t think it will be long until I will be running properly with all three boy huskies.

In the meantime I decided yesterday that I would run him with Kroi in harness.  The difference in Kroi’s behaviour when he is running in harness versus collar is nothing short of amazing.  He has phenomenal strength and enthusiasm and when in full flight we run run sub five minute miles together.  He is still young and sometimes his enthusiasm his hard to contain….

Starting out on our adventure with Kroi

However, I need not have worried.  Kroi was an absolute star and very tolerant of Spike’s attempts to bite his ears and trip him up as we ran.  Spike soon gave up as his playful behaviour was ignored and every time I asked Kroi to speed up he leapt forward beside him and pulled into his harness.  

Kroi guided him around corners and obstacles and we ran along at a rather fast pace.  Careful not to get carried away, I frequently stopped and walked.  We ran beside the river so that water was always available, Spike wasn’t convinced about standing shoulder deep in water and watched by the side as Kroi happily bathed.

We also stopped to “talk” to the ponies, some nuzzling and gentle nose touches between husky and pony always a delight to see – although I think Spike preferred eating horse poo and left the socialising to Kroi!

The Huskies Running Team...

Little Boy Blue is a pleasure to share time with and someday soon when he finds his forever family, they will also understand what a special little boy he is :-)

(Photos thanks to Paul Hammond, Ian J Berry & me)

A fun day out: Basingstoke Canal Path

The start at Greywell

The original plan was to “race” Marlborough Downs Challenge on Sunday…

The revised plan was to run the entire length of the Basingstoke Canal Path mostly solo, but the early sections with huskies – before it got too hot for them.  The Canal Path route was chosen as it had a lot of trees offering shade for the huskies.

I decided not to race Marlborough Challenge as my mind was quite simply not in race mode and I didn’t just want to plod round on my own admiring the view.  I would much prefer to have a fun jog with the huskies and share some of it with Ian.

The good news was that I had already packed and prepared all my food and running gear in preparation for a race, the bad news was that the route descriptions were all for the Marlborough area and not for the route that I was about to run and Ian was going to try and follow via car!

Fortunately Ian is an expert on following running routes via car after practising with me on numerous occasions!  With the correct tools at his disposal to aid navigation… he dropped me off at the start of the Canal Path in Greywell, near Odiham with Kez and Kroi.

Brothers in perfect unison...

Knowing that the route is narrow and that it was likely to be very busy with walkers and their dogs I chose to put harnesses on the huskies.  As soon as they wear harnesses they go into “work mode” and will ignore most other dogs and distractions.  Kroi is still working on his “ignoring every dog” rule, but Kez helps me out on those rare occasions and either pushes or drags him past the offending dog.  It is the naughty dogs that Kroi has trouble with ignoring, the ones that try to bounce him or are rude to him.  If a dog is under control and well behaved, Kroi  will just gently trot past.

Kroi was initially a little bit too enthusiastic, but he soon dropped down a gear and sedately trotted beside Kez down the path around 8:30 minute mile pace.  Lines loose in front of me unless I asked them to speed up and then they instantly responded.

We jogged along admiring the view, they were fascinated by the ducks and geese floating on the canal and ran with their heads to one side watching them rather a lot – I do hope they don’t have stiff necks this morning.

Spike waiting to run his relay leg

I had opted to wear my Salomon XR Missions as my ideal road to trail trainer, which were almost perfect for this run apart from the fact that my ankle gets troublesome on very flat and hard surfaces.  The canal path is a mixture of gravel, tarmac and well-drained soil, with very little mud.  After two hours of constant running on a hard and flat surface my ankle started objecting and I longed for some more cushioning.  I love my Salomon shoes, but I will need to find an alternative road shoe with suitable cushioning to ease the pain in ankle and toes….

Running along the canal path I was very aware that I had no idea where I was in relation to towns, major roads etc.  I knew that I was in no danger of getting lost, but I couldn’t relate the route to any area that I was familiar with, especially as I don’t really know the area East of Basingstoke…

Not a problem, until you suddenly reach a large metal fence advising you that you can go no further along the canal path due to landslide.  Had I been on my own, I would have probably found a way to “negotiate” the barrier, however I had two dogs’ safety to consider.  Therefore I headed away from the canal path and into civilisation.  I had no idea where I was and called Ian knowing that he was waiting for me just a little further up the route.  He suggested using the navigation on my phone.  I saw a footpath to my right and decided that I would “use my sense of direction” to get back on the canal path beyond the closed section instead….

All was going very well, until the footpath signs indicated that I had to negotiate a non-dog friendly stile into a horse field.  No problem for Kez as he has had years of practice in leaping over stiles and instantly was over on the other side.  Meanwhile Kroi very politely stood there and waited for me to lift him over!

Running dog in the making...

Mission accomplished we headed off to the woods and a path that I hoped would take us back to the canal path.  It worked and I was soon back en-route and on the phone to Ian arranging to meet him, although he had to do some very complicated research to determine where I actually was and if I had in fact bypassed him during my detour….

I dropped off Kez and Kroi with Ian and continued a few miles with Krofti and Spike at a pace that can best be described as “leisurely”.  It was getting a little hot now and Kroft was in a bit of a strop and refused to be motivated in any way.  No matter how much I tried to persuade him, he just glared at me.  To be fair though we had spent all day out and about on Saturday and he does struggle with travelling and stressful situations.  Spike on the other hand was a bundle of joy.  He bounced around smiling at everyone and jumping at me and at Krofti.  He ran in great leaping bounds and tried to pick up sticks along the way….

I dropped Krofti off with Ian and headed back down the canal path with Spike on his own.  He happily left the others and trotted
off down the path with a big smile on his face.  We soon speeded up and he ran along behaving impeccably.  I was so impressed with his behaviour that I even shared my croissant with him.  Probably a bad idea as I think he thought that he could have croissant for breakfast this morning instead of doggy kibble!

The end is the middle of this bridge

All too soon and I handed little Spike back to Ian, with the intention that I ran the rest of the way on my own.

My intention was to jog along at 8:30-9:00 minute mile pace, enjoying the view and munching my picnic as I ran.  

The reality was that I ran most of the way to the end a lot faster and still enjoyed the view.  My legs and body went into “coasting” mode – an almost effortless speed where I feel I can run for hours and hours, talking and eating as I run.  I wear my Suunto Ambit watch every day, but I rarely switch on the GPS as I have no interest in knowing what speed I am running at, I merely want to enjoy the experience of running without the pressure of time or distance.  I did want to know exactly how far I ran this day, so had switched it on from the start and was fully aware of the speeds I was running at with each dog and also on my own.  This will surprise many, but I was faster running solo than with any of the huskies.  There was a lot of “down time” with the dogs, taking that into consideration, my pace when moving was 30-60 seconds faster without huskies….

A lock on the Wey Navigation canal 

I kept on thinking I will slow down and jog the remaining miles, but my body refused to slow down.  It was in comfortable running mode and was happy running at this faster pace.  I realised that perhaps my fitness is actually better than it has ever been and perhaps Kroi’s insistence that we run faster during our daily runs is actually having a very positive affect on my running ability!

This discovery has certainly given me a lot to think about…

I would strongly recommend this route to anyone, but advise caution as to when you do it.  Sunday was a lovely day and as such there were a lot of walkers and cyclists out and about.  Most are courteous, especially in the first 10 miles of the route.  However there are sections where out of control dogs and children roam, posting potential hazards.... Also look out for cyclists as some of them treat the route like it is a racing track!  Thankfully they are in the minority as most people I met were lovely and some even said hello :-)

(Photos mostly thanks to tzruns)

Little Boy Blue: one month on...

The Huskies Running Team

Spike has now been with us for 4 weeks, nearly a full month.  In that time he has changed considerably in physical form and his loving personality has become even more loving!

He continues to be very well behaved and also challenge authority of humans and boy huskies with great enthusiasm and tenacity.

Playing with the big boy huskies

He has a huge appetite, so much catching up to do I guess!  His body is responding well and getting stronger every day.  His body is also well coated with fur now, although the fur is not yet shiny and plush like a “normal” and well-nourished husky puppy.

He runs every day on collar and loose lead.  I run short distances with him at a very slow speed, but as he gets stronger he wants to run further and faster….

Teasing Krofti...

He runs in the morning with Krofti and in the evening I run him solo, just him and I and a chance to bond.  He does respond very well, but does not know left from right and doesn’t quite understand that he shouldn’t stop dead in the path of a running human.  He also has not yet learned not to cut in front of the running human!  Work to do there, but he is learning and I am very impressed with his determination when running down hills….

This week I decided to run him in harness with Kez.  Kez is exceptionally well-behaved with a brilliant work ethos, therefore it was best to run Spike with him rather than Kroi.  Kez also has a variety of paces and will run at the speed of the slowest person/ dog, with no pulling or resistance.  He has been trained to always run in front of me, but only pull on command, therefore his default mode is not to pull.

Little Spike happily allowed me to put on his harness and bounced around as soon as we went out the door.  Jumping on Kez and trying to bite his ears.  Kez completely ignored him and gently trotted up the track.  Spike soon stopped trying to jump on Kez and bounded along beside him with much enthusiasm!   He bounds as Kez trots, but I have noticed that his trotting ability is improving as his muscles and strength develop.

Look at him go!!

We were soon running along at a nice steady pace and I asked Kez to speed up to see if Spike would respond.  Bless him, he tried so hard but he just couldn’t keep up.  As soon as Kez realised this he slowed down and refused to go faster.  Any time Spike slowed down, Kez responded by slowing down and waiting for him to catch up.  We stopped frequently to make the run fun for Spike, although I think Kez found this bit rather frustrating.  When Kez is wearing a harness his work ethic kicks in.  This is why 99% of the time I run our Huskies on collars and leads - it allows them more freedom and time to have fun and I get to run naturally.  The difference is amazing – even Kroi does not pull when running with a collar and lead.

On our return journey Spike decided that running full speed downhill was a good idea, which was awesome to watch.  His enthusiasm was definitely infectious.

Running and fun makes a sleepy puppy..

After such a good trial during the week I decided that he could participate in my run on Sunday along Basingstoke Canal path.  31 miles in total, I was going to run it all, the huskies run little parts of it before the temperatures became too hot.  I will write about this adventure in a separate blog, but I am pleased to say that the little guy most definitely enjoyed his part in the Huskies Running team event!

 (photos thanks to tz runs and me)

Little Boy Blue needs a home...

It is that time again.  Time to start preparing for an emotional roller coaster ride.  Time to share our Little Boy Blue with everyone and hope that somewhere out someone there can offer him the perfect home that he so deserves….

Little Boy Blue, also known as “Spike” is a black and white (dilute) husky with blue eyes.  He is approximately 7 months old and is going to make a super life-long friend for someone…

We have had the privilege of knowing this little guy for only 3 weeks, and in that short time I have been very impressed with his attitude and behaviour.

He is a very cuddly boy that loves people.  He loves being cuddled and if allowed…. would sit on your lap all evening as you watch television!  He loves to be around people and responds very well to them.

He is very easy to train and responds well to commands.  He is a little possessive of his food, but who can blame him when you consider how often he has been deprived of simple nutrition (based on his very underweight body condition when rescued).  His protectiveness of his food is abating and I am very confident that in the near future he will happily allow a person to share his food with him – I personally have no interest in chewing raw bones, but feel free to have a go yourself ;-)

Spike loves all people and is very good with other dogs.  His initial fear of big dogs is soon overcome when he realises that they are not going to hurt him – I have only allowed him to meet and interact with “normal” and well behaved dogs, I cannot guarantee how he will respond to dogs with “questionable” attitudes…

He is a husky and will therefore behave like a husky….  He will try to hunt furry animals, question authority and try to pretend that he knows better than humans….
He will howl for the love of howling and will run for nothing more than the love of running…

I have been running with him every day, and guess what….?  He loves it!!

Little Boy Blue “Spike” is a super chap, has shown no vices in his time here and has huge potential.  If you think that you could offer him the home that he deserves then go for it.  All applications to adopt him will be processed through Siberian Husky of Great Britain Welfare organisation.  If you believe that you can offer this little guy the home he deserves, please let us know and we will help you in all the ways that we can J

(All photos thanks to tzruns)