Run Marley Run

Marley doesn't run for me, we run together. I have done many sports, most for the adrenaline, some for the challenge, others simply because I like to move. Bikejoring and skijoring are different, my drive is hard to explain, I could simply say it's all about the team. For the time of a run Marley and I work as a team, a tight and synchronized team. An observer may only see a dog pulling someone on a bike or skis but there is more to it.

I started hitching Marley to my bike because she painfully liked to pull, she had an excess of energy that made her difficult to handle. I soon found out that she also liked to go fast and more so, loved racing. A car, an other dog, the school bus, anything passing by would prompted Marley to speed up. I found funny to find out a dog can competitive.
It became a game for us, go fast, go faster, go faster longer. Over outings a few rules naturally took place. Rule no 1: we both work hard, we achieve our goal from a combined effort. I work hard, she works harder. Some slacking from my part will get me the Marley dagger look. She wants to go fast and knows she will go faster if I help. Rule no 2: I trust Marley. She has figured out what represents obstacles for me. Marley does not like me falling and rather avoid jerkings on her line. She has surprised me by her ability to discriminate obstacles. I have seen her come to a complete halt for a low branch when skiing or detour for a big rock when biking. Rule no 3: Marley trusts me and follows my commands. She's great, as much as she'll take initiative to avoid accidents she also concentrates on my calls. If I say something the pup doesn't understand she'll slow down and give me the "what are you saying one ear up look". Rule no 4 and none the less: No chasing cats or other critters, they do not exist in running world.

Yes, it may just look like a dog running on front of a bike to pull some lazy bugger but there is so much more. There is the great feeling we can work together and can trust each other to achieve a common goal. I provided Marley with a job she really likes and for fifteen minutes of full collaboration on a run she thanks me with the same collaboration all day, day after day. For fifteen minutes of following our rules doing what Marley likes, she will happily follow the same rules doing what I do (maybe not rule no4 though).

Why the races? Because I like it, it adds a social aspect to a generally solitary activity.
Here's pictures of our latest, the Run Dawg Run. It takes place in Lake Placid in a gorgeous setting. Saturday was unfortunately miserably rainy and cold but luckily the site has a building were to keep warm and dry. Sunday turned out into a stunning sunny fall day. The trail is not necessarily one to kill yourself on, but offered nice challenge as sharp turns, hills, sandy and rocky portions...
The best of the race? Marley was awesome, she ran with all her heart and did great times.

Full screen slide show







Most of the pictures of Marley and I are from Sandy Payne Photography