Cooling their feet (paws).

Nala (back to camera) and Strelka in the woods

67.12 min - 10.1 km.

Took female Golden Nala for a run after a long break. Her and Strelka, her male twin.

She hasn't really regained form after giving birth to eight puppies two years ago, but is a happy active dog. Time doesn't matter, she can do it in her own pace and the rest of us will just follow.

It had been raining and there were puddles on the road and water in ditches. I went down to a slow pace to let Nala enjoy her run. Boy, she did!

And noticed: halfway into my usual 6-mile circuit both Goldens started running through puddles and and jumping into the ditches to gallop through the stream. It's fun for them but it's also a natural way for dogs to cool their paws. 

A Reinvigorating Mudbath

Nala

9.8 km - 63,42 min. - pleasant, sunny, no wind, a perfect Indian Summer day in between a spate of grey rains.

For today's run took Leroy and Nala, the female golden who is slowly returning to good form after having given birth to eight puppies.

A week ago it was her first run after a year long break. We made the usual course in 69 minutes. Today it was five minutes faster. 

Nala did something extraordinary. When reaching a dirt-track which winds through a wooded area for about two miles, I often let the dogs off the lead so that they could run around, sniff and then catch up with me later. 

The track goes over a stream and there is always a big muddy puddle  there. I crossed the stream, bypassed the puddle and ran on. I heard the plash as the dogs waded through the puddle. Strangely, it was quite loud and long, too loud and long for what it takes to cross a muddy stream.

When Nala caught up with me I couldn't believe my eyes – her nice golden-blonde coat was grey and wet. She must have had a good roll in the mud before continuing with the run. But run she  did! She lead our pack all the remaining distance back home, about half the circuit as though the mudbath had given her new energy.

And as a bonus she got a good shower-wash when we got back. Clever dog! 

Summer water: how to cool a dog after the run

6 miles - 48,07 min

it's hot, but there is a very pleasant cool breeze.

I was concerned for the Goldens, they seem to suffer more than the Setter. So I just take him, he pants a lot, so do I. But with his long legs and steady stride, we do a fast 6 miler and while I stretch he gulps down about a gallon of 'Summer'-temperature water (tepid) and lies on the slates in a shady spot.

'Summer water' is what my uncle, a forester, used to call what we, townies, call 'room' temperature. I found that dogs enjoy summer water more than ice-cold water from the tap (ours comes from the well). Maybe it's less of a shock to their systems.

Don't forget, America, it is the National Running Day today - and if you do remember, don't forget to take your dog with you, please.