I have a new running partner. Now, usually I prefer to run alone. Prefer as in, I absolutely hate running with people. Whether it’s an individual or a group, I am totally a solitary runner. I want to be lost in my thoughts, lost in the music, just lost. It’s possibly the only time ever that I don’t want to engage in conversation. I like picking my own pace, if/when I take any breaks, and to pick how long or far I run without having someone else getting to have their own expectations.

Until now.

My new running buddy is just perfect. She doesn’t judge our pace, break schedule, distance, weather, what music I listen to, if I want to talk. She’s just happy to get out and go. We keep pace together and it’s awesome. The only downside is that if we see a squirrel, she tries to go for it. Since she’s attached to the leash around my waist, it pulls me along too unless I brace myself.

Yes, my new running partner is my adorable dog, Ophelia. We’ve finally been able to start going for long runs on the weekends (and shorter runs when I get home from work during the week). I was worried it would take her awhile to adjust to the type of leash, to the pace of running together, and of course, the squirrel issue. She adapted immediately, and better than I would have expected. She runs just ahead of me, slightly to the side so I won’t trip on her, and we can go for hours. We can go through completely empty areas or areas full of people and she just focuses on the run. It’s perfect.

I can always go on about how much I love her, and absolutely am loving running with her. Why am I writing about it here though? Motivation. Motivation. Motivation. This is not me trying to motivate you. She is my motivation to get out and go. I love running anyways, it’s never been an issue (apart from times with serious injuries). I know I have to take her out. I could take her for a quick walk, around the block, then back to my place. That would be doing the bare minimum for dog ownership and activity. Instead, I wake up at 5am for a long park visit with her before work, then either a run after work or a few hours later. She’s reason enough for me to wake up at 5am. I think I only ever do that for travel or for races.

Back to you: What would it take to motivate you? There’s power in running, that’s something I’ve always said. Power, independence, strength, pride. Improved physical health as well as mental health. Turn over the thoughts that you’ve been working through, or just get into your own space, blocking out everything else and finding peace. If the stillness of traditional meditation isn’t your thing, make running your time for mental silence and reflection. I’m healthiest and happiest when I do long distance running. Now, I have someone to lace up (leash up?) and head out with.

Whether you are going around the block, or training for an IronMan, it’s still motivating. Hearing someone tell me how they just started running but can “only” do 1km is SO empowering as a choice and it motivates me. Lacing up and doing 1km is so much more than most people ever try. Be proud of that, be proud of that choice. If you need to find a running partner to get there, maybe you already have one (and most pet stores sell waist leashes that work great). Just keep choosing what is going to be the best for you, even if you’re trying it for the first time.