What I'm thinking when I run with my dog vs. when I run alone

Despite his small size, Woody loves to go for runs. He can be the best and worst running partner - best because he could keep his pace forever and worst because if he does stop, it's to use the bathroom or sniff something that must smell REALLY interesting.

One of our summer runs by the lake.

Now that it's nearly winter and am actually in the home stretch of training for a couple of races, I can't really take him along. People say running is just as much about mental strength as it is physical, and tonight I got to thinking about how different my thoughts are when I'm running with my dog vs. when I'm running without him. Maybe you can relate?

What I'm Thinking Running with the dog

• Why is he already so much faster than me?
• Please don't notice that squirrel, please.
• Okay, this grass is a good slow-down place so he can poop.
• I hope this dog doesn't try to run after him.
• If he didn't have to poop he could literally run for miles.
• I hope the collar isn't irritating his neck.
• Crap, he's limping.
• Okay he's better.
• He's pooping again and I'm out of bags. If I just block this area maybe no one will see...
• My knees...
• Almost home, time for us to kick it up a notch and pray he's done pooping.
• Done. My dog is the best.
  

What I'm Thinking Running Alone

• I'm swift, swift like the wind!
• Aww, hi squirrel friend!
• Did I just step in dog poop?
• I hope this dog doesn't try to run after me.
• I am not going to make it much longer. I need my dog.
• No I don't, I need to pace.
• OMG my KNEE, am I 50?
• Hopefully my Powersteps keep me from limping.
• Powersteps, I am 50.
• That person is not picking up their dog poop. WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT IT?
• My knees...
• Almost home, time to kill it. And I might have to poop. 
• Done. time to stretch and relax with my dog.