By: Mary Jane Gallagher
After almost a year of varying lockdown regulations, South African dog owners have much higher hopes for 2021. Not only is it possible to take your dog for their daily walks, but with beaches, parks and natural conservation areas fully reopened, alternative forms of exercising are also possible. If you are already comfortable with running with your dog, it may be time to take your outdoor exercising to the next level. Trail running is becoming increasingly popular in the country, with more and more dog owners taking to the great outdoors on a regular basis to break a sweat and soak up some sun with their canine companions. If you have not done a trail run with your dog as yet, here are just three of many reasons why you should try it.
It will get you both outdoors
The average South African spends in excess of eight hours a day glued to an electronic device. Going outdoors to participate in trail runs is therefore of great benefit – not only to you, but to your dog as well. Most dogs love being outside, which makes trail running a natural choice, especially for dogs that are known to have an overabundance of energy. After a day running across various terrains while breathing in the fresh air, both you and your dog are almost guaranteed a night of sound sleep. Spending such quality time together while doing something you both love is also bound to bring you and your best friend even closer together.
The health benefits are immense
Trail running offers a myriad of physical and mental health benefits to both humans and dogs, and participating in trail runs on a regular basis is a great way of prioritising exercise in your life. When you exercise with your dog by your side, you are bound to have more fun than you would have had if you were running alone. Regular trail running provides a superb cardio workout that strengthens both the heart and lungs. Additionally, it will also help both dog and owner maintain healthy body weight and build healthy, strong muscles. Apart from promoting physical health, trail running is also a great way to de-stress and give your mental health a wonderful boost.
You will discover many hidden gems
There is no denying that South Africa is home to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery in the world. When you take up trail running with your dog, you become privy to a long list of spectacular trail run locations across the country. Some of the top options worth considering, depending on where you live, include Buffalo Gorge in Middelburg, the Newlands Forest in Cape Town, and the Walk Haven Dog Park in Johannesburg. Regardless of where you live, you are bound to be in relatively close proximity to a great trail run destination.Trail running with your dog can be both an enjoyable and beneficial form of exercise. Even if you come in last place during a competitive run, the experience will still go down as a very memorable one.