When my boyfriend decided to train for a marathon, I knew that he would need lots of encouragement and also maybe something to help keep him motivated.  I was not a runner myself, but I knew he’d be happier and more focused if he had a running partner.  I would have been more than happy to help him train; biking while he ran, but my crazier work schedule just wouldn’t allow it. 

I decided to surprise him with something that might be considered a bit unconventional as far as marathon training goes:  I got him a four legged training partner.  We had Great Dane, but I knew that Willy would be good for maybe a mile and then he would want to take a nap.  I asked around, and found that our local Italian Greyhound rescue group was looking for volunteers to walk and run the dogs. It was perfect! My boyfriend and I went in and he signed up to be a volunteer.  He met with a few of the dogs and found one that he works with on a daily basis.  He gets his running partner and the dog, Max, gets a chance to let loose and run almost everyday.

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