In this episode, Mariska and ultra running coach Meghan Gould discuss the intricacies of sharing an active lifestyle with dogs. They explore the balance between training for ultra marathons and caring for dogs, the importance of choosing the right breed for running, and the essential gear needed for safe and enjoyable runs. Meghan shares her personal journey into ultra running, the lessons learned from training with dogs, and the significance of flexibility and consistency in achieving running goals. The conversation emphasizes the joy of running with dogs and the importance of making it a fun experience for both.

Guest Bio:

Meghan Gould is an ultrarunning coach and the founder of She Runs Ultras, a podcast and online coaching community that supports women, especially those in midlife, as they train for their first or farthest ultramarathon in a way that actually fits real life.

Meghan has run distances from 50K to 200 miles, giving her firsthand experience with the physical, mental, and logistical demands of ultra running. Through coaching, community, and honest conversations about what training really requires, she helps runners stop second-guessing themselves, build confidence, and make smarter decisions, so they can cross the finish line feeling strong, healthy, and proud.

Takeaways:

1. Care for ourselves and our dogs is built in small, consistent choices made over time.
2. Training for ultras requires thoughtful planning and balancing work, recovery, and dog care.
3. A short daily mobility routine like the daily shakedown can help prevent injury and support long-term consistency.
4. Dogs need gradual build up just like humans to protect joints and avoid overuse injuries.
5. Choosing the right dog breed and matching it to your lifestyle is essential for safe and enjoyable running.
6. Pay attention to your dog’s cues such as distraction, excessive panting, or soreness rather than focusing only on mileage.
7. Proper gear including a well fitted harness and hydration plan supports safer runs.
8. Flexibility in your training schedule is more important than rigid perfection.
9. Focusing on the process of training leads to greater confidence and fulfillment than chasing race day results.
10. Keeping runs fun and varied helps both dogs and owners stay engaged and motivated.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

1. Meghan Gould, She Runs Ultra's, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, YouTube, Podcast
2. Daily Shakedown
3. Episode 29: Your Dog Isn’t “Just Getting Older.” This Is What’s Actually Happening with Dr. Laurie McCauley
4. Review the podcast on Podchaser
5. Sign up to our Tails and Tones newsletter here
6. Sign up to our Tails and Tones waiting list for our first product (Elevated Food System) here
7. Find Tails and Tones on our socials: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / LinkedIn / Website

Some dog breeds that might be great if you need a training buddy:

Border Collie

Typical: 5–10 miles, Upper: 12 miles

Efficient movers; mental engagement required.

Vizsla

Typical: 5–9 miles, Upper: 10–12 miles

Smooth stride, thrives on steady pacing.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Typical: 4–8 miles, Upper: 10 miles

Steady, heat tolerant, large-frame considerations.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Typical: 6–12 miles, Upper: 15 miles

Built for endurance; needs humans to enforce limits.

Dalmatian

Typical: 5–10 miles, Upper: 12 miles

Historically bred to run long distances.

Belgian Sheepdog

Typical: 5–9 miles, Upper: 10–12 miles

High-drive, mentally intense endurance dogs.

Weimaraner

Typical: 5–10 miles, Upper: 12–14 miles

Strong aerobic engine; benefits from structure.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]-Intro

[00:00]- How to Share an Active Life With Your Dog Safely

[02:16]- Introducing Meghan Gould of She Runs Ultras

[03:00]- What Is an Ultramarathon

[03:39]- How Meghan Got Into Running

[05:05]- Discovering Trail Running and Ultras

[06:00]- Balancing Ultra Training and Dog Mom Life

[07:23]- What Ultra Training Actually Looks Like Behind the Scenes

[08:52]- How Wyatt Started Running With Meghan

[10:32]- Why Some Breeds Aren’t Built for Distance Running

[12:39]- Choosing the Right Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle

[14:24]- How Far Can Dogs Really Run

[14:56]- Appropriate Distances for Running With a Dog

[17:15]- Why Gradual Build Up Is Critical for Dogs

[18:11]- Essential Gear for Running With Your Dog

[21:38]- Heat, Hydration and Safety Rules for Dogs

[25:24]- What Meghan Wishes She Knew Earlier About Running With Dogs

[27:55]- Flexibility vs Perfection in Ultra Training

[32:37]- Staying Connected to Big Running Goals Without Pressure

[35:31]- What Is the Daily Shakedown

[39:15]- The Biggest Advice for Running Safely With Your Dog

[40:46]- Upcoming Ultra Races and Travel Plans