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I thought folks might enjoy an update. From a GEB e-mail:
Our third training run brought the Guiding Eyes team to New York City’s iconic Central Park for a spin around the half-marathon route’s last few miles, which trace a loop around the park before finishing near 75th Street. And while it snowed yesterday morning in New York, Our team was able to squeeze in a mid-day training run in clear, cool weather.
This reprieve from the snow brought the day’s biggest challenge: the park was bustling with distractions as tourists and locals alike came out to enjoy the break in the weather, with horse-drawn carriages lumbering by and Central Park Conservancy crews working hard to clear the roadways.
Mimicking the strategy for race day, our team set out in three relay segments. I ran out in front to lead the group, which reminded me of my NYPD days… I was on a mission to clear the way for these VIPs: Very Important Pooches. Tom, running with a guide dog, followed behind me, and Ben swept behind the group on his electric bike. Jolene worked pit crew and managed transitions, getting the dogs geared up and ready to take part in the relay.
Three members of our training team - Lynx, Westley and Waffle - pawed the line for the day’s workout, with Gus and Yukon each taking a well earned rest day. The dogs suited up in their Ruffwear high-visibility harnesses and boots to protect their paws from the slush.
Lynx ran first, starting at Tavern on the Green and completing a five-mile loop with a confident stride and careful attention to other runners. His biggest challenge is usually birds, but pigeons held no allure for him today: he was more interested in the horses, wanting those giant dogs with hooves to come along for the jog.
Westley ran second on the same route, drawing attention from a utility worker who pointed and exclaimed, “He has his running shoes on.†This social boy loves to visit other dogs; he is learning to resist the temptation to stop, say hello and exchange high-paws as he passes other canines.
Waffle, who is new to the team and still building up her endurance, anchored the relay in the last position. Refreshed from her weekend walking in the woods at home with Tom and Gus, she was excited to show off her speed during her two-mile run.
In total, Tom ran 12 miles yesterday. That’s a long time to hold a harness, but the job was made easier by his Ruffwear custom handle, which the company 3D-printed from a clay mold of his hand to make it easier to grip. The team also learned a logistics lesson: in Energizer Bunny fashion, our runners outlasted Ben’s e-bike as he had to stop and switch batteries at mile 10.
Given today’s beautiful conditions, our biggest challenge was working on pedestrian clearance: getting the dogs used to navigating Tom through crowds at a safe distance while managing the park’s many distractions. Distance runners love the mantra, “nothing new on race day.†By acclimating the team now to the sights, smells and obstacles of Central Park, we help ensure that the dogs will be calm, focused and ready to run on March 17.
