4.8.2025
Why Regan Sikes's Dogs Are Her Favorite Running Partners
I’ve been trail running for about five years now, and somewhere along the way—between chasing big miles and distance goals—I picked up two new running buddies with four legs, giant smiles, and a knack for boosting morale: Murphy and Charlee, my two pitbulls.
I ran my first 100-miler at Run Rabbit Run, and while that was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, I’m pretty sure trying to get an 82-pound pittie to run in a straight line on a trail might come in at a close second. Still, I wouldn’t trade these adventures for anything.
Meet the Crew: Murphy & Charlee
Murphy is my 3-year-old pittie who takes running very seriously. We got him from a breeder in South Carolina, and from the minute he figured out what a “run” was, it became his full-time job. He’ll follow me around the house, giving me side-eye any time I even think about lacing up my shoes. He also firmly believes that if he naps after a morning run, it resets the whole day and he deserves a second run. Honestly, I admire the logic.
Then there’s Charlee—our 2-year-old pittie with the soul of a philosopher and the pace of a tortoise in slippers. I got her from a Colorado breeder mostly to keep Murphy entertained, and she does that with great enthusiasm and minimal mileage. She might be the caboose on our trail runs, but she’s committed to staying within sight because her FOMO is stronger than her sprint game. She’ll stop to smell every flower, greet every stranger, and make sure we don’t get too serious out there.
They both started tagging along naturally, but it took well over a year of gradual training to get them up to running 10 miles at a time. It’s not exactly what pitties are built for, which makes it even funnier that Murphy is my unofficial ultra dog. I thought Charlee would be my running queen, but the big tanky boy has proven he’s the endurance king.
Why Dogs Are the Best Running Partners (Don’t @ Me)
Dogs don’t care what your pace is. They don’t ghost you on long run days. They never cancel. Murphy and Charlee bring 100% stoke every single time—whether it’s 6 AM, 21 degrees, and pitch black outside or a perfect Colorado morning with sunbeams filtering through the pines.
Even when they’re panting hard, their joy is unmistakable. They remind me to be present. They pull me out of my own head. They distract me from the miles. And they’re extremely easy to hype up—“Murph! You look strong up there, Bubba! Charlee girl, you're doing so good back there—keep it up!” Honestly, my biggest fans.
And yeah, there are days I’m dragging my feet a little. But knowing how happy it makes them? That’s usually enough to get me out the door.
Training for the Trail Together
Let’s be real—Murphy and Charlee weren’t born ready to run double digits on dirt. I worked with Sit Means Sit to get them voice and e-collar trained. They’ve learned to get off trail for oncoming hikers, not approach other dogs without permission, and stay close without wandering out of sight (although Murphy still takes a wrong turn now and then and panic-sprints back like I’ve left him forever).
We started with one-mile runs and built up slowly. Now they can handle 20–25 miles a week like champs. I also keep a close eye on temperature and terrain—mornings are best, especially during warmer months, and I always carry water for them. Sausage snacks are key. So is patience—especially when Charlee rolls in horse poop or insists on introducing herself to every person on the trail.
A Morning in Red Rock Canyon
A typical trail day starts with excited butt wiggles while I strap on their e-collars and tie on their bandanas. We then head out to Red Rock Canyon Open Space—a local favorite with flowy trails and a good mix of sun and shade. We keep a chill pace… or Murphy pace, if we’re feeling spicy.
Murphy leads the charge like he’s on a mission from the universe, while Charlee brings up the rear with pure vibes. They sniff, explore, trot, gallop, and flash big open-mouthed grins.
After 6–8 miles, we wrap it up with our little post-run ritual: Murphy leaps obediently into the back of the 4Runner. Charlee stares at me sassily until I lift her in like the trail princess she is. Then it’s all tongues, water, jerky treats, and the promise of their favorite reward—a nap on the couch.
The Bond You Can’t Train
I spend a lot of time running. It would be hard to leave them behind so often, for so long, if they couldn’t join me. We don’t do speedwork together (although Murphy might disagree), and they top out at around 10 miles, but I take them with me 3–4 times a week.
Like with any training partner, doing something hard together builds a bond. But unlike your typical running buddy, mine never complain, judge, or say no to snacks. Being out there with them reminds me that joy is often a muddy pawprint, a tail wag, or a grinning pittie who accidentally took the wrong turn but came back faster than ever.
Final Word: Let Your Dogs Join the Run
If you’ve got a dog and you love the trails—try combining the two. It takes some training, patience, and planning, but the reward is unmatched. There’s nothing quite like a morning run with your best friends beside you, the sound of paws on dirt, and the feeling that, just maybe, life really is that simple.
Plus, you might get lucky and have someone yell, “Heyyy! It’s a pittie party!” as you pass by. And honestly? It is.