Jonathan Meyer.

Nothing makes my heart rate spike quite like the age old dog chase! After years and years of running the streets of Tama-Toledo I certainly know where some of the more ruthless canines live and will plan accordingly. I’m not big on the surprise that follows a mean sounding bark and a furry friend running after me.

Let me preface: The point of this story is not to come after pet owners on leash safety. Surprisingly, both of my dog encounters in the last two weeks were unrelated to a lack of leash.

The first incident was in Toledo a few Sundays ago. I was hopping and bopping along getting my share of daily endorphins when I saw what I consider to be a big dog being let inside by its owner. Unfortunately this four legged friend caught a glimpse of me as well. I very quickly knew where this encounter was headed.

A territorial ancestor of the wolf pitted against a six foot tall runner wearing three inch split shorts and a tank top. With the dog practically mowing its owner down coming straight out of a screen door I made the hasty decision to book it. Flying down the streets of Toledo in a blistering pace, that dog brought out speeds I haven’t reached since state track in 2022. After a good quarter mile of pursuit, I peeked behind me to find no sign of the tamed (yet still wild) animal.

My next encounter was far more fascinating than the classic dog chase. As I made my way down the streets of Tama on a familiar route, I was greeted by barking from a seemingly unknown location. Not being able to place where the sound was coming from, I kept running. This approach proved effective until I saw quite possibly the most athletic performance a dog has ever displayed. I witnessed a furry golden creature jump and completely clear a privacy fence.

As my life flashed before my eyes, I did what I do best and took off running with no intent of stopping or looking back. Barrelling down a hill helped me reach top speed far faster than the dog, who was still finding its footing. To this day I wonder how that dog managed to jump a fence.

Not here to come down on peoples fences, but I question the point after that incident.

With this first hand experience, I can assure all readers the streets of Tama-Toledo are safe, maybe even a little too safe. Finally, I would like to personally thank these two dogs for helping develop my sprinting abilities. I would not be nearly the runner I am without your sudden speed workouts.