Dog training VS handler training

This is a subject I wanted to touch for a while now... We always hear about "training the dog" or "the dog's fitness" BUT WHAT ABOUT THE HANDLER'S FITNESS!!! I always have been involved in sports from an early age, from Alpine skiing, horse riding to triathlon for the GB team and I have learned that OUR fitness is as important as the animal's fitness. We see a lot of fast dogs in agility but the fitness of the handler is no way near as good as the dog's... It's a great shame, a real disadvantage for the dog and shows a lack of respect for the dog's efforts from the handler....

I may just have pugs but my Pancho and Pepito would kick butts in the 100m against people like Hussein Bolt!!! this is why I take my own fitness seriously.

My fitness regime includes running, cycling, fitness and streching.
I go twice a week for a run with Pancho and Pepito (both with their harnesses) for about 20 minutes and we include "5 to 6 sprints of 30 seconds" or we run as fast as possible to the top of every hills we can find. It's also a great way to practice your cues like "wait, ok, left, right, etc..." and my boys really enjoy running together, we are all winners!!
Please don't take your fitness for granted, you are not helping your dog and you will find agility more fun and more rewarding if you can keep up with your dog.