5 Things I Swear By for Our Morning Walks with Willow
By Sandra Large | Things I Swear By
If you've ever had a dog who lives for routine, you already know what my mornings look like.
From the moment I open my eyes, Willow — our goldendoodle — is on the job. She follows me from room to room around the condo, patient but persistent, until the moment I reach for her leash. Then it's pure joy.
Since retiring, our early morning walks have become one of my favorite parts of the day. There's something special about getting outside before the world gets busy, especially here in Wisconsin where the mornings have a little bite to them. Willow doesn't mind. She's too busy sniffing every blade of grass and taking in every single detail of the neighborhood like it's brand new.
After a few weeks of these daily walks, I've figured out exactly what makes them comfortable, safe, and fun — for both of us. Here's what I swear by.
Willow leading the way on our morning walk
Brooks Women's Launch 12 Neutral Running Shoe
I have spondylolisthesis — a spinal condition that makes finding the right shoe absolutely critical for me. For a long time I struggled to find something that would let me walk comfortably and pain free. The Brooks Launch 12 changed that for me completely.
After 22 years of owning a gym I've worn a lot of athletic shoes, and the Brooks Launch 12 is genuinely one of the best I've ever put on my feet. They're lightweight enough that I forget I'm wearing them, but supportive enough for longer walks on pavement and uneven ground. I cannot say enough about these shoes — they took my daily walks from something I had to push through to something I genuinely look forward to.
It took me a long time to find a shoe that would do that for me. If you're dealing with back, hip, or knee issues and struggling to find the right shoe — please try these. And if you're going to walk every single day — which I highly recommend — invest in a great shoe. Your feet, knees, and back will thank you.
BARKBAY No-Pull Dog Harness
This harness has been a game changer for our walks. Willow is a goldendoodle with a lot of enthusiasm, and the front clip on the BARKBAY harness gives me so much more control without being uncomfortable for her.
One of my favorite features is the handle on top. When we encounter other dogs in the neighborhood and Willow gets overly excited, I can grab that handle instantly and control her easily without any struggle. It gives me so much peace of mind on our morning walks.
And Willow? She loves it. It is never a struggle to put on her — she practically walks into it herself because she knows it means walk time is coming! It's easy to put on, adjustable, and has held up beautifully through daily use.
If your dog pulls or gets excited around other dogs and squirrels (Willow has opinions about both 😄), a good harness makes the whole walk more enjoyable for everyone.
KIRUNDO Oversized Fleece Pullover Sweatshirt
This sweatshirt has become my go-to for our early morning walks. Here in Wisconsin at the tail end of winter the mornings aren't terribly freezing anymore, but there's still a chill in the air that needs a good layer.
What I love about this one is that it's cozy enough to keep me warm but not so heavy that I overheat — and trust me, with Willow leading the charge our walks are by no means slow! I wear a light layer underneath and this sweatshirt on top and it's the perfect combination. I stay comfortable the entire walk.
It's also oversized which I love — easy to move in, easy to throw on, and honestly just really comfortable. At only $12.99 it's one of the best deals on Amazon right now.
A Hands-Free Routine
One thing I've learned is to keep our walk routine simple. Same time every morning, same general route, same gear. Willow thrives on it — honestly she probably has our route memorized better than I do. Routine is good for dogs and it turns out it's really good for newly retired humans too. 😄
Showing Up Every Day
This one sounds simple but it's the most important. The days I don't feel like going are usually the days I come back feeling the best. Willow makes it easy — she's not going to let me skip. And honestly? I'm grateful for that.
There's something about a morning walk that sets the whole day up right. Fresh air, movement, a happy dog, and a little quiet time before everything else starts. I wouldn't trade it