Ben and Sarah True are fast.

Ben is one of the best 5K runners in American history--only eight men from this country have ever run faster. His wife, Sarah, took fourth in the triathlon at the 2012 Olympics, and has already qualified for the 2016 Rio Games.

But they are the second- and third-fastest milers in their own home. Their dog, Ötzi, owns a mile PR that puts the rest of his family to shame.

“He’s definitely the fastest athlete in the house. A couple years ago, we clocked him at a three-minute mile,” Sarah explained.

Even with four legs--is there a dog mile world record?--that time seems exceptional. Ötzi is fueled by Nulo, a protein-packed meal that keeps him running alongside (and ahead) of his Olympic family.

Despite those wheels, the husky doesn’t join the Trues on any speed workouts as they prep for Rio. Instead, Ötzi’s boost is felt most in the hours after training has ended for Ben and Sarah.

“Our dog makes the biggest contributions to our time between sessions. Whether it’s cuddling with him or taking him for a walk, Ötzi brings balance and happiness to our lives and he makes us better athletes as a result,” said Sarah.


A great companion, Ötzi isn’t a bad model, either. “We describe him as a tan, fluffy wolf,” Sarah says.


For two world-class athletes that must endure the day in, day out grind of logging tiresome miles, a reminder of the euphoria and simplicity of running is sometimes needed. Ötzi is just that for Ben and Sarah.

“There's no greater happiness than that of a dog sprinting with his ears flipping, tongue lolling and big doggy grin plastered across his face,” says Sarah. “It's always a great reminder of the pure joy that comes from running.”

He's also very loyal.



Trey Hardee’s rottweilers, Luca and Minka, aren’t quite as fast--they trot easy miles with his wife Chelsea at roughly 8:00 pace--but they’re important to Hardee’s preparation and overall well-being as he trains to improve on his 2012 Olympic silver medal in the decathlon.



Hardee said Luca is “more photogenic than any human or animal I’ve ever seen,” but that wasn’t always the case. Hardee said he got that way once he switched Luca’s diet to Nulo. According to Hardee, Luca used to have dander and a smelly coat, but Nulo changed that.

Now, Hardee’s rottweilers bring nothing but clean scents and happy faces when he comes home after a hard workout. “It’s ‘Operation Recovery.’ I put my feet up, and they’re on either side of me and they know that’s what I need. They’re like, ‘I’m with you, buddy.’ Like, head on lap and paw on shoulder.”



This story is sponsored by Nulo