COULD YOU TEACH YOUR CAT TO RUN?

**EYE OF THE TIGER' was written for you, Fiona!" I cry, pointing at our one-eyed, 4-year-old black cat resting on our carpet. Hearing her name, she rolls onto her back, offering her stomach for a belly rub. But this is no time for pampering. I need to tell her my master plan.

- Amanda Furrer

Editor's Note: No felines were harmed in the writing of this mostly true story. Some parts have been dramatized, because that's just in this author's nature.

"Too long have we tolerated this world with dogs dominating 5Ks! Too long have we approached expo booths with bowls full of Milk-Bones instead of cat treats! Too long have I endured seeing online lists titled, 'Best Dog Breeds for Runners!'

"Today we begin your training! Soon you will become a runner's four-legged best friend!" Unable to right herself, Fiona tumbles onto her side. Startled, she zooms out of the room. "That's the spirit, FiFi!"

FIONA AND I are participating in a marathon-a movie marathon. I'm schooling her with the classics: Chariots of Fire, Spirit of the Marathon, Tracktown. She's next to me on the couch, paws tucked, eye slightly closed. I can't tell if she's squinting at the screen with scrutiny or about to fall asleep.

She has fallen asleep.

"OK, Fiona!" She awakens. "The first thing we need to do is build your stamina." I brandish a wand toy and start waving the feathers attached to it in front of her face. She sits up, nose wrinkled, annoyed.

Our much younger cat, Sidney, who we adopted last year, trots into the room with my partner, Paul. He taps his shoulder with a treat in his hand. Sid jumps onto his back, standing on his shoulders like a parrot. "Playing with Fiona?" he asks.

"I'm training her to run with me."