The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly
Duck!! Here come the bullets!
Bullet points, that is...
The Good
The Bad
Advice Needed
I need your advice again, running blogger friends. I mentioned in a previous blog that I'd feel better about running trails if I had a dog to run with. Many of you agreed. The problem is, we don't have a dog and never will. Unfortunately, Guitar Hero doesn't like dogs.
My parents have two dogs who could really use the attention and outside time. My dad has been unable to take them out due to all his serious medical issues. My stepmom is overwhelmed with work and with taking care of my dad. So, basically the dogs are loved but have been confined to my parents' backyard for nearly a year.
I'm not really familiar with their dogs because they've always been outside when I've gone over. I've also shied away from them because they are pretty big and barky. They are nice dogs, though, and are very sweet with my boys.
I'd like some advice regarding how to run with a dog. For example:
HBBC Points for 11/30 & 12/1:
Strength & Stretch= 4
Fruits/Veggies= 2
Running/Walking= 3
Total: 9
Bullet points, that is...
The Good
- I had a wonderful run this morning
- It was very chilly out (33 degrees) when I ran
- I got my Garmin 305 today!!
- I start my new job as a preschool teacher tomorrow
- I survived three hours of "Job Safety, Chemical Hazards, and Sexual Harassment" videos as part of my job orientation
- I used an hour of that time to stretch my muscles (I had a big, carpeted room all to myself)
- I ordered a new pair of Saucony running shoes from Online Shoes*
The Bad
- I ate horribly today!
- It was still dark out when I set off on my run
- I did something funky to my hip muscle and it hurts
- I thought I was running three miles this morning but it was really only 2.5 (but now that I have my Garmin, there should be no more mileage surprises)
- One nice thing about running early in the morning are the smells. The fresh, crisp air this morning accentuated the smell the California Sage Brush, the smell of manure from the small neighborhood ranches, and the occasional scent of someone burning wood in their fireplace... ahhh, love it!
- Have you ever accidentally cooked cat food in the microwave? I was trying to defrost the kitty's frozen meat/veggie food but set it on high. While it smells tons better than canned cat food, it's not a pleasant odor. Especially when cooked on high in the microwave. I thought I was going to see my breakfast again, and almost did three times!
Advice Needed
I need your advice again, running blogger friends. I mentioned in a previous blog that I'd feel better about running trails if I had a dog to run with. Many of you agreed. The problem is, we don't have a dog and never will. Unfortunately, Guitar Hero doesn't like dogs.
My parents have two dogs who could really use the attention and outside time. My dad has been unable to take them out due to all his serious medical issues. My stepmom is overwhelmed with work and with taking care of my dad. So, basically the dogs are loved but have been confined to my parents' backyard for nearly a year.
I'm not really familiar with their dogs because they've always been outside when I've gone over. I've also shied away from them because they are pretty big and barky. They are nice dogs, though, and are very sweet with my boys.
I'd like some advice regarding how to run with a dog. For example:
- What kind of leash is best?
- What if it wants to chase a bunny?
- How do you keep it from fighting with other dogs?
- How do you maintain your pace with a dog on the end of the leash?
- What else would I need to know?
- What if this happens:
Yep, I made this masterpiece! I figure it's been a while since I created a piece of art for my Running Blogger Friends. I've gotten better since my recreation of the Cytomax Incident.
I think.
I think.
HBBC Points for 11/30 & 12/1:
Strength & Stretch= 4
Fruits/Veggies= 2
Running/Walking= 3
Total: 9
Comments
I'm catching up on my blog reading, so sorry I've neglected you! Doesn't the Garmin 305 rock?! Now you have the luxury of running wherever you want without pre=planning your route. A helpful charging tip: Let the battery get as discharged as possible before you charge it. I also was lucky in that my cell phone plug fit my Garmin charger, so I can charge it twice as fast. Thanks for an update, along with your fantastic artwork. I'm sure your pre-school students will appreciate your artistic ability. :-)
If they aren't already trained to walk on the leash, it might be a bit difficult at first. I have two small terrier dogs who are leash trained, but they will only run short distances (although lots of times it is good motivation to run faster b/c they were walking when I think I am running). I think a large dog is probably better for long distance. I use a regular leash (since they are trained to stay to my right they don't pull). Do you run with a stroller now? I find that it isn't much different than pushing the stroller with the strap around my wrist. I use my hand rather than waiting for the leash to jerk my wrist to turn them (by pressing on the slack part of the leash directing them the way I want them to go).
It's certainly worth a try - they don't throw toys or Cheerios out the sides of the stroller! Good luck!
I am not a dog person, so I am probably not the one to give advice. But...I would probably try walking with one before a run. My parents have a big dog who is not well trained on the leash and although she pulls terribly,she has never pulled me over. :)
2. Running with the dogs. I have a short leash with a strong metal buckle on it which goes around my waist and then my dog's leash is slid on it. This allows my hands free to run (or break a fall if she's really amped up) and doesn't rip off my arm. There are a few specially made belts for the job, but they all have plastic buckles, which can unclasp easily by a bigger dog. Good luck!
i am 0 help on the dogs though
I'd start by walking them near your parents' home for a week or so, then run and then you'll have a better idea of what to expect and they will have fallen in love with you.
Enjoy your Garmin - it definitely changed my running.
LMAO at the pic. Love it!
My bullets:
I had Saucony shoes too, love them!
Regarding dogs...I've run with our two dogs and now with just Daisy but the only thing I can say is never be too careful...dogs can be unpredictable at times and I've had a couple of injuries with my shoulder due to dog tugs!! I also flipped over my dog who decided to just stop in the middle of my path!
You'll have to tell me all about the Garmin. I'm REALLY debating ordering one, and I love that you pointed out Amazon. I buy from there all the time, and you're right - it's a REALLY god deal! Better than anywhere else I've found! I also love the name... I may have to "borrow" it if I buy during the holidays.. : )
It makes me so excited to hear you say you look forward to reading my blog. Yay! I love having blog friends. : )
Thanks for all the sweet comments and support!
Fun times in Garmin test land..
So I know No a thing about Dogs, I would ask Dog questions to Aron, she has it down with her doggies.
Sorry took me so long to get here...this week has been a ZOO. Congrats on the new job, although I am very surprised you passed on the M&M Tasting gig..