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Showing posts with label Dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dog. Show all posts
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Day 238: Mon April 7th - Rockin the road
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| On the way to being dropped off. |
Day Two Hundred Thirty-eight
- Rockin the road
Dropped off and ran the foothills, through various roads, through the woods and back home.
I did track my miles today on GPS <head held in shame>, which I said I would NOT do during this year streak, but I couldn't help it. For me it wasn't about the miles but more out of monitoring distance with my four legged companion. Jax is conditioned to go about 7 miles or so, and though I have a regular route that I know is exactly that, I wanted to run somewhere new and make sure not to push him too far. We ended up going just shy of 9 miles. It was great. Jax rocked it! I brought lots of water for him. We always cute and funny looks as he drinks water during our runs from my water bottle, as I squeeze it into his mouth (I also have a little collapsible bowl). The weather was beautiful, clear skies. It ended up being warmer than I anticipated, so I was a bit too toasty in my long sleeve black running shirt. Time flew by, I felt like I could go a lot longer, but needed to get him home. It was as close to a perfect run as you could get.
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| Tired pup. |
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
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Thursday, February 6, 2014
Day 178: Thurs Feb 6th - Chaos is for the Dogs
Day One Hundred Seventy-eight: Chaos is for the Dogs
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| more ice and snow and more on the way..... |
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I very much enjoy this crazy running streak more than I imagined I would. At least mentally, my body doesn't always agree or cooperate. I look forward (nearly)every day to that moment / feeling a mile into the run where I am no longer cold, my lungs and muscles are warmed up and I can ease into my pace. It feels natural and my mind melts away any frustrations / tensions. Even better is the feeling I have when I am back home after cruising down the hill, winded but feeling powerful and strong. I love it.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Day 149: Wed Jan 8th - Snowflakes on lashes
Day One Hundred Forty-nine:
"Snowflakes they stay on my nose and eyelashes.."
( now you are singing the song in your mind - you're welcome :)
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This morning was one of those mornings. Mornings where I ask myself - what the hell am I doing??
Not necessarily about running but life in general. Funny enough, when I start to feel that way I purposely push myself to run faster until I'm strongly out of breath and my brain shuts off... then I have peace. I find that if I tire my body, it quiets my mind. Soon after heading out the front door in the light snow storm it worked... I snapped off my flustered mind and simply focused on the zillion little snowflakes that were landing on my lashes. The million blinks my eyes made trying to free themselves from the cold snow. It felt good to my tired eyes. One we got to the hillside where the snow is deep, Jax went ape shit jumping in and out of the banks. I threw snowballs up for him which he caught in his mouth with impressive precision.
He looked so happy. I'm only half kidding when I say that I sometimes wish I were a dog.
At least for a day.
( now you are singing the song in your mind - you're welcome :)
This morning was one of those mornings. Mornings where I ask myself - what the hell am I doing??
Not necessarily about running but life in general. Funny enough, when I start to feel that way I purposely push myself to run faster until I'm strongly out of breath and my brain shuts off... then I have peace. I find that if I tire my body, it quiets my mind. Soon after heading out the front door in the light snow storm it worked... I snapped off my flustered mind and simply focused on the zillion little snowflakes that were landing on my lashes. The million blinks my eyes made trying to free themselves from the cold snow. It felt good to my tired eyes. One we got to the hillside where the snow is deep, Jax went ape shit jumping in and out of the banks. I threw snowballs up for him which he caught in his mouth with impressive precision.
He looked so happy. I'm only half kidding when I say that I sometimes wish I were a dog.
At least for a day.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Day 112: Mon Dec 2nd - Calm Before the Storm
Day One Hundred-twelve: Calm Before the Storm.
Great run, calm mild morning. Change is coming soon (eeek!) We have a "major winter storm" approaching (according to The Weather Channel, national and local news programs). Winter Storm Cleon is on it's way! This time tomorrow will 'potentially' result in a bitter cold and snow, lot's of snow. By the way, as much as I love weather and storms, I find it somewhat silly to name a snow storm. Just sayin'.
On one hand I look forward to the snow, change of season...... on the other... not so much. I've quite enjoyed the cool (but not too cold) temperatures while not having to worry about ice / slush and snow. But regardless how much I resist, the weather is changing. So I will change my mindset and just "do snow". In preparation I am washing my cold weather running gear in anticipation for tomorrow morning. And by 'winter running gear', what I mean is: a pair of black thermal pants I wear over my shorts, my long sleeve tech shirts which I double up on if needed, an old fleece vest, thin gloves and fleece hat. It works.
Not stylish, but it keeps me warm...kind of. Bring on the snow!
On another note. This sweet Christmas tree -------------------------------------------->
is mid-way on the trail. For the past few years (and possibly longer) a person (or family) has hiked down, skipped up the hill side opposite the trail and lovingly decorated this tree with ornaments, personalized notes and even with battery operated lights for night time.
The first year I saw this tree it had a beloved pet stocking in the middle with a name on it (I forget the name but at the time I took a photo). Ever since that first time I saw it, I have pictured someone decorating that tree in their best friends memory. Perhaps a beloved pet dog who used to hike with them through that very forest. I can sense the love they must have for him/her, the memories they recall while hanging each streamer and bulb and how much they must miss them. Regardless of the real story behind this tree.... it brings a (somewhat sad) smile to my face and reminds me that our own furry best friends are here for such a short time and we must love and care for them as they undoubtedly and unconditionally love and care for us. Because if their loved pet was anything like our dog Jax, he has shown us nothing but joy, no matter our own moodiness. He is always there to greet the day with his large butt / tail wag, enthusiasm for the moment and his pure love for his human family.... oh and his love (obsession) for food...., but that is another post.
Great run, calm mild morning. Change is coming soon (eeek!) We have a "major winter storm" approaching (according to The Weather Channel, national and local news programs). Winter Storm Cleon is on it's way! This time tomorrow will 'potentially' result in a bitter cold and snow, lot's of snow. By the way, as much as I love weather and storms, I find it somewhat silly to name a snow storm. Just sayin'.
On one hand I look forward to the snow, change of season...... on the other... not so much. I've quite enjoyed the cool (but not too cold) temperatures while not having to worry about ice / slush and snow. But regardless how much I resist, the weather is changing. So I will change my mindset and just "do snow". In preparation I am washing my cold weather running gear in anticipation for tomorrow morning. And by 'winter running gear', what I mean is: a pair of black thermal pants I wear over my shorts, my long sleeve tech shirts which I double up on if needed, an old fleece vest, thin gloves and fleece hat. It works.
Not stylish, but it keeps me warm...kind of. Bring on the snow!
On another note. This sweet Christmas tree -------------------------------------------->
is mid-way on the trail. For the past few years (and possibly longer) a person (or family) has hiked down, skipped up the hill side opposite the trail and lovingly decorated this tree with ornaments, personalized notes and even with battery operated lights for night time.
The first year I saw this tree it had a beloved pet stocking in the middle with a name on it (I forget the name but at the time I took a photo). Ever since that first time I saw it, I have pictured someone decorating that tree in their best friends memory. Perhaps a beloved pet dog who used to hike with them through that very forest. I can sense the love they must have for him/her, the memories they recall while hanging each streamer and bulb and how much they must miss them. Regardless of the real story behind this tree.... it brings a (somewhat sad) smile to my face and reminds me that our own furry best friends are here for such a short time and we must love and care for them as they undoubtedly and unconditionally love and care for us. Because if their loved pet was anything like our dog Jax, he has shown us nothing but joy, no matter our own moodiness. He is always there to greet the day with his large butt / tail wag, enthusiasm for the moment and his pure love for his human family.... oh and his love (obsession) for food...., but that is another post.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Day 91: Mon Nov 11th - Happy Birthday Jax!
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| 4 years old. |
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| A present, a new toy! |
Fantastic run this morning. Despite a night of a bit (too much) beer, tailgating, and hanging out in the Real soccer supporters section - Real SL vs. Portland.
Woke up this morning anticipating a 'tired' run, but after about 5 minutes we were sailing. Afterwards went to breakfast, a bit of needed shopping and a couple pints.
Got to love a day off!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Day 82: Sat Nov 2nd - Bark Hill
Day Eighty-two: Thorns of life... and a bark hill.
I've decided.... Life is not supposed to make sense.Things that I think I know, change. Things I thought I knew... I was wrong. So I have decided to stop struggling against the tide of life and just go with the flow. Life is good and we are blessed. We just have to look for the beautiful moments. They are everywhere.
Finding faults in life is easy. Doing something about them can be a challenge. But the true struggle I see in myself is finding the beauty of life on a consistent basis. I have to remind myself that I can 'choose' happiness. I can 'see' beauty and love the experience.
I think it was Wayne Dyer who quoted in one of his books....
"What we focus on expands."
Which, when you think about it, makes complete sense.
Today on my run I started off grumbling about this and that. Complaining in my head about things in life that are unfair. Seeing the lack. After a mile of negative self talk, Jax and I came upon this hill of bark. Right in the middle of nothing really. I stared annoyed at first (not sure why), however Jax thought it was super exciting! He spotted the hill quickly from a distance (being that it was completely out of the ordinary on our ordinary running path) and bounded up the hill (pulling me along until I let go). He began pouncing in the bark, digging, jumping around and appeared completely content with where he was in that exact moment.
You could feel his joy. He simply saw a hill, lived in the moment and was happy.
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| I think this is a good look for him..... |
Finding faults in life is easy. Doing something about them can be a challenge. But the true struggle I see in myself is finding the beauty of life on a consistent basis. I have to remind myself that I can 'choose' happiness. I can 'see' beauty and love the experience.
I think it was Wayne Dyer who quoted in one of his books....
"What we focus on expands."
Which, when you think about it, makes complete sense.
Today on my run I started off grumbling about this and that. Complaining in my head about things in life that are unfair. Seeing the lack. After a mile of negative self talk, Jax and I came upon this hill of bark. Right in the middle of nothing really. I stared annoyed at first (not sure why), however Jax thought it was super exciting! He spotted the hill quickly from a distance (being that it was completely out of the ordinary on our ordinary running path) and bounded up the hill (pulling me along until I let go). He began pouncing in the bark, digging, jumping around and appeared completely content with where he was in that exact moment.
You could feel his joy. He simply saw a hill, lived in the moment and was happy.
Okay, now after writing the above, I know what I really want.
I want to be a dog.
Woof.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Day 80: Thurs Oct 31st - Happy Halloween
Day Eighty: Happy Halloween!
Super quick and fast run. Just shy of 30 minutes, but I was in a hurry. Lot's to do! But hey... it's Halloween! Up early, get kids ready for their school celebrations, watch Halloween parade, run to Target for work candy and supplies for Halloween give-outs and of course, dress the dog. Poor thing. I've never actually dressed Jax up... but this is a surprise for my girls when I pick them up from school. They will get a kick out of it. Jax wasn't sure what to make out of 'wearing' something. He's never had more than a brief cape or hat on in his life. After giving him a treat, he didn't seem to care.
He's going trick or treat with us tonight. Hopefully this year he doesn't try to chase after cats hiding in the bushes like he did last year.
Be safe and happy running!
Boo!!
Super quick and fast run. Just shy of 30 minutes, but I was in a hurry. Lot's to do! But hey... it's Halloween! Up early, get kids ready for their school celebrations, watch Halloween parade, run to Target for work candy and supplies for Halloween give-outs and of course, dress the dog. Poor thing. I've never actually dressed Jax up... but this is a surprise for my girls when I pick them up from school. They will get a kick out of it. Jax wasn't sure what to make out of 'wearing' something. He's never had more than a brief cape or hat on in his life. After giving him a treat, he didn't seem to care.
He's going trick or treat with us tonight. Hopefully this year he doesn't try to chase after cats hiding in the bushes like he did last year.
Be safe and happy running!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Day 77: Mon Oct 28th - Tale of Two Brains
Day Seventy-seven: Tale of two brains.
Brain One: Let's go!
Brain Two: Really?? Again? What are you doing?
Brain One: Shut it. It is beautiful outside.
(pulls out phone, takes photo of sunrise and yellow clouds)
(pulls out phone, takes photo of sunrise and yellow clouds)
Brain Two: It's windy, your contacts will get dust in them. Your legs are tired. You...
Brain One: Enough.
Brain Two: Seriously, you don't have to prove anything.
Brain One: Just because. I don't have a reason. I just love it.
Brain Two: Watch it! (tripping on a rock) See... you're tired.
Brain One: Be quiet... geez! I'm trying to focus.
(ladies walking dog off leash, Jax breaks concentration and pulls to take a butt sniff)
Brain Two: Grrrrrr those ladies should have their dogs on leash! I wonder if they will pick up their poop.
Brain One: Be nice. They are walking in the woods, kicking the leaves, it is beautiful... it's okay.
Brain Two: Look.... fresh poo... I wonder if it is from them. Grrrrr
Brain One: What is UP with you today??! Gee... this is fun! The wind is nice, it's perfect temperature and with the storm and cold front coming, just enjoy it okay?!
Brain Two: *grumble*
Brain One: I love this song. (steps up the pace)
Brain Two: Oh look... the ladies again. Same dang dogs. Why don't people follow the rules.. this isn't off leash.
Brain One: Look how beautiful this path is. I should take a picture.
Brain Two: How many photos do you need??
Brain One: I could snap a zillion photos. Like this one (taking photo of a purple flower).
Brain Two: Okay... maybe it's nice. But take it easy.
Brain One: Jax is such a good boy, he looks so happy.
Brain Two: You're right.
Brain One: I feel great. Those inserts are really helping my feet.
(pushing repeat on awesome song)
I feel alive and happy. This is why I do it.
Brain Two: It doesn't make sense.
Brain One: It makes sense to me.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Day 72: Wed Oct 23rd - Yellow Everywhere
Day Seventy-two: Sun...Sunrise...Sunshine
Yellow everywhere! Bright, bold yellow.
Oh.. and a creature that bolted into the bushes too fast for me to identify it. Jax saw it though and was anxious to sniff it out, but I'd rather not test fate and risk him getting sprayed with skunk spunk, scratched, bit or otherwise. Haven't you seen Old Yeller?!? Granted... Jax has had his rabies shot, but still. <<shudder>>
My cold is a bit better today. Gotta love them zinc tabs from Wholefoods. I need to remember to drink more water. I am terrible at drinking water, coffee on the other hand...yum.
~ Cheers
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| "What was that Jax?!" |
Monday, October 7, 2013
Day 56: Mon Oct 7th - Dog Park Run
Day Fifty-six: Fun morning! Girls were off school due to 'teacher work day', so we went to the large trail dog park and ran together. Jax played at the rivers end with a multitude of dogs and had a blast. There we saw a cute pit bull fearless dog jumping and sliding down a large cement river ledge that was at least 12-15 ft high and very steep, over and over. Jax whined with excitement trying to gear up to follow the pit to the top. Finally after several minutes, Jax overcame his anxiousness and ran up... once at the top the look on his face screamed "oh shit!" and bow legged he had no choice but to slide down. The girls and I laughed. It was quite a sight! I wish I could have gotten the moment on video to post. It was very funny.
Afterwards Jax was having no more of that! LOL
The weather and the trees were beautiful. We saw a young squirrel chirping at us.
On the way back, Siena full bodied turfed it, but handled the jarring fall, scratches and pain like a trooper.
Now time to do more baking and projects. Love days like this!
Afterwards Jax was having no more of that! LOL
The weather and the trees were beautiful. We saw a young squirrel chirping at us.
On the way back, Siena full bodied turfed it, but handled the jarring fall, scratches and pain like a trooper.
Now time to do more baking and projects. Love days like this!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Day 54: Sat Oct 5th - Morning Routine
Day Fifty-four:
Time is funny. I blink and it's morning - again. I rise. I shake off the sleepiness while pulling down my down comforter (definitely the hardest part). I pull on my running clothes, brush my teeth, get a big drink of water and creak down the stairs daintily, warning my
my Achilles to behave and loosen up. Next I grab my hat, my mp3 (one ear in, one ear out so I can hear traffic and coyotes...not really... lol), Spibelt on, key, phone (for photos), my miss-match gloves, jacket and lastly I harness up Jax.
This is the second small struggle each morning.... getting Jax ready.
Waking him up is not easy. Jax (yellow lab, 4 years old) likes to pretend I am not calling his name, while I put on my gear. "Come on buddy, let's go..." Each morning, still he stays, curled in a ball on his cozy dog bed. He blinks at me slowly, keeping his head on it's resting place atop his paws. His sleepy eyes look in my direction to see if I'm still there. I give him an excited "Come on Jax...let's go!" He blinks again, darts his eyes away, then looks my way one more time. I give him 'the look'... finally he stirs. He gets up with a dog audible sigh, stretches and slowly (very slowly mind you) walks with his head down toward the door. I put his running harness on, throw the newspaper in the house and out the door we go. By this time his tail is wagging excitedly behind as we head down the road.
This is our morning ritual....
and I love it.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Day 49: Mon Sept 30th - Favorite Kind of Day
Now time to make some chocolate banana pancakes and do some fun projects around the house. My favorite kind of day.
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