Running with my Dog

Doesn't this look like an awesome running experience?

Relaxing and running with this perfectly behaved four-legged companion at your side?

This is not what running with my dog is like.

As I put on my running shoes this morning, Lily stretches beside me, sees the shoes and jumps excitedly off the bed.  She stares at the door, then back to me, then the door, while waving her tail happily.

"No, Lily.  You are not coming,"

I walk down the stairs towards the front door and Lily follows me.  I turn the lock, turn around and there she is with her sad, brown eyes asking,  "Why are you leaving me?"

Sigh.  I go get the leash.

I did intervals today with my easy 15-second run and 45-second walk for 25 reps.  I thought that the easiness of the workout would suit her, and it did somewhat.  She kept up with me quite well considering it was already 90 degrees outside.  However, Lily is a dog with her own agenda.  As I'm running near the sidewalk, Lily is pulling me towards the grass.  My arm is bent at a funny angle as I still try to keep my interval.  Each 15-second run is preceded by a "Lily, c'mon."  As I'm running through grass, Lily decides at that moment to flop herself down for a nice back scratch.  I'm pulling her across the grass by her collar and she seems as happy as can be, like nothing at all is wrong with this scenario.

But I'm determined.  With two reps to go, Lily decides its time to use the bathroom.  During one of my rests, I use the plastic bag I brought along to quickly scoop it up.  Most people would stop to walk at this point, but no, I run the last 4 minutes of my workout with a bag of poop in my hand.

At least this running ad gets it right!

After the run, Lily goes back to bed:

And then, gives me some Thank You kisses.

Oh, Lily... always an adventure. 

I did it!

I woke up at 7:40 this morning to the singing of my three-year-old daughter.  Immediately, I thought that it was too late to run.  Once she wakes up, I find getting out of the house impossible.  However, spurred by my promises here yesterday, I went to the gym and stepped on that treadmill.

Apparently, the rest of Chandler exercises at this time too, because the gym was packed.  

I started out slow on the treadmill by walking at a 4.0 pace.  I picked it up to 4.7 for the run portions and then dropped it back down to 4.0 when I needed a walk break.  During my marathon training, I was running between a 5.7 and a 6.0.  However, that was two years ago and I really haven't done any serious running since then.  When I was doing Weight Watchers, I wasn't running regularly.  I have lost 15 pounds since I last trained, so I figure I am in the position to have some killer times when I get back into shape.

Almost 2.3 miles!  Not bad for the first day back!

However, those days are coming and I can't base my running satisfaction on that.  

Since I am one for immediate gratification, I can say that after my run, I can claim the following:

• My chronically tight shoulders feel a little looser.
• I am much more relaxed and can sit in one place without feeling I should be doing a million other things. 
• Happiness!  So proud I went to the gym! 

 

Post-run happy me.

.  These public promises seem to work well for me, so tomorrow... I do it again!

Blog Neglect

Lately, I have been an avid blog reader, however not a blog poster.  Partly because I'm guilty of not following through on the true nature of this blog.  Yes, I teach.  I'm definitely a mom, however, (gulp) I have not been running.

I could give you every excuse for not running such as, "I'm too busy." 

Why yes, I know this.  It's just that I don't really have a running plan right now.  I really need to sit down and figure out what I want to train for and what my goals are.

Yes, you are right Pinterest.  I just need to get out there and run.  Oh geez, I'll be so slow!  It is going to take me forever to just run a 5k.

You win Pinterest... you win.  Only you can effectively rebuttal all of my excuses with manufactured, motivational phrases.

Thus said, I'm a tad flabby since ditching my exercise routine in March (Parent teacher conferences, I blame you!) and I do want to get back in some reasonable shape.  Since it's currently 108 outside, I'm going to hit the gym.

Tomorrow.

No seriously.  I will.  I'll be back to write about it.