Wednesday, November 02, 2011

Day Three: Sunshine and Tired Dogs

Yes, that is right: I said tired dogs. Of course the people were tired too, but Glacier and Roscoe had quite the romp this morning under blue skies and sunshine.
I am waiting for our luck to run out with regards to the weather, but so far, every time we've been out to run it's been gorgeous. That is a blessing in Edinburgh, especially since it's considered winter here now. Winter usually means dark clouds, biting winds and rain; at least that is what I've been told. I've yet to see it, but I've probably gone and jinxed it now by running my mouth.
So, with good weather and the notion to try a new running path, E and I strapped on our new shoes and hit the pavement around 11 AM. The path E had picked for us is pretty secluded from roads and she said she's seen a lot of off leash dogs running along it. We both decided that the boys may enjoy a good run too and so with permission from Mr. K, Roscoe was allowed to join E, Glacier and I.
I can't tell you how good it felt to jog along the path, the wind blocked by old stone walls and foliage and Glacier and Roscoe galloping on ahead. E and I both laughed when she noted that it's good to know that our average pace  was fast enough to keep up to a dog's quick trot. Sure, speed may not be our forte yet, but with each run I can feel my stamina growing. We were able to run for longer sessions and I recovered a lot quicker on the walk portions of our route. I think we'll probably be able to bump up the amount of running on Friday; our fourth run. Not bad, if I do say so myself.
The trail was much busier than our regular route, with cyclists, pedestrians, dogs and children in prams. It gave E and I a lot more time to work on working on moving together and getting successfully around obstacles.
The boys usually ran ahead, sniffing bushes and greeting every willing or unwilling passer by. They ran so hard that both of them had slobber plastered across their faces. When E and I were actually running, they were more inclined to stick closer to us, crunching happily through fallen leaves, but as soon as we slowed into a walk they were off exploring everything in sight-or not in sight.
After our eighth interval of 2 minutes running, 1 minute walking, we turned around to head back home. Roscoe was completely worn out and ran perfectly at my right side. We joked that he was pacing us. Glacier, on the other paw, ever full of energy despite a lolling tongue, was busy sniffing and greeting. He would fall a ways behind, too interested in the smells of a bush, and would come hauling butt when he was called as if to pretend he was always right beside us.
It was a fantastic workout and I am so incredibly impressed with both mine and  E's  progress. We are not only becoming stronger physically, but as a cohesive unit and that is so exciting. I don't know if E will ever know just how much I appreciate her joining me on this journey. Quite frankly, and with the risk of sounding sappy, I would not be able to do this without her. It would be physically impossible. I am even more grateful to her for being a dog lover and not even flinching when I asked her if the boys could join us on our run. Hearing those skittering paws racing up from behind us, or beating out a path ahead of us made the workout all the more enjoyable.

2 comments:

FANCY the Red Standard Poodle said...

Hi Y'all,

There is nothing I love more than running or just hiking with a dog. There is something so very special having them come up and snuffle your hand or touch your leg. Just knowing they are constantly checking on you, even if they couldn't use your cell phone to call for help if you were needed it, is comforting.

Hawk looks so forward to our outings together, especially when he gets to run free. He is so laid back and relaxed afterward. I bet your boys were too! It should be an especially relaxing time for them since usually an outing means potty break or work that requires their full mental focus. Hope y'all get to include them often.

Smiles,
BrownDog's Human

pattib said...

Sounds like a wonderful run, and a wonderful partnership developing!