Running with Furry Friends

How many of you have dogs that join you on your run?  I really enjoy taking my two dogs for a run, especially since I don't have a running partner.  I appreciate that they benefit from the experience too.  I find that it can be hard to take them along though, and often choose to jog alone because of the issues that sometimes arise.  For a long time, I was taking one of my dogs who has a LOT of energy on all of my runs.  It was so good for him, and we were logging 3-6 miles per run!  But one of the last times I took him on a run like that, we got chased down the street by **2** dogs.  Eeek!  My nerves just couldn't handle it!  I was so fearful that he (or I) was going to get bit or otherwise injured, and be a long way from home.

Pros of dogs joining on the run:

1.  Dogs get much needed exercise. (I live in a townhouse with no yard)

2.  I run faster.

3.  The dogs and I bond:-)

Cons of dogs joining on the run:

1.  Other dogs barking, chasing, etc.

2.  No music. *sigh*  I feel that I need to be extra attentive when I take along a pup.

3.  I can only take one dog at a time, in order to make sure that I maintain control of the dog at all time.

 What insights do you have about running with dogs?  Do you find that the pros outweigh the cons, or that the cons keep your pups homebound?

I found this resource from Runner's World that you may also enjoy-it has lots of information and thoughts on running with your furry canine:  http://www.runnersworld.com/motivation/running-with-dogs

Zoey, ready for a jog!

Jax postrun....maybe more tired than me? maybe not.

                                                                                                             

hike, hike, baby

It's Friday bloggers!

Sometimes, especially as summer gets closer, it can be really fun to make your workout a little less official, and get outdoors.  In th past few years, I have really been trying to take advantage of the opportunity to get out of the gym and breathe in some fresh air.  My hubby and I took a trip to Asheville , NC recently, and there is no shortage of beautiful hikes, scenery, and outdoor fitness opportunities!  

While I love the scenery, and "flora" portion of the outdoors experience, the "fauna" still basically creeps me out.  I don't want to be terrified of wildlife, but the SECOND I see a snake while hiking....that's it.  Fun over-for me and everyone else that has to deal with me.  I am talking TOTAL meltdown.  Tears, jumpiness, and general paranoia will ensue.  Ugh.  That being said, I want to share with you my most recent snake calamity (and maybe share some positive points of the hike too!) HA!

Our hike "looker-upper" who researches all of the trails that we hike found the Panthertown Valley Trail in Western NC, and pieced together an 8 mile loop for us to explore.  There were going to be approximately 5 waterfalls, and difficulty would be fairly easy to moderate for most of the hike.  The first 3 stops that we made on the route were amazing, and after passing them, we were probably 4 miles into the route.  All of a sudden, my nemesis made it's slithery appearance-day ruined.  For the remaining 4 miles of the hike, I was on pins and needles, and making major efforts not to bring the whole group down.  All that being said, the hike had some BEAUTIFUL features, and we will continue to explore the area.  To find out more about the hikes and other outdoor adventures in the western part of NC, visit hikewnc.info.

highlights:

What kinds of outdoor summer activities do you enjoy?  Any favorite hikes you have taken? What suggestions do you have to work past irrational fears?

Have a blessed weekend!

It's been a while....

Blog World!!

I am embarrassed to report that it has been a full YEAR since I have last posted!! Sheesh.  Maybe I should just hit the highlights??!!

I am still holding strong in my graduate program, and currently am out for summer break.  I know what you are thinking.....summer break? from college classes?  While that sounds amazing to some, I am SO ready to head back to work, and am eagerly waiting to find out where I will be placed for my internship!   Here is a picture of me with my fellow Principal Fellows:

Such a fun bunch!!  

In addition to school, there have been lots of races and places since my last posting.  I set a goal for 2014 to race at least once a month.  So far, I have hit every month with the exception of March, due to a family emergency.  

Highlight Reel:

January:  Run for Young 5K-Raleigh, NC

February:  Cupid Crawl 5K-Greenville, NC

April:  ECU Pirate Alumni 5K-Greenville, NC

May:  Elmhurst 5K-Greenville, NC

June:  Asheville Half Marathon-Asheville, NC

Don't ask me why I waited to run the longest distance in the mountains....I am such a flat land runner!!!  Needless to say, that was one of hardest races I have ever completed, and I felt amazing after finishing.    I owe a huge thanks to my trainer, who coached me through hills training on the *dreadmill*. 

Now, I am looking for races to finish out the year!!  I am needing a little bit of a break after training for and running a half in the mountains!  

Any suggestions for fun races to try?  

How have you pushed yourself to run farther, faster, or stronger than you have run before?