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.

                                                                                                             

The Sunshine State

I am officially back in the Old North State after a fabulous 4 days of Florida sunshine!  My husband's family live in Florida, and we cherish every sunshiny moment when we get the opportunity to go visit them!  Unfortunately, we do not get to visit NEARLY as often as we would like:/

While visiting, we partook in the annual family football draft, and also ate our body weight in foods that normally don't make an appearance in our house!  Needless to say, I have got some work to do now that we are home!  My yummy green smoothies are on the "detox" menu for this week, and I am super excited to share that recipe with you tomorrow! 

Other food items on the "Clean Up my Act" Menu are:

 

Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter

Celery and Carrot Sticks with Hummus

Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Egg Whites, Turkey Bacon, and Toast

Peaches

Blueberries

Fiber Bars

Green Smoothie



 

FOOTBALL SEASON IS FINALLY ALMOST HERE!!

2012 ECU Football Season-Arrrggh!!

At the Newman's, we love football!  We have our ECU season tickets lined up, and are so ready for NFL football to get going.  At the family draft, I grabbed up the Packers and Falcons.  Finger's crossed!

Pics from the family draft night:

Draft Time!  Mike and I <3

Gathering around the table-Family

My teams!

And as wonderful as it is to get away and see family, it is also wonderful to come back home to our own little family-this morning I woke up to see sweet Jax asleep on my robe:)  I love this dog!!  We also have had two showings on our house since I last blogged, and we are feeling hopeful!  I would love to be able to blog about finally moving after having the house on the market for so long.

Hello Bloggers!

Hi Everyone! 

Some of you followed me over at Life and Times of a Third Grade Teacher, but, as I am no longer going to be a third grade teacher, I decided to start up a new blog, keeping with my current lifestyle. 

Here's the story:

I am a 26 year old, happily married, running, reading, blogging grad student!  Here is a pic of me and the hubby with our two ADORABLE poochies:

I scored quite a catch with this one!  And as for the doggies, Jax is on the left, and Zoey is on the right.  We adopted both of these dogs from our local shelter, and haven't looked back!

I have been teaching for 4 1/2 FABULOUS years.  I love teaching with all my heart!  Here is me, with some of my kiddos:

**oldie but goodie**

But, sometimes, you have to make changes to do what is best for your family.  So, I decided to go BACK to SCHOOL to become a school administrator.  I applied for a scholarship loan, interviewed, and the next thing you know I am getting together MY school supplies and prepping for a whole new schedule and lifestyle.  *WOAH*  This is a far cry from my usual July meandering through Target, waiting to get the best deal on crayons, markers, and Lysol wipes in bulk! 

This is such a huge change for me, and I am actually surprised by how emotional the whole thing has been-I mean, I get on pinterest, and the next thing I know I am getting excited about back to school games and new classroom management ideas!  Sheesh.  So, I am on the hunt for ways to distract myself from the bittersweet emotions I have with the impending approach of a new school year, that I won't be a part of.

Distraction #1:  run girl run

I love going for a good run.  It definitely helps clear and quiet my mind, and gives me a sense of accomplishment, even on a bad day.  To date, I have run various 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon Events.  I am NOT going to claim to have the best pace, best stride.....whatever.  I run for the enjoyment, and I love seeing other motivated people at races!  Here I am with a friend at our most recent half-marathon (I'm on the right!):

I am going to call running distraction numero uno since I am training for the Neuse River Bridge Run in October.  Bring it on, bridge!

 

Distraction #2:  chef.boy.ar.dee

I have also developed a passion for trying to cook or bake new things lately.  I have certainly had my fair share of FAILS, but I would say there have been an equal amount of YUMMY treats that have come out of this hobby.  I will post about recipes that I try, and let you know how they turn out!

Distraction #3:  house upgrade

My husband and I put our house on the market almost a year ago.....womp.  We are still sitting right here in the same living room we were a year ago....womp.  No time for pity parties though.  We are constantly trying to upgrade and re-do something, and I will let you know how each reno goes!


Anywho, please follow along with my journey, and I hope you enjoy some of the recipes, workouts, and other projects that I share!

Question for the Day:

What kinds of challenges have you recently had to face or overcome?