Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Frustrated
In my basement there is a bag full if sand suspended by chains, and I can't wait to strap on some gloves and beat the crap out of it. Why? Because it's been one if those days. It culminated in me missing my train and finding out that someone stole my umbrella. It's budget planning time and everyone is frantically forecasting in order to meet the Friday deadline. I missed my lunchtime strength routine and since I'm on a late train, I'm not sure I'll get a run in before nightfall. Bah! How does one find the strength to run after a day like today?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Progress
Lately I feel as though I've lost all motivation to run. I completed a major goal and then the urge to move dissapated into a more of an ideal. But I think I'm getting there. Within the past week I've gone running a total of 4 times. Which is 3 more than I had been averaging. I also did two strength training sessions. The fact that I'm less than satisfied with my pace and endurance is the first step in setting up a new goal. I'm back at a 10 min mile, and I can only run straight through 2 miles, but it's a starting point. I'm planning a speed workout for this evening, and hopefull a morning run for tomorrow. The only goal in mind is to just get better. If anyone has some helpful hints for motivation, I'm listening.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Almost there
I have a nice long ride to the city this morning, which means it's time to catch up on the blog. Today I get to do one of my favorite things, site-views. I get to tour meeting spaces, hotels and restaurants to find the perfect location. Manhattan has some awesome venues so I can't wait. Perhaps it's todays objective, but I'm feeling more optimistic than usual.
After last night I didn't think I could be so chipper today.
The dogs were great. Willow and I went for a great walk, but it didn't end so great. We were approximately 2 blocks from the house when another dog escaped from his yard. As he beelined it for Willow I tried to remain calm. I didn't want the animals to feed off my anxiety. Out of no where the other dog turns aggessive. Being the protective dog mom I jumped in between firmly yelling NO! After the owner dragged his dog back to his yard I feverishly checked Willow for marks. I couldn't find anything. Relieved, I told the owner that she was ok. "what about you?" he asked. I didn't even think about me. I wasn't harmed but I wasn't as concerned about me. I just didn't want Willow to associate that dog with others. I don't need two leash aggessive dogs.
She was in good spirits for the rest of the day. We're going back out tonight, this time with lots of treats.
To unwind from the craziness ofthose 30 seconds, I went for a run. I've trying to get a run in during the week, but it's been so hard to work it in. Last night I just went, and it was guilt free. Perhaps that's why today seems so much brighter, despite the impending rain storm.
After last night I didn't think I could be so chipper today.
The dogs were great. Willow and I went for a great walk, but it didn't end so great. We were approximately 2 blocks from the house when another dog escaped from his yard. As he beelined it for Willow I tried to remain calm. I didn't want the animals to feed off my anxiety. Out of no where the other dog turns aggessive. Being the protective dog mom I jumped in between firmly yelling NO! After the owner dragged his dog back to his yard I feverishly checked Willow for marks. I couldn't find anything. Relieved, I told the owner that she was ok. "what about you?" he asked. I didn't even think about me. I wasn't harmed but I wasn't as concerned about me. I just didn't want Willow to associate that dog with others. I don't need two leash aggessive dogs.
She was in good spirits for the rest of the day. We're going back out tonight, this time with lots of treats.
To unwind from the craziness ofthose 30 seconds, I went for a run. I've trying to get a run in during the week, but it's been so hard to work it in. Last night I just went, and it was guilt free. Perhaps that's why today seems so much brighter, despite the impending rain storm.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Training Investment
I've mentioned that I have two dogs. One, a loveable 6 year old lab mix (Dakota) who Joe got from a rescue group when he and I first started dating. The other, Willow, is our 1 year old lab who we got because we thought Dakota needed a friend and I needed a project. Challenge doesn't begin to describe this dog. At times I think I could maintain my fitness level just by running after her. (Or from her.)
Let's take this evening as an example. The minute I get home I go into my pup-carer routine. Up the stairs to change into my 'dog-walking' clothes. It's not so much that I don't want to walk around in business clothes, it's that Willow manages to somehow stain most clothes I wear. I head downstairs and let the monster out of her crate. She's the most adorable pup for the next several minutes as she licks my hand and dives through my legs so that I'll pet her rump. (May not sound like an ideal pet behavior, but it's quiet comical.) Next we head inside to stuff her water-soaked kibble into Kongs (a rubber dog toy that is "indestructable") and then freeze them for the next few meals. As soon as I shut the freezer door, Willow is headed for her leash. She knows it's time for her walk. Lately I've been walking them separately. Dakota has developed mild leash aggression and I have to work one on one with him to fix it. Each dog ends up with a 30 minute walk. Today I couldn't help but be envious of the runners out there. It's PERFECT running weather, and it's such a shame that I am missing it. It was dark by the time Dakota's run/walk was over, and time to cook dinner.
I managed to cram in a training session with Willow before it was her dinner time. And after her dinner, like every other night, she can be found sitting at my feet, barking. She has plenty of "behaviors" that we're working on, but this is the one that drives me crazy. I'm working on my skills to ingore her, but the more I pretend not to hear it, the more my impatient self wants to shout back at her.
This is why we've invested in a dog trianer. This trainer teaches several obedience classes through the town, and Willow and Dakota have each gone. Willow actually passed basic obedience, but still cannot be left in a room alone. So the trainer has come to our house once and identified Willow as a high-anxiety dog. She's given us many of tools, and things to practice. And Joe and I have been really dedicated to training Willow to be a good dog. But sometimes I wonder if my expectations are too high for her. After all she is only 14 months old. I also wonder if it's possible to combat her "high-anxiety" nature. After 10 days of following the tips and tools from the trainer, I've seen a little change. On Saturday the trainer comes back, and I have two huge concerns. 1) Willow won't demonstrate how much she's learned. 2) The trainer will want us to do even more with Willow. Sometimes I fear that training this pup could be a full time job.
I know it's all a matter of hardwork, dedication and time. I'll keep you updated.
Let's take this evening as an example. The minute I get home I go into my pup-carer routine. Up the stairs to change into my 'dog-walking' clothes. It's not so much that I don't want to walk around in business clothes, it's that Willow manages to somehow stain most clothes I wear. I head downstairs and let the monster out of her crate. She's the most adorable pup for the next several minutes as she licks my hand and dives through my legs so that I'll pet her rump. (May not sound like an ideal pet behavior, but it's quiet comical.) Next we head inside to stuff her water-soaked kibble into Kongs (a rubber dog toy that is "indestructable") and then freeze them for the next few meals. As soon as I shut the freezer door, Willow is headed for her leash. She knows it's time for her walk. Lately I've been walking them separately. Dakota has developed mild leash aggression and I have to work one on one with him to fix it. Each dog ends up with a 30 minute walk. Today I couldn't help but be envious of the runners out there. It's PERFECT running weather, and it's such a shame that I am missing it. It was dark by the time Dakota's run/walk was over, and time to cook dinner.
I managed to cram in a training session with Willow before it was her dinner time. And after her dinner, like every other night, she can be found sitting at my feet, barking. She has plenty of "behaviors" that we're working on, but this is the one that drives me crazy. I'm working on my skills to ingore her, but the more I pretend not to hear it, the more my impatient self wants to shout back at her.
This is why we've invested in a dog trianer. This trainer teaches several obedience classes through the town, and Willow and Dakota have each gone. Willow actually passed basic obedience, but still cannot be left in a room alone. So the trainer has come to our house once and identified Willow as a high-anxiety dog. She's given us many of tools, and things to practice. And Joe and I have been really dedicated to training Willow to be a good dog. But sometimes I wonder if my expectations are too high for her. After all she is only 14 months old. I also wonder if it's possible to combat her "high-anxiety" nature. After 10 days of following the tips and tools from the trainer, I've seen a little change. On Saturday the trainer comes back, and I have two huge concerns. 1) Willow won't demonstrate how much she's learned. 2) The trainer will want us to do even more with Willow. Sometimes I fear that training this pup could be a full time job.
I know it's all a matter of hardwork, dedication and time. I'll keep you updated.
2 years
Joe and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary today. My friends and family left us many congratulatory notes on facebook, and we even got a few cards. It was really nice for so many people to take note. Joe and I had planned a nice dinner out so that we could have some alone time from the pups. We were able to let go of the blackberrys and just enjoy each others company. It didn't hurt that the restaurant is my new local favorite, 55 degrees. I've always felt it necessary to celebrate occassions with good food.
These past two years have been amazing. And I'm looking forward to our lifetime together :)
These past two years have been amazing. And I'm looking forward to our lifetime together :)
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