First Run with my Puppy!

I took my Aussie pup for his first run today and he absolutely loved it!  Having him there to drag me along (at a much faster pace than normal!) really helped me to relax and enjoy it!  The weather was beautfiul (I'm guessing about 50*F) and the trail was busy with other people and dogs!  We ended up doing 6 miles in just over an hour and it felt great!  Just one more thing I am blessed for this holiday season!

On another note, I've been trying to figure out gift ideas for our Secret Santa on Runners World.  I don't have any wonderful ideas yet but I did find something that would make most runners' Christmas' merry! 

Without further ado, The 12 Days of Christmas for Runners!

On the 12th day of Christmas, my running buddy gave to me:




12 Packs of Energy Gels

11 Massage Sessions (Consult your local sports-massage therapists)

10 Race Entries

9 Inspiring Cards

8 Pairs of Socks

7 Nutritional Supplements

6 Running DVDs

5 Golden Medals (These can't be bought of course, but motivation and support will help)

4 Books on Running

3 Pairs of Running Shoes

2 Hand-Warming Gloves

... and a trip to a far-away marathon.



If only Santa would leave all that in MY stocking!

Fur-Babies

Nothing means more to me than my family.  My boyfriend, my daughter, my ever-patient mother, my loyal-to-the-death sister...  I'm surrounded by so much love it's hard to imagine life without sharing that love.  My chance to give back some of what I've been given came over the summer when I found a fuzzy bundle of love on the side of the road.  He quickly became known as Patch for his funny pirate-like eye patch.  This Australian Shepherd puppy has been the highlight of my day many times.  Never ending antics, a fierce loyalty and an intelligence that seems to rival that of my four year old make him more like a child than a pet.  I can't wait until he is fully grown so that I can make him my running partner as well!

Patch, dozing on his bed:

"Mom, I don't wanna go to school":

The best face to see after a rough day:

A few years ago my dear boyfriend rescued a stray from the local pound.  She came to be named Scoops (after the chips) and she's been his little buddy ever since.  She's the most laid back dog ever.  A soft place to sleep and a belly rub are all she needs out of life, kind of like my boyfriend in that way! 

Commandering the couch:

She always takes DBF's spot, not mine:

Life wouldn't be complete without fur-babies and I'm so blessed that mine have such lovely characters!