Compromise

I thought I was the cat's arse last week after hatching up my latest and greatest plan for my weekday runs! My subdivision is hilly and small, so I've always left it to complete a 3+ mile run. But as the established 3 mile route was not working out with the dog, I thought my only option was to leave him at home on the mornings I ran. That idea has never sat too well with me.

Than it occurred to me, if I stayed in the subdivision with the dog, most of our problems would be eliminated, as it was mainly the traffic that distracted him and provided me with the extra workout of making him run forwards rather than backwards. So I gave it a try last Thursday.

I ran our usual walking route with the dog, plus a bit - ended up being close to 2 miles. This route includes 2 substantial uphills, and a nice downhill, and naturally brings me back home...here's the fun part! I pop Charlie back in the house, and head back out in the opposite direction! The reason for this is that the 'nice downhill' turns into an 'ugly uphill'! A needed challenge to strengthen my legs.

I did this run the last 2 mornings, and it seems to be working well. Charlie's getting his morning exercise, and I'm getting a challenge...a challenge that I'm still feeling in my lower half today - love that 'good burn'! I don't have to get up ridiculously early, plus this route is adding a bit more distance, which ain't a bad thing either. I think I've finally found a winning combo! The only thing I'm worried about now is snowy paws in a month or two...