Ernie And Running

Hiatus

Bringing a new dog into a household can create havoc. Normal routines become a thing of the past. A new normal becomes the norm. I am an avid runner, used to running daily. With Ernie now I walk twice daily, an hour and a half walk each time. My walks have replaced my runs for a while.

Don’t think for one minute my running has gone by the wayside. It hasn’t, I just need to concentrate on Ernie for a bit. Slowly running will be incorporated into my schedule. My life is not complete without running. Running soothes my soul and helps me be the best person I can be. The treadmill will be the place I will return to, since it is winter in Wisconsin.

A New Dog

Having a new dog, I did try the treadmill with him and was afraid he was going to jump on with me. Which would not have been good. He sits close to the treadmill when I am on it. It makes me nervous, and not able to breathe and concentrate on my run. I could shut the door and leave Ernie downstairs while I run; but I’m not quite there yet. He is new in the house, and he has bonded with me.  He follows me everywhere right now.  In addition, I am not sure he would like me shutting the door to the upstairs so I can run. I’m thinking he would sit and whine the entire time I’m running. So, little steps for right now.

Let's Run Please

Next week I will incorporate a mile run into my schedule with him. He will be fine downstairs with Sally, our other dog for ten minutes. I have given him a month of my time. He has gone through a lot and needed extra attention and pampering. For me a mile run is a warmup, but I haven’t run for weeks now because my focus has been on Ernie. Therefore, we will see how I do on my first day. I used to tell myself if I cannot run three miles I should not be running. Now I’ll settle for a mile. Priorities.

We Love Ernie

Ernie is settling in nicely with us, he and Sally have their moments. If you have been following my story about him, you will know what I am talking about. He is asserting himself as he should be with her. He knows she rules the house and acts accordingly. This summer we hope they will bond playing in our big yard. Although Sally is 16, and we just found out Ernie’s birthday was November 15th, he was born in 2010. So, he is now 13 and not 12. He has an endless amount of energy for a 13-year-old dog. Not sure if this is because he was stuck in a house 24 hours a day; and now gets walked daily, or if he is just that kind of dog. Whatever it is we are glad he is now a part of our family.

Running Again

I am looking forward to next week when I start my mile runs. If all goes well it will progress from a mile to two miles. Baby steps for now. Who would have thought this would be my life. I’m used to running for three on the treadmill. Summer running outside, finds me running for however long my legs will carry me. At times, an hour run, maybe even longer if the weather suits me. It usually does in the summer. Although hot days with the sun beating down on me, my runs may be shorter. In my younger days running in the heat was something I looked forward to. Now, in my old age it's something of the past. I love 80’s if there is a slight breeze. Anything hotter than that may give me pause. Never say never, I always believe I can do it until I can’t.

For now, the treadmill will have to suffice. Not my favorite, but running outside is no option since I’ve recently broke my wrist. The last thing I need to do is fall. Slippery, icy roads and I do not see eye to eye. I’ve let that go years ago.

Races, Yes

Signing up for races is still a thing I do. Recently I received an e-mail for a sign up for a race in July. Registering early involves a discount. So, I sign up pronto. The longer you wait the more expensive it gets. It is a six-mile run. I’m looking forward to it, hoping for nice weather. Not too hot, not to cold. A light sprinkle doesn’t bother me. By July Ernie will be a part of the family, (he already is). So, nothing to worry about there.

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Dog or no dog, I will keep running to stay sane. It’s not easy at times in today's world.

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