Pets - not really running related, but maybe a little

I decided to dedicate this blog to 'my best friend'.
I have had a few pets over the years, but recently someone told me that you get one "heart pet' and that statement really touched me.

Let me tell you about my 'heart pet', Billy. He is getting on in years, 14 this December, and he can no longer run or hike with me and his energy level is well, the way I feel after a long run. I've decided to write this blog, because Billy's in his Twilight year(s) and I know I won't be able to 'honour' him when he is gone because it will hurt too much.

12 years ago, I had advertised on Rescue websites sites that I was looking for a dog who loved walks, cuddles and would be a part of the family. Billy has been that and even more. At our first meeting he almost took a bite out of my hand, however I knew in my heart he was the one for me - he had spunk.

The first year he was with my family, he pretty much 'nipped' at everyone I know, they just didn't understand my boy. I knew he he had a good heart and wasn't vicious, just scared.  My mother-in-law once commented that she had never seen a dog - love a person, as much as Billy loves me. It's not just the follow me around, you can see it in his eyes.When I would go away on business, my husband would call me to tell me Billy hadn't eaten so, we created this game to get Billy to eat.  Caesar Milan would hate it because Billy became very territorial about his food, but he always knew I was in charge. I remember the story of Grey Frair's Bobby in Edinburgh - that is my Billy and me.

We have grown so much over the years to be the best of friends. Through the loss of my step-dad, my mom's breast cancer, my cancer, my kids growing up, leaving home and my marriage separation, he has been my cuddle when things weren't going so well. I have cried in his fur, I would pet & brush him and connect with him as you can never do with family or friends. Why, because, he never judged, offered comments or for that matter really knew what I was going through - he just knew that I needed him near me and he was thankful. Billy trained with me as I prepared for the 60km walk to End Women's Cancers, not the whole 60km, but a big part of it. Billy walked with me through - thick and thin. Not only did I lose 60lbs, he kept trim as well.

A few years ago, when on my own, I realized that I needed to 'invest' in him. I spent a lot of money to have his rotten teeth removed. I spent many a sleepless night, nursing him through this challenge. It reminded me of my daughters, teething (only in reverse).  My kids tease me that he gets special treatment. Like the cheese story. I was making pizza for the girls & they asked for some of the cheese - I said no, as I was making the dinner now- then I handed a piece of cheese to Billy. Hey, he wasn't getting any pizza.

Recently, a good friend, Santina suggested I get a 'twilight friend' for Billy - more likely for me. Enter Timmie - a crazy Jack Russell Cross. He is a lot of fun, he can go for runs, has energy to spare, and loves to cuddle. He has inspired Billy to have a little more spark - hopefully Billy can teach him to have a little less spark. I like to think Billy picked him - kind of a reverse (white with beige versus beige with white).

I love my Timmie and look forward to a long life with him. His energy and 'spunk' will keep me busy.
I don't want to think about the day that Billy will leave me - but then I remember he NEVER will.


To our pets - they live in our heart forever.

“You must do the thing you think you cannot do” Eleanor Roosevelt

Last fall  a colleague asked me if I would be interested in training through a Canadian winter for the Chilly 1/2 Marathon which was to take place on March 4th, 2012. I'm not sure why I agreed. Today, I'm reflecting on my reasons for doing this race this morning.

 

I'm definitely not the runner 'profile'. I didn't start running until I was in my late 40's. I'm now over 50 and overweight. That said,  I have led Learn to Run and 5k running clinics for the past 5 years, encouraging recreational runners to embrace the experience - find their "happy pace" and get active. This has been fantastic, however, I have come to realize that I have a competitive spirit, I wish I had found it in my 20's. So, when Gwen asked me to join her in training for the Chilly I said yes. As the quote says...."do the thing you think you cannot do"- crap! 

 

For some reason, I thought it would give me the motivation to lose 20 lbs, and maybe get a little more serious about running. The whole recreational thing is nice, but it starts to lose the challenge/motivation. I work with a lot of running people and I hang around with a lot of running people, I find it motivating, so, this winter I embarked on training for the Chilly Half.  

What an experience this has been. This has been probably one of the mildest winters in Southwestern Ontario, however, it seemed that every LONG run we were faced with typical winter weather - bitter cold, sloppy or snowy conditions, not to mention, my 'old' and slightly overweight body was telling me this wasn't a great idea. From bunion pain, to cold induced Urticaria with dermographism (I had to go to the doctor to get that diagnoses)  to a pulled hamstring - I sucked it up and kept going.  Why?  

Let me tell you about my training partner. I didn't mention that she is also my boss at work. Gwen is an amazing leader at work, in my humble opinion. I have worked for a lot of mangers, but WOW, this lady is amazing. I could list those qualities that define a great leader, but it's more than that, this quote captures it for me.

“Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” John Maxwell

As we trained together, Gwen was always in the lead but at no time did I feel that I was being left behind. She would 'charge' me with picking the route, or the training (hills or speed) and never pressure me into what I decided. She would provide options, a different perspective, but always with respect and empowerment. Her never failing determination helped me succeed. I didn't lose the 20lbs, but I gained something, an understanding as to what true leadership/friendship is, a respect for our differences, the ability to push through challenges and celebrate successes. 

 

So, today I celebrate our success. Not my best time finish for a race  but yet again, I am inspired by Gwen's determination, commitment and I am inspired to do more. Damn.

 

Thank you, Gwen and yes, I am very proud this evening.

 

Today, dear body, I write this letter to tell you that I love you. I feel the occasional pain in your knees and try hard to remember the joy of the runs that contributed to that pain. I feel the soreness in your muscles and celebrate it with joy because I can move and walk, do asana and sit, be alive! I look at you in the mirror and say, “hey, not bad, lady” and love you. This is not a conceited love, but an unconditional love.

Every once in a while, I judge you too harshly, or reprimand you for what you’re eating, or look longingly at a long pair of thighs, cut triceps or a six-pack of abs, but then I turn back inwards and celebrate the health, form and function of you, my beautiful friend, my body.

So today, on Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love, I celebrate my love for you: for better for worse, in health and happiness, in creaky joints and achy knees, laughter lines and all, this life, this moment, this earth, until my spirit departs from you.

With love,

Your spirit.

No TV - now what do I do?

After months of saying I was going to get back to blogging - I'm taking the plunge. Besides I cancelled my Cable TV and gave my TV away for my New Year's resolution. So I guess I'm forced to find new, creative, fun and challenging activities.

I welcomed a new addition to my family this year, a Jack/Terrier cross. Timmie is awesome. I figured I should get a running partner to keep me honest and Timmie loves to run. He is adapting to the rules set out by Cesar Millan, but since he's a terrier he forgets everyday. The other interesting thing about bringing a 'puppy' into a home with an old dog is how he has infused a little life into Billy (my 13year old spaniel/pom cross). Billy joins us on regular walks and even endeavours to chase after Timmie at times, mind you he gives us early on. Billy is also teaching Timmie patience. It is the perfect combination.

Other fun news is I decided to sign up the run the Chilly Half Marathon in March. The training is kicking my ass. I have come to realize that as much as I love the rush of a race, I think my future races will revolve around 'fun runs'. I'm too old for this competitive stuff. The long runs have taken a toll on my body. From aches & pains to an all our cold-induced form of hives but I continue to get out there - cause I'm not a quitter. YET.

Stay tuned!