Weekend

The weekend is over, and it was a busy one.  On Sunday I went for a run at the trail with Ann.  I felt kind of logy when I got up, but thought I might feel better once I got going.  Not the case - I had a really slow run, and at least 2 walk breaks.  After I got home, I felt exhausted.  My legs were achy, and I tried to take a little nap.  That didn't help, but eventually my legs felt somewhat better.

We were having people over for dinner, so I had no choice but to keep going.  Luckily, I did get to sleep later than usual this morning.  I've decided to change my running schedule this week by giving myself 2 days off between runs instead of one.

Mocha had a busy weekend because we had visitors both Friday and Sunday nights.  She stayed and supervised the dinner and card game on Friday.  I moved her bed (one of them!) into the living room so she could be with us, and she was there the whole time.  Didn't even go to bed until everyone left and I was done cleaning up.

On Sunday, she stayed in the dining room with us, in a corner between Dave and niece Megan.  I think she wanted to be close to Megan because she hadn't seen her for a while!

Tough Run

Another running day - and yet again, warmer than last time.  However, not such a good run for me.  My legs felt tired, and I was running slower than usual.  I did lower body weights on Wednesday after my run, so maybe that could account for it - but I was hoping lifting more frequently would make my legs stronger. 

Mocha did not sleep late - she was waiting for me in front of the fireplace when I got home, and we went for our walk shortly thereafter.  There is construction going on in the neighborhood - sidewalk repairs and replacements - so that gave  Mocha something to look at.  No dogs this morning for her to focus on.

Yesterday, Mocha slept very late!  She stayed in bed until 7:30, and I was worried that she didn't feel good.  But once she got up, she was fine and ready for a normal day of activities.  We went to the trail to walk for a bit.  I think she likes it there - new things to sniff and see.  There were no other dogs around.

Wednesday Run

It was a little warmer this morning - 45 degrees at run time.  I forgot to wear gloves, but luckily I had on a pullover with thumb holes, so I kept my hands mostly covered that way.

My legs felt a little tired today, but it was still a good run.  A little slower than Monday.  It is hard running in the dark!  Both Ann & I almost tripped at least once today.  At home before the run, I slid down the last 2 steps because I thought I was already at the bottom of the stairs!  Sleepy (not senior) moment.

Mocha is resting right now - we had our walk when it was still kind of dark out.  The sprinkler system for a house down the street came on right when we were near it, and it startled both of us. 

We have a white pumpkin on the porch that Mocha likes to lick when we come home.

Cold Monday Morning

It's the coldest day of the season!  33 degrees when I went running in the dark.  I wore my typical cold weather outfit, which includes warm mittens, a neck gaiter, hat, and silk undershirt under my shirt and jacket.  Tights too of course.

I had a good run - my legs didn't feel tired, and I think the cold weather enables me to run a little faster.  I didn't see any other runners out this morning, except Ann, and she was with me!

Mocha J. was waiting for me in the hall when I got back.  She had been in bed when I left, so I didn't really think she would be up yet, but she was.  So I exchanged my sweaty mittens for dry gloves, put on a warm jacket over my running clothes, and out we went. 

We didn't see any other dogs this morning, but there were some good sniffin's for Mocha.  She got back in bed while I was making coffee, and I haven't seen her since!

Coffee of the day:  Dunkin' Donuts Chocolate Glazed Donut.

Saturday

Family walk this morning.  Mocha seemed fine, but I did notice her favoring one front leg on the way home.  After the walk, I got ready to go running, and when I came back downstairs, Mocha was in the living room.  She got up and was acting very sore.  She went outside with me to get the paper, and said hi to Bonnie (neighbor).   When we came back in, she wanted to lie down.  I hope, like yesterday, that after she rests a little while, she will feel better.

The run was good.  Beautiful fall day.  The trail was pretty busy, with lots of teenagers (probably cross country team from local high school).  Also, a race was finishing up, and then there were the regulars.  I ran slightly faster than last week, and felt good!

Good Dark Run

Another 6:00 a.m. run in the dark.  I remembered to wear my light this time and it does make me feel more secure - I think drivers can see me sooner when I have the light on, versus just my reflective vest.  Ann and I met up, and we did our usual weekday route. 

The temp was around 48 degrees, stars were out, and it was perfect running weather.  I did a slightly faster pace than last time, which always makes me feel good.

Weekend

Mocha had a fun weekend!  On Saturday, a friend came over with her 2 kids, ages 5 and 7.  The 7 year old loved Mocha.  He spent most of the time with her, giving her belly rubs and petting her head.  Here is a picture of them together:

After they left, Mocha got to spend some alone time catching up on her sleep. 

On Sunday, she experienced a lot of dogs on her evening walk.  Dave had her, and he said she was very good.   He was able to distract her enough that she didn't focus on the other dogs.  One of them was Jack, a rowdy boy from the other side of the neighborhood:

When she got home from the walk, she had her supper and spent the rest of the evening lounging around.

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I had a very good run yesterday!  The weather was perfect, in the mid-40s and sunny.  I ran the trail, no walk breaks, and my legs only felt a little bit tired.  When I felt like I might have to walk on a couple hills, I distracted myself by thinking positive thoughts, and powered through.

After running, we (Dave & I, not Mocha) went to a friend's house for brunch.  She is dog-sitting a chihuahua, who is very friendly and took turns sitting on everyone's lap. 

Deer Friends

Lots of deer came to visit yesterday - Mocha was on the deck, and she wasn't really paying attention to them, but here is a picture of her while they were there - sniffing the air maybe?

The deer were certainly aware of her, though.  They stop eating and just stand and stare...

 I put a stinky concoction on the mums out front to try to keep the deer from eating them.  Success for the first night!  I'm sure I will have to reapply and make more every time it rains. 

No More Crate

Yesterday, I thought it might be a good idea to put away the crate that Mocha used for her bed in our bedroom.  We hadn't closed the door of the crate since we first got her, but she slept in there because that's where her bed was.  But now that it is colder at night, I thought it would be nice to have more access to her and be able to cover her up more easily (our other dog Ozzie loved to be covered).

So I took her bed out of the crate, and put the crate away.  I put 2 pillows against the walls.  It is a very cozy space, although no longer enclosed.  And she took to it right away!

This picture doesn't show it, but there is another blanket that I covered her with last night.  By morning, she wasn't under it, but I think she likes it.

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Running this morning was good.  It was 58 degrees, and stars and moon were still out.  Ann & I had a good run.  And later I'm going to meet a friend for a walk, so it will be a very active day.  Got to take advantage of this nice fall weather!

Good Running Weather

Today at running time (6:00 a.m.) it was 49 degrees and dark out.  Last time I ran, Saturday, my legs felt very tired.   Maybe that's because I didn't get much exercise on vacation.  But today, I felt better.  Back to normal even.  No walk breaks.  The run was quite pleasant because of the temperature and the company (hi Ann!).

Mocha and I took a walk when it was getting light out.  We saw Dexter down the street, and she kept turning around to look at him.  This is something she does with most dogs. 

Here's a really good thing - she was lying on the living room rug today when Sydney (little white dog) walked by with her dad.   Mocha always knows when dogs are out there, and she usually barks or growls.  Today, nothing.  Totally calm and cool.  I think she is feeling less threatened by other dogs!  Yay, Mocha!

Vacation

We took Mocha on vacation!  Went to Fenwick, longest car ride for her that we know of.  She was a great traveler!  Settled right down in her crate in the car, and watched the world go by.  We stopped about once an hour for her to have a break.

We took her to the beach one day, and she seemed to like the ocean (although not enough to run right up to it).  She got close to the waves, and one came up and washed over her front paws.  The sand was pulled back out, and she had to sit down unexpectedly!   That didn't faze her though - she just had a sandy butt for a while.

 

She also got to go to a park, and see ducks and a Great Blue Heron.

All in all, a good time was had by Mocha.  When we got home, though, she was happy - she wagged her little butt and settled down to take a nap.