Well, OGF, this walking is a bit of a frustration, but I am adapting - just happy to be in the world right now. It’s pouring cold buckets, but it looks like it will clear for a run soon enough.
Yes, the adventures of running with dogs! I am sure we could all write a book. My favorite was a dog who followed me, veered off to the house of a stranger to steal a garden glove, and then caught up with me to follow another mile or two, glove between teeth .
If the world was better about spaying, neutering, and caring for their animals, I might agree to a degree with you about the justification about having so many, but I am guilty of having had as many as five at one time - all former strays, all once horribly mistreated. While I understand your ethics in regards to the planet, mine have more than offset that cost by creating jobs and putting food in other people’s mouths. It might even surprise you that given the choice between having one more child versus having all the sweet dog souls I have had in my life, I would have chosen the dogs . They are just that special, IMHO. As ever the problem is not the dogs, but the irresponsible people! Perhaps a few less of them is the answer ?
Ha! Funny you should say that Surfermom…I was doing a twenty mile training run with Mrs Fox riding shotgun (following me on her bike with the water) after five miles we passed through a small town, deserted at seven in the morning except for a mingy looking hound sniffing around empty chip papers. He locked onto me and proceeded to follow while looking up and smiling with his happy doggy face. He ran alongside through the town and out into the country, I reasoned that he would not sustain this pace for long and return to his home (if he had a permanent home)
I passed the ten mile mark and so did the dog, not only that, he was examining various items of interest on the verges, and still managed to catch me up. By fifteen miles he looked fresher than I did. If ever I could have taken a dog to my heart and give it a good home it would have been him. Unfortunately a cat with attitude already resided at the Fox residence, and I knew she would not accept a friend at this late stage of her life.
What to do with this impressive long distance hound, then at eighteen miles a farmer on a bicycle passed in the opposite direction and the dog took a shine to him and continued his journey alongside the old gentleman. I would like to think that this story had a happy ending and the farmer gave that friendly little hound a good home. Me, I legged it and never saw the dog again. But his memory will stay with me forever…Amazing animal…
I don’t really like to exercise, but I feel better after exercising, so I keep doing it. A mandatory item is walking on a treadmill for at least 5 kilometers. I have congestion in my legs, so I need to walk a lot every day. I also have an exercise bike in my room, but I prefer to walk on a treadmill, it is better for me to use. I also try to avoid bending over because it’s bad for my lower back. I love doing push-ups, light dumbbell presses, and trying out ring pull-ups.
I ride my bike almost every day. Sometimes it can be difficult, but the main thing is to make stops on time. Moreover, my bike looks cool and teenage, it’s pink
I work part-time, always on my feet, walking quickly, and also take care of a very energetic 4-year-old one afternoon/evening a week. But that doesn’t feel like enough, so I go to the gym for circuit training 3-4 times a week, moving at a fast pace! I’ve been doing this for 15 years, and it’s just part of my routine now. I enjoy it and plan to keep going as long as I can.
I follow a healthy diet, counting calories daily—obsessive? Maybe, but it works for me. I allow myself treats, but only occasionally, and once a week, I have a ‘light’ day with no cooked food except a bowl of soup—my detox day!
I’m a healthy 9st 7lbs, with no sign of osteoporosis—at over 60, I’m pretty pleased with that!
Still Swimming most days but added in pool walking with my lengths after my bad fall that shattered my leg for me. When I returned to the pool 5 months later the surgeon had advised pool walking rather than swimming to heal. So now I start with 10 lengths walking and 40 swimming, followed by a welcome hot soak in a jacuzzi. Just heading there shortly.
I have a friend recovering after successful cancer treatment who really rates pool walking. Anyone who doesn’t like swimming can benefit from this.
I’ve been going swimming regularly since Feb this year. I was always a swimmer but gave up the health club membership for about ten years when the dog was more energetic and would tire me out.
I can’t believe what a difference it makes to just do the 20 lengths again. Takes me less than half an hour to complete now I’m much faster, but totally worth it if I can make the effort to get myself there. Some weeks I go almost every day.
I have read that swimming is the one sports activity that almost everyone can do well into their later years. Water is so healing.
It’s funny but if you have a swim cap and goggles many people use a different lane because they think you’re a serious swimmer.
I don’t wear a cap or goggles as these days I only do breast stroke. I pile my hair up and clamp it with a big clasp.
I’ve been swimming since I was 3 years old, my mum worked at the swimming baths.
Having a confident connection with the water so early must have been wonderful and you’re so lucky that your mum worked there too. I didn’t really learn until I was 11 because my brother dunked my head under when I was about 7 and I was very wary of the pool after that!
I’ve only started using a cap and goggles this year as I have become more adventurous in my styles and even watched a few you tube videos to see how I can improve speeds and technique. I spend half the time underwater which is a great way to de-stress and just lose yourself in the movements.
. They are just that special, IMHO. As ever the problem is not the dogs, but the irresponsible people! Perhaps a few less of them is the answer 
?
