In our home it’s always Dog day! But today’s the perfect excuse for all of us dog lovers to brag on ours.
CJ & Esme got to hang out with me at work today, meeting and greeting people and their dogs. CJ loves the people, Esme loves the dogs.
How did your dog(s) spend National Dog Day?
Freddie Mercury doesn’t really give a crap! He knows cats are superior.
In an effort to keep me going with my regular blogging, I do have a few topics I want to talk about. However, I’m just not in that focused mindset tonight. Instead, I choose to ramble on about what I’ve been doing lately.
The majority of my free time has been devoted to running or training my puppy (who’s no longer a puppy) and spending time with my senior puppy. It’s been too hot outside to bring any of the dogs along with me during my runs, but I do let them join me for my post-run cool-down walks. They seem content with that. My mileage is beginning to pick up, with my midweek short runs being anywhere from 3-5 miles. It’s getting tough squeezing them in with my already full weekly schedule. So far I am managing. Something’s going to have to give though IF I DO get in to the Laugavegur Ultramarathon for next year!
Today I enjoyed a little over 6 miles on foot with 3 great people! Holy cow, was it humid! It was apparently only about 77 degrees, but the humidity was 88%+ and it didn’t take long for us to get drenched! My hands actually started to get pruny around mile 3.
The rest of my day has been devoted to getting stuff together for round #2 of the Run for the Toilets. Our first attempt was very lackluster, but I blame myself. I didn’t have the time to prepare well, and it was in July. There is SO MUCH going on in July for everyone. If you have kids, you’re likely at the peak of your summer vacation. If you’re a runner (not like me) you likely don’t want to run in 80 degree weather at 8AM with 78% humidity. I am a rarity. I love to run when it’s hot and steamy outside! Granted, I tend to keep my distances short, or I take several breaks.
And this evening I decided to update my blog.
So there you have it. My day on a web page.
Thanks for following along!
The Run For the Toilets 5K & 8 Miler will take place on Saturday November 30, 2019 at the Onancock Elks Lodge #1766 located in Accomac, VA. The following are links to the downloadable forms for the Run For the Toilets 5K & 8 Miler.
You can register for the event online using this link.
Stay up-to-date on the happenings leading up to the run by joining the Facebook Event Page.
On Tuesdays I teach SoulBody Barre Unhitched early in the morning and later in the evening. In between those two classes I work at my regular job. It makes for a very long day, yes, but I do enjoy it. I would have to work on a Tuesday anyway, and if I wasn’t teaching I’d be doing a workout at home or running. So why not make it a party and invite others to join me, and get paid for it?! I do love my job, if I didn’t I wouldn’t still be in the same field after this many (>20) years. However, leading a group exercise class is my favorite!
If I could teach group exercise, run with friends, do yoga on the beach, and play with my dogs (and invite others’ dogs over for play dates) all day every day, I’d be in heaven. I need to find a way to make a living out of all of these things combined, and still find time to blog because I enjoy that as well!
Have a great day.
A few months ago I decided to have both CJ & Esme DNA tested. I did it not just to learn their breed history, but also because this particular test screened for 140+ hereditary conditions. Royal Canin’s Genetic Health Analysis is a great addition to any dog’s health record.
If you follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, you may have already seen the results. If you haven’t seen the results, dare to venture a guess as to the top 2 breeds of CJ and Esme! I’ll let you all know what the results were in about 14 days. Let’s hope I don’t go on another blogging hiatus for months and months if the suspense is going to kill you. Here are some photos to go on in the meantime. First, CJ.
CJ LOVES the water!
CJ’s most favorite activity is fetching his aerobie. Aerobie is life for him. Even in his old age.
CJ and his aerobies. His most favorite toy on the planet!
Then Esme.
Esme’s first day in our home. Esme on the left, CJ on the right.
Esme enjoys walks and exploring. She has a great nose and has tracked a fox or two in the back yard.
Here is Esme after being with us for a month. Still working on leash manners!
“Just look at these tonsils!” Esme has a big yawn, is a lover and wants to be friends with every dog she meets!!! People she’s a bit leary of.
Feel free to comment to ask about personality, habits, etc. CJ is very much a fetcher. Esme does not fetch. Esme is a cuddler! CJ not so much. CJ loves people and tolerates other animals. Esme likes other animals, especially other dogs, but is weird about certain people. CJ is smart! Esme is cute. CJ eats edible things! Esme eats things she shouldn’t. CJ is 13 years old and weighs about 54 pounds. Esme is about a year and a half and weighs 44 pounds.
Can you explain to me the Physics of Time when on vacation? While vacationing, time just zooms on by! A week passes in the blink of an eye. Yet, when I return home it feels like I’ve been gone for a month or more. Does this happen to you too?
Recently C.J., my husband and I trekked to the Midwest to visit with my family. It was an awesome and fun visit for all of us. We spent 4 nights in Wisconsin and 5 nights at my parents’ place in Illinois. It felt like we were there for 3, maybe 4 nights total. Yet, we returned home last night and today it feels like I’ve been gone from here for a month.
Why can’t it be the other way around? I mean, that would make more sense, right?
Today was the 15th Annual Tim Kennard 10 Mile River Run & 5K Run/Walk. I registered for the 10 miler about 2 months ago, then promptly injured myself. (If you’ve read my recent blog posts, you know all about my achilles injury!) I have not run at all in over 6 weeks, so I downgraded myself to the 5K because I knew I wouldn’t be ready for 10 miles. Walking hasn’t been a problem for me, so I figured I could walk the entire 5K if I had to.
The weather was nice today. It was cool, in the upper 30’s, with a light breeze. We could have done without the breeze in these temperatures, but at least it was very light. It was clear and sunny, so that helped ease the discomfort of the coldness (for me anyway). I didn’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many half-naked people I saw on the course! One guy was wearing shorts and no shirt, countless others were in shorts and tanks. I don’t know how they do it. I wish I could do that. If I did, my entire body would seize up with a Raynaud’s event. I was covered from the tip of my head to my toes, with Hot Hands insole foot warmers in place and hand warmers in the pockets of my jacket. Not my personal ideal running conditions, but I’m happy it wasn’t raining or snowing, or, worse, blowing gale-force winds. For late March on the middle East Coast, it was decent.
I was dreading the start line, I can’t lie. I just knew that my first attempt at “lift off” would lead to pain or discomfort and I would be further disheartened. Did I mention how I have not run an inch in over 6 weeks? I did a little on the bike and some on the elliptical, but that isn’t running. My plan was to walk for 5 minutes, then attempt to run until I felt any type of discomfort, then walk/run from that point on as needed. I don’t know who I was trying to fool because as soon as the gate was open I took off like a dog breaking loose from his leash (only much slower).
To make a short story shorter, I ran the whole darn thing! I felt good the entire time and finished with a time of 27 minutes and some change. Nothing close to a PR for a 5K, but way better than I would have ever even thought given my current circumstances. And I know I’m going to pay for it. That dull ache on the lateral side of my achilles has been there since I started my heel lift exercises prescribed by my PT. My PT has not cleared me for running yet, but she knew I was going to walk/run this 5K. She told me if it hurts to stop! It never hurt beyond that dull ache. So I continued and pushed through. I finished with an official time of 27:31. WHOA. I was bookin’ it harder than I realized.
Because I already registered for the run way back when I figured I’d, at least, show up and get my shirt and take a DNS. Then I could support and encourage all of the other runners! Thankfully I was able to default to lesser mileage. I knew in my brain I needed to take it easy, but I didn’t…
I haven’t run in 6+weeks and managed to pull this out of my ass today. I’m going to pay for it in the coming days and will likely get a scolding from my PT this week. I didn’t want to do this, it just happened! The dangers of organized races. It gives me hope for the marathon that I will not run in late April! But maybe, just MAYBE I will be able to do the half?
I say as I am icing my ankle/achilles and noticing some swelling and such.
At least I got some cool stuff this year! Awesome shirt and my first bling from Tim Kennard!
Run for the Animals is next. From now til then it will be determined whether or not I might be able to do a half marathon (marathon is OUT) in Salisbury on April 28. I’m going to go for it!
Come join us at the Onancock Elks Lodge #1766 in Accomac, VA for the 3rd Annual 5K & Firetruck Pull to Benefit Area 19 Special Olympics Virginia Athletes! The event will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday April 21, 2018 at 22454 Front Street in Accomac, VA. You can visit the event page for more information.
If you are interested in the 5K, you can download a printable registration form by clicking on the following link: Elks 5K Registration and Waiver. Complete the form and return it to the Lodge with your registration fee. I will be coordinating the run, so if you have any questions about it feel free to contact me at animalwhiz@yahoo.com.
If you have any questions about the Firetruck Pull, you can contact the Lodge or message me and I will find out the information for you.
This is a really great, fun event for all ages and supports a wonderful cause. Help us make it the best yet!
Good evening everybody, and happy October! The best month of the year in my book, and not just because it’s my birthday month. 
I just wanted to write a quick note to put out there some goals that I hope to accomplish during the month of October. I find that if I make such goals public I’m more likely to reach them due to the accountability factor.
Goal #1: Run/walk a total of 120 miles for the month. I’m off to a decent start this first day having run 6.2 miles and walked 4 miles. 110 more miles to go! 
Goal #2: Grow my business! The more proactive I am getting the word out about it, the greater my chances of adding new customers and, maybe, business partners too. 
Goal #3: Get back to the grind and pick up where I left off on my quest to obtaining my AFAA certification. I put it on the backburner several months ago because I just got so busy! I’m still busy, but I am learning to budget my time a little better. I have got to make sure I am carving out time in my schedule to work on this. The sooner I get it completed, the sooner I can move on to the next step of this journey.
There you have it. It’s out there and my hope is that all of you reading this will help keep me accountable!
Do you have any goals you’re aiming for, either in the short term or long term? Feel free to share them with me and I will help you in whatever way I can. 
Buddy systems are the best! Have a great October everyone…
Time needs to slow down. No, really. I’m serious. It’s going by WAY too fast.
A lot has happened since I last blogged, which is why I haven’t blogged in so long…no time! If I could just get another 8 hours added on to every day I just might have enough time in a day to get everything done that I both need AND want to. Unfortunately, that will never happen. So I’ll just have to keep on doing the best I can.
SOULBODY
In May of this year I stumbled upon another group fitness opportunity, thanks to some info provided to me by my Pound Master Pro. It is called Soul Body Body Barre. After hearing about it I immediately had to learn more. I went to their website and looked around, watched the videos and knew that I had to learn how to teach this! A mindfully intense, full-body workout that pulls from the practices of barre, yoga and pilates, and incorporates a lot of body weight training. This particular class uses a ball and a body bar in pre-choreographed routines that are suitable for any and all fitness levels.
As soon as I heard about a training opportunity that was within a reasonable distance for me, I didn’t hesitate to sign up.
About a week prior to training, the instructor emailed information about the class, along with an instructional video to teach us the structure and choreography. I immediately got to work. I printed out my notes and started the video. I made it through the warm-up with no problem! Then the first real track came on. I made it through, but had to modify my technique drastically, and honestly started to wonder if I could teach a class like this. Then the second track, and third, and so on…Wow! That was one intense workout! I had a lot of work to do.
Well, to make a long story short, I went all-in and busted my tail to complete my training because I couldn’t WAIT to bring this to my community! After taking the certification course I had to submit a video of me teaching a full-length class as my “practical exam.” I had a month to submit a video after the certifying course, but I jumped right on it and one week and one day later my video was recorded! It did take me 2 takes to get one, but I did finally get it.
I have to share this little side note with you. After I completed the “final cut” video, I packaged up my laptop and when I got home the file was GONE. No joke. I panicked and just about totally lost my cool. Are you kidding me? I had to get some volunteers to be my class “guinea pigs” two days in a row, had a nearly perfect take and it didn’t save? I was almost in tears. But I took 5 minutes. Did some breathing exercises. Then went back to my laptop. I was able to find a cached file with the full length video. IMMEDIATELY saved it to my desktop, to my external hard drive, and to drop box! Crisis averted.
So I submitted my video. Within a day I received an email that I had passed! Celebration time! I was now certified to teach the class and couldn’t wait to do so! Now, to find time to teach the class. It was, and still has been, very difficult to find times to make this class available due to my current full-time job that has irregular hours, and I was already trying to find more time to make Pound available. I was also teaching a SPIN class on days when I was available too. And there’s all the running.
Now you see why I need more hours in my day? And I don’t even have (human) kids.
We have managed to fit my classes into the schedule, but they each only happen once (sometimes twice) a week. I hope to one day be able to free my schedule up to be able to offer more fitness classes at regular and at a variety of times. I’m working on it…
CHOMPERS
Our oldest dog, Chompers, had to be put to rest on July 15th of this year. He had just turned 14 a few days prior. Chompers has had orthopedic problems his entire life, starting with Osteochondritis Dissecans when he was a 6 month old puppy. He has spent his entire life on joint supplements! About 2-3 years ago he started to slow down some and was diagnosed with arthritis in one of his front legs. He’s been on pain medication and NSAIDs since then. Eventually his back legs started to show a lack of proprioception (neurologic issues). We managed him by keeping him comfortable with medications, light exercise and lots of love. In June he really started to decline and by the first of July his back end was giving out on him altogether at times.
We had to make the decision when we were home with him one day and had to witness him have an episode where his back end gave out on him. He struggled to get up and was panicking because he just couldn’t. I started to wonder how often that was happening when we weren’t home. It would be selfish and unfair of us to not allow him to have a dignified farewell. So, after much discussion, we planned his peaceful departure.
The day of, things couldn’t have been more obvious that the time was right. That morning, Chompers was not able to use his back legs at all. I spent the entire day with him, loved him, cried over him, and took in every last bit of him that I could. He was my heart dog and I was dreading this day for years!
Chris came home and, after he spent some time with Chompers, we headed to the animal hospital. Things couldn’t have gone more peacefully. It was sad, yes, but it was also a great relief knowing that he was no longer in any pain. He will always be my “heart dog!”
I cannot begin to say enough words about the company who took care of Chompers afterward. I entrusted Agape Pet Services to have Chompers cremated with his ashes returned to me. As I sought the perfect urn for Chompers on their website, I saw this glass crystal cube that you could have your pet’s image etched into it. It looked really neat and I already knew which picture I wanted to have etched! My all-time favorite picture of Chompers from back when he was 4 years old. I had to have it. And I found the perfect urn. The company was great to deal with, ordering was easy and everything was absolutely perfect upon arrival. Thanks for taking care of my boy Agape!
The etched crystal & Urn
It’s now been a few months since I’ve been teaching both Pound and, recently renamed, Soul Body Barre Unhitched. All of my time is spent now working my full time job at the animal hospital, teaching group fitness classes, trying to squeeze in some miles whenever I can, keeping current on my class choreography, every day chores and the dealings of life, and occasionally I’m able to sneak in some entertainment with my love. No time to spare. I need more hours in my day!
Then a friend starts talking to me about her business as a skin care consultant with Rodan + Fields dermatologists. It sounded quite interesting, especially the part where she said she was able to free up some time from a job to do what she really enjoyed, which is teaching a Spin class to people with Parkinson’s disease (pretty cool, I know!). She asked me if I was familiar with R+F and I said of course, they’re the Doctors responsible for Proactiv. She started to tell me more about the business and asked me if I’d be interested. At first I was not. But then I thought about it some more. If I did this, I just might be able to free up some hours myself to be able to do what I really WANT to do. Even better, I could earn more money to help pay off bills, to be able to afford to visit my family in the midwest more often, and to fund my many hobbies (like running). And, what a great complement to group fitness this would be! Helping people feel their best on the inside AND outside! The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I had nothing to lose to give it a try. I know R+F, and I know they’re product lines do what they claim.
So, yes, I am now trying to launch and grow my own business and I’m loving it!
I love my job, don’t get me wrong, but over the past several years my passions have changed. I am still very passionate about animals. But I have become more passionate about making others feel their best through group fitness and run coaching, nutrition advice and now premium skin care. My ultimate goal is to, over the next 5 years (give or take) flip-flop my job and my hobbies.
It seems to be working a little bit since I now have time to sit down and write a blog post!
By the way, if you’re interested in learning more about Rodan + Fields, feel free to contact me!
So that about sums it up. That’s what I’ve been up to, and if all goes well, you’ll be hearing more from me soon! Until then, hug your pets and live your best life.
AnimalWhiz 