My first run outside and I’m told to watch out for bears. (!!)

[ccarter100]

I was supposed to do W4R2 yesterday. My partner B. and I took yesterday off so we could go to upstate New York to visit friends for a long weekend. I was going to do my run first thing in the morning, but a last-minute crisis at work came up. I canceled my run in favor of a timely departure.

We made it to our friends’ place in time to have a cocktail (or two) before heading off for a fun concert with the Gin Blossoms and Vertical Horizon. I was determined to do my run today, and planned to sneak downstairs early in the morning when no one was looking to use my friends’ treadmill. Readers may recall that I have done all of my snail-like shuffles on a treadmill with plans to get strong enough to handle the ubiquitous hills in my hometown.

The day dawned bright and beautiful, however we missed it as we slept in until the decadent hour of 9 am. I took two Advil to help with the post-libation headache and laced up my sneaks, but my hosts insisted on two cups of coffee and a full breakfast. Major slow down.

Then the group heard of my plans. They insisted on joining me, turning a surreptitious treadmill session into a group activity. Outside. In nature. On a roadway that had rises and hollows. And, to my surprise, random bears. Yes, bears. Of the black juvenile variety.

So, loaded up with pepper spray, my honey, my friend Kim and I ventured forth. Frankly, I was way more nervous about doing my W4R2 in the hot sun, on the uneven asphalt, with hills, and in the company of my partner and my friend than I was about a bear. If one appeared on the scene, I felt it would be a welcome distraction.

To my delight, the run went really well. Kim kindly jogged along with me (my honey having declared that walking was a fine method of locomotion). The day was gorgeous, the road kind, the hills minute, the views spectacular, and the bear blessedly absent.

I’m going to stick with the treadmill for a few more sessions, and then I’m going to be brave and head outside in my hometown. After all, if I can face the prospect of a bear, I can handle a hill (or two).

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Yikes, bears??? You’re very brave!! Stay safe ccarter100 ...we want to see you finish the programme!!! 😉

[Mumsygill Graduate]

Sounds pretty idyllic to me! Don’t think I’d find it easy to run with anyone. My daughter came on my very first run and hoped to be there on my graduation run but events of the week took over . Love the fact that you’re doing the programme over the pond! Good luck 👍🏃🏼‍♀️💪

[ccarter100 in reply to Mumsygill]

I am so lucky I found this program! And I love doing it with all of my international friends. You guys are the best!!! My honey, three 20-something adult kids, and I are going to Ireland on vacation in September. I would love to be able to do some morning runs with my daughter and stepdaughter while we are there together. That would be my personal “graduation!”

[Mumsygill Graduate in reply to ccarter100]

Sounds a pretty perfect plan! Hope it comes off!! X

[Sofabunny]

I'm travelling by treadmill too with a plan to run outside as my next challenge...I had never considered the risk of meeting a bear !! 🐻