I really am playing fast and loose with Week 7...

[Maddee_6333]

...but I’m a Graduate returning from injury, so I think I can get away with it?

Basically, this is a ‘do as I say, not do as I do’ post.

After the success of the weekend, I though it was time to put on my Big Girl pants and try a run with my own pocket rocket, Merlin. My friend D joined me with her dogs and we opted to run the flat route by the river (just to be on the safe side). I say safe side, but actually there are a fair few holes along the path, and D has previously suffered a bad sprain after turning her ankle in one.

It was a touch chilly while we were putting our gear on, but I was really glad I’d only put on arm warmers instead a long sleeve top as I would have been far too warm otherwise.

We ran maybe 3/4 of the route with the dogs attached and 1/4* with them running free, and kept up a steady conversational pace the whole time, walking instead of coming to a total halt when we needed to.

I had autopause on again - I really must check when it pauses as I’m pretty sure it is when a certain low speed is reached, rather than only for a total stop.

*our pace was almost 1 minute/km slower when dogless.

BTW, Have I said how much I’m enjoying SportsTracker? Sunday was the first time I had used it but I do love all the ‘frilly’ extra info it gives me.

[Tartancat Graduate]

Sounds glorious and looks glorious! And why not play fast and loose? It's all about enjoying the journey 😁

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

I really am enjoying the journey 😍

[skysue16 Graduate]

Running with Merlin again, how fantastic for you 😊. How did it go? Looks a nice track but as you say, there are always hazards to watch out for.

I haven't run with Squiggy for over a month now. Last time he pulled too hard (saw a cat!!) and my lower back muscles were strained. I couldn't walk properly for a week! Must give it another go soon.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to skysue16]

It went really well, though later in the day the instep of my right foot felt sore. Though that might be because we were so busy with 5 dogs after that my stretches weren't as thorough as they should have been.

Oh no! Hope you're well mended now x Maybe stick to somewhere cat free when you're ready to give it another go?

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Yes!! Anything that moves is just too exciting 🐏🐓🐁🐈🐇🐿😬

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Tell me about it! Merlin has a real thing for cattle at the moment 🙄

And - bearing in mind I live near a livery stable - still freaks out at horses with riders 🤦‍♀️ Horses grazing in fields he is pretty okay with.

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Yes, Squiggy barks at horses being ridden. A dog trainer I know told me that is because they look so different with a rider - big scary monsters!!

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Indeed!

A friend of mine has a dog who is terrified of men in hats.