#canifit

Pauline Lindsay and Nismo

Well it's week 4 already wow. The last 2 weeks have flown by in a haze of Cani-Fit classes, running with friends, meeting a different group to run where we managed 5k (wow whee) and a couple of lovely long walks where a special bear joined us and set a fast pace (just like his mum lol).  The beginners Cani-Fit classes were great and we both enjoyed.  There was a great mix of activities where we had directional work, hills (hate any incline no matter how teeny!), commands and of course run/jog along with some great practical dog management flung in also. In order to get some cross training done also, I went along to a boogie bounce class where I had such a laugh (at myself obviously) though worked hard - this was thanks (maybe not the right word lol) to Kirsty who had talked me into this then abandoned me.. Though this was due to straining her ankle at a cani x race so I forgave her. This weeks class was body combat where again I worked up a sweat - or should I only glow.. - which worked the legs really well but didn't think it worked the core so going to try another type of class next week - what happened to grapevine and box step and sit ups..they must still be out there somewhere. Anyway onwards to week 5 we go and we're into the 2nd half of this fabulous challenge

Amy McLaughlan and Might Maisie

So weeks 3 & 4 are now done - 4 weeks have flown in! And I'm happy to say I've definitely done some good work towards my goals.  I've gone past the 10k mark now so am delighted at that. Just need to do a bit of work on this Parkrun time.  Glad to say I've lost another couple of lbs too, have managed to keep my eating on track and the beetroot juice is actually starting to taste quite nice..... it's only taken 6 weeks haha!  So week 3 started with the final week of the Eglinton Cani-fit block. It was a quick but steady run - everyone's pace is really picking up and Maisie as always ran like a demon. Over the next few days we (Maisie and/or Thomas and I) fitted in some hills & sprint, a steady four miler and then - the biggie - my first ever full non stop 10k! Woohoo! Was really pleased with myself for hitting that milestone, it's something I always thought of as being completely out of my league, that someone like me could never manage a 10k, but there you go, I showed me didn't I? Troon 10k in May for sure now! Who's with me?          I then proceeded to die off with a cold all week so just rested, I'm not really much of a one for pushing myself too much when I'm sick or injured, don't think it does any favours in the long run so it was into week 4 before I got back out again. Thankfully it was Maisie's rest week anyway. I managed avery slow steady run from Dundonald Castle, home to Troon. My aim at the moment is to add on 1k a week, that way I'm increasing my distance but not so quickly that I'll kill my legs. Got a longer race to train for in Feb so want to be a bit better with my distance before that. The route from Dundonald to Loans isn't the easiest and it knocked the stuffing out me a little but I did it, that's what counts. Learned some lessons on this one - eat and drink correctly in the lead up and wear the right flippin shoes!          Over the rest of the fourth week I fitted in a cani-fit class at Dumbarton (ace!), finally dragged my ass round the track for some speedwork (not my favourite but man does it work) and last night managed a 12k from Irvine to Troon with Thomas. Really chuffed with my running just now - getting a mix of speed and distance work in without over doing it and getting myself injured, it's all meticulously planned I should add, trying my very best to get the right balance. I also shouldn't fail to mention that I've fitted in my first two walk/jog classes as a Cani-Fit leader too and have got some good adventuring planned with the Mighty one coming up so all is well - mon the Cani-Fit!  A wee piccie of one of my first classes: 

Sam Mckay and Angus

So, two weeks have passed since the last blog and things are better injury wise –the first week was a bit of a write off due to a horrible cold/cough and although I’ve not thrown it off completely I have managed to get out for a couple of runs, a game of squash and a dog walk with Forth Valley Canicross this week without any significant problems with my Achilles.  I’ve been keeping up with core/strength work and loads of stretching, with 2 sessions in the gym each week and one session at home – the weights I’m using are slowly increasing, and it still hurts the next day, so progress is being made!  My husband has been back to running this week as well, so Angus is getting a huge ramp up in his exercise and seems to be a bit bemused by it all!

I’ve not discovered any new trails yet as I am just glad to be back running, but I have been poring over Google Earth and local maps to scout out a few possible places to try.

Looking ahead to the next 2 weeks.  I am on annual leave next week, so alongside some Christmas shopping and a visit to the Edinburgh Christmas markets for mulled wine and ice-skating I am planning to get out to explore a couple of new places, continue with the core/strength work and maybe get a couple games of squash in.  There is also the CaniSport Scotland race at Lochore Meadows next weekend, which I was thinking about entering, though am a bit unsure about that just now – so maybe a last minute entry there.

 Letitia Aitken and Hamish

Hi Everyone,

  Just getting lunch at work (!!!!!) so i thought i would take a wee minute to do my blog.

  Well... where did week 3 go? Hamish got walked as normal and went to agility but running and scootering was non existent. My excuses are poor, Niamh was sick and had to be sent home from school so it was a bit of a juggling act with work and looking after her, however if i had time to walk Hamish i should just have ran him! Managed a bit of core strength work but again not nearly enough. The only good thing about last week was that i didn't eat too much crap and i think i only had 1 glass of wine ( think i would have liked more though if i'm being honest)

Week 4 I was determined to run so while still juggling sick kids and work I got up and i got out. I've not ran as many miles as i would have liked but some of what i did do was faster than normal and i also managed some hill and stair interval training (we wont mention the lost work pass ;-)  )

  One thing i have realised is that I spend a lot of time taking kids to their various clubs but although it's a lot of rushing about , when they aren't at the clubs  (like the last couple of weeks ) then my training suffers as i train when they are in their clubs..no clubs- lazy training for me! So it's actually worth the rushing about and a positive for everyone as we are all keeping fit.

My cross training this week has been dismantling 2 beds , rebuilding 2 beds and some storage units. Bloody arms and bum are killing me, not much fun for Hamish though as he was just trying to keep out my way lol

  On another positive note, I've taken the bull by the horns (or the dog by the harness) and booked myself a couple of 1-1's  in both canicross and agility for next week. Will admit I'm nervous about them both but also really looking forward to them too. Way out my comfort zone.

Andy away for part of next week but I'm determined to get more running and scootering done. Niamh will be back training and while one child is in the club then the other will be getting dragged wherever with me!

  So, onwards and upwards

  Letitia and Hamish  (team Aitken)

  Ps. Hot date with hubby this weekend so not so much running being done on Saturday 

PPs. Sorry about the quality of the attached pictures

Helen Rourke, Charlie and Ruby

Winter motivator weeks 3&4 I can't believe we've all been at this for a month now! How time flies when you're having fun!! This fortnight for me was all about trying to mix it up a little. I've spent the past 2 weeks stepping up my running. I'd actively avoided doing anything but - so no more hiding... The ginners have had a bit of a mixed bag for mix fortnight. :( Our worst week yet last week. I've resolved to pull up my socks and get back on track. Highs: 1. A great sunny Sunday morning run along the Kelvin Way with lady spangles. Need to find another venue for this week. 2. Started with my new PT - must say I'm luvving donning the boxing gloves and pretending I'm bashing my clients (great way to relieve work stress) - even if I've now lost 2 nails! 3. Started Saturday bootcamp classes & luvvin it (must be all Lindsay's cani-fit mat work). 4. A yummy homemade brownie - thanks Victoria. 5. A very boozy Xmas night out with the newlands park crew. 5. I got to open my advent calendar - because I am about 12. Lows: 1. A very boozy Xmas night out - may be tee total for the rest of the festive season now. Too old for hangovers. 2. A couple of bad runs with legs like lead - always dents the confidence. 3. A maccy ds blow out- after a crappy day at work Not my finest decision. Words to the wise: just say no. 4. Too many days in Edinburgh, which meant not as many runs as I had hoped. #newjob #wishfulthinking Keeping on track over the next fortnight is going to be equally hard - 5 Xmas nights, a team lunch, and a million secret santas to buy. Must keep on track!!! Fellow winter motivators may need your help to get thru this! The ginners xx Kirsty McEwan and Georgy

Week 3 & 4

  So today I write my last blog for the Cani-Fir Winter Motivator. Week 3 started off great, 2am rise for our trip to Culbin for the SDAS national Championship weekend and we were turning into Indians staying in our wigwam. With my running buddy Georgy in tow we also persuaded Kirsty to run Tess so it was an early rise for them too. We arrive with only a little confusion on how to find the forest J We went to the race briefing and also covered a fellow cani-fitters marshalling duties, we even had time for a wee nap before the race. Harnesses and belts went on and off we went to the start line for our start time. Georgy heard the countdown for the teams in front of us and started his usual barking. 3-2-1 and he was off like a bullet with me trying to keep up. The course was made up with a lot of long straights, right turn then onto the cross roads and down I went, first thought (through the tears streaming down my face) was this is bad. Picked up by the car delivering the marshals and taken back to the start line and was advised to go to a&e, was well impressed by the hospital in Elgin, in and out in under an hour and that included an x-ray. Badly sprained and some ligament damage so not too bad. Kirsty and Tess still had to run the Sunday so off we went on crutches. Poor Georgy was in the huff as he wasn’t getting a run. Then the little star that is Jada finished her 1.8 mile race and agreed to take Georgy round the course. He was looking for me initially and I was hiding behind a van lol I hobbled to the finish line to watch them coming up along with my cheering squad and then you see their heads popping up over the hill, so the cheering started and you could see Georgy pulling like a trooper, while his bum swung from side to side lol It was discovered (10 days later) that I actually have a crack in a bone at the front of my ankle so I am out for a good 4-6 weeks which I am a little gutted about.

No exercise was done for a week after my little accident, on the Sunday we headed to Calderglen to attempt a small walk (1 mile) and Georgy was going for a paddle which turned into a cold swim when the little girls started throwing things into the water and Georgy couldn’t help himself but chase them lol We also went a short walk on the Monday with Pauline, Nismo, Claire and Ruby, this was all before I was given into trouble by the hospital for not resting it.

Biggest achievement of the 2 weeks has to go to Georgy – previously he would not run with anyone else and on the Sunday he did!! Team Bumble Bee over and out!

  I could continue my blogs but they would solely be Georgys adventures and I am not sure that would still qualify us lol

#canifitwintermotivator #sareankle #getfitiwithyourdog

Sandra Taylor and Derri

Cani-fit winter motivator week 3 + 4

Highlights and lows of past 2 weeks

Well week 3 started with a very fast cani-fit class at Eglinton park, everyone ran like the wind.

Amy's hard work was showing with her press ups a least 4 to my 1, go Amy, core work deforestation my weakness.

Saturday was so hard to get time to get out, but eventually I headed out with Derri what a hard run, i struggled with every step. Derri was sluggish too never seen her not want to run like that put it down to her being in season. We plodded on for 2 miles through puddles, mud, hills and small rivers.

I decided to give Derri a few day off to get her mojo back.

Sunday was great fun took our mini jack Russell over to Eglinton with my son Jayden who's 6 years old to take part in the cani-fit beginners class,

he loved it was off like a wee rocket (team double trouble) as Millie defo has small dog syndrome around others,she may be tiny but she's loud lol.

Was great seeing so many newbies men, woman and kids go team cani-fit.

Wednesday's was my daughter's football training so instead of wrapping up warm and stuffing my face while she trained, I too put on my gear and had my own training session which included a 2 mile run, 1st mile was a gradual uphill all the way when I about turned it seemed to easy to just run down hill all the way back so I spied some steep steps and added some runs up and down them, ouch burning legs after that seemed good idea at the time, workout finished at the Murray Park with some core work, press ups/planks and crunches, go me :-D

Week 4 was cani-fit class week off, so thanks to Brain and Shona coming out on Thursday night, we met for a run round Dean park, we done the normal route and derri was back out joining me, she ran really well and seems to be back enjoying herself.

Had bad toothache so wasn't back out until Sunday. 

Sunday was great weather was cold but dry a fab day to be out with dogs and kids, we headed to Fullerton woods in troon for some exploring. I used the bridle paths and ran a 1 mile approx route x3, it suited me as I had the kids down with me. They enjoyed a winter picnic at the play park. I took both dogs with me on this run mainly to keep derri interested as she enjoys running with other dogs better, but that turned tricky as our wee jrt kept tripping me up. Think I should stick to one dog, but we still managed 3.1mile in 27.30 chuffed with that. My kids weren't ready to head home, so I added in some sprints and core work. 

Another new trail for me was the cani-fit meet up at the wind farm on Wednesday, dark, cold and damp night bit of a set back for myself as this is the first run in a long time I had to use my inhaler during the run, putting it down to the damp night and pray this is not going to be a problem this winter, I did a shorter route than most but still covered 3.1 miles,

Aims for weeks ahead is to try sort my diet out a bit better, which is torture this time of year and increase my mileage which is an aim of mine.

Here's a pic from the beginners class run by cani-fit

Shona Smith and Isla

  At the beginning of week 3 I put myself out there and confessed I had lost all confidence running due to my injuries and losing fitness but after some encouraging words bad kicking in the backside me and Isla set off again. I made sure I was fitting in cross training by using the elliptical at the gym and swimming.      My first day where I really felt good running was Saturday. After working all day and getting stuck in traffic I was determined to go a run we managed 1.6 miles in our fasted time of 14.30 mins. The next day I set off solo by going to the great run local at Glasgow- an excellent flat route and great people who encouraged me the whole way. I managed to get 30sec of my 3k time as well.      Then I stated to slip with exams and UNi work piling up running was pushed to the side. Until the following week where I eventually ventured out with other cani-fitters and managed to do the dean park route with minimal walking. Friday I also pushed myself do complete some hill sprints in Kilmaurs. Although then had dinner out and tablet (oops). Then I started to slip again until last night.      Last night I was close to completing 2 of my 3 goals. I managed to head out with the amazing crowd at whitelees and get my 5k to under 30 minutes. I also just about to, expect a short walk at 2 miles, run all of the 5k. To say I couldn't be more chuffed is an understatement and Isla is loving our faster pace and having friends along side her.      My goals for the next two weeks is to: -Run a full 5k -to get Isla and myself back into cross training -get back to the cani-fit classes

Claire Anderson and Floyd

Ok so weeks 4 and 5, didn't start too great for team Anderson! Lol I submitted my last blog about how motivated I felt, and my continuous weight loss battle!! Thursday night (day of the last blog) off we trundled down to eggy! Run started fab, behind Lindsay (by quite a distance but behind her) we thundered along the trail! Well I felt like I was thundering! Dugs ears flapping as he bayed his way along, then bam quicker than I knew what was happening I hit the deck with Floyd dragging me along in an unattractive turtle on its back effect! Over on my ankle, the first time this winter ( which is good going for me)! After rolling around and a few choice words I could hear Brian approaching so jumped up and hobbled along! Didn't last long  I was over taken! 😩 Anyway I continued my run and done not bad, soldiered through the core work and couldn't walk by the time I got home! The following week was spent pretty much doing hee haw, but Floyd kept up the motivation with a few free runs! I seen the lovely Steve Robinson who has recommended no running for another few weeks, so that's Lochore out the window! However team beagle doesn't give up that easy!! Floyd went to Monday night class this week with my friend Malcolm and ran well, while I walked little Ruby Crane with the other injured burds lol! As we speak young Floyd is running with Elis Robinson his new running buddy! Elis is now going to run with him at Lochore which is very exciting! So while one half of the team runs his socks off, I will continue my rehab of icing, massage and building the ankle muscle! This is clearly going to be a permanent fixture, and a new balance board will be purchased! I'm away this weekend to Piperdam so I plan to swim every day and start the core work again! Team Beagle will not be defeated by crappy ankles! Claire and Floyd #justdaeit #canifitwintermotivator #teambeagle #dodgyankle

Kirsten Cowling , Splash and Leo

Jogging along into the fourth week of the Canfit Winter Motivator challenge and all is still going well.  Which of course is courting disaster seeing as how the injury bench for Cani-fit is getting a bit busy just now!  Fingers are securely crossed here and come on you lot - man up and get back to running.  Kirsty, you only have a broken foot - what sort of excuse is that!!! ;-)  I've had a few good runs since the last blog entry.  Had a smashing canifit class where I lent Malcolm a collie.  Off he went across the car park at Eglinton at high speed.  I did have a wee moment of "Bleeping dog - where is his loyalty" as Splashy boy vanished into the night but my heart was gladdened quarter of a mile in when Leo and I caught up - after Splash had glanced round and realised he was clearly being stolen so decided to wait for mum!  Poor Malcolm then tried his luck with Leo and that worked fine - as long as we all ran together.  Which was tricky as Malcolm is considerably faster than me.  Lindsay was dead impressed with my speed - she didnt realise it was unintentional and accidental!! Mind you, all that speed training then paid off when I went to the Santa Dash at Strathclyde park.  3.63 miles in 31.32 minutes!  That is fekkin amazing for me!!  Thanks to Hilary and her taping advice my ankles held up and I have now got new trainers which are making a difference.  Got to meet loads of the monday night Cani-fitters too - thanks for the welcome!!

Jody Kyle , Kaiya and Oban:

So week 3, really? I think I blinked & missed it. After such a fab start returning to my first canifit class at Eglinton for aaages ☺. Lindsay said approx 5k in 28 ish minutes, although i was trailing at the back of the class (sorry amy) & required oxygen (just kidding!). It quickly turned to a week to forget, double shifts @ work, sat, sun & tues (not my normal shift) 😂, day off on fri but doggies rest day cos i had no idea what was to come. We had a toothbrush incident with Oban on the sat eve, lets just say at least he made the effort to clean his teeth. Well an Oban "cough" started that night 😷 = no sleep for us for that week, no doggy contact or exercise either. The dogs weren't out with the dog walker, although kaiya was fine not coughing but was a bit lame so no running for her.

Week 4

Myself & Kaiya only jogged 3.25 miles in 32.44. 😕 My first & fastest mile was 9.30min/mile but slowest 11+. I didnt know a dog could faff (if thats even a word) about so much, jeez.

My first park run in aages again on the sat, myself & kaiya 🏃💕🐕 31.04. 9.55 fastest min/mile. Hardest part was making it there, getting outta my nice warm bed.

On a week of firsts, my first time running dogless in absolute years (whose idea was that again?) 😈. I feel sorry for people that don't have dogs cos they need to run by themselves all the time 😭. Omg 1.8miles in 19.36, 9.57 my fastest min/mile, the look on the dogs faces was priceless as i ran past them lol.

Im now grateful every time I run with my dog 😥 but will do runs without to improve my running fitness 👍👏. I intend to keep getting outta bed for parkrun 😴 (no matter how slow I am!). I have signed up for the next 4 week Eglinton/ Dean park canifit class block.

Keep up the good work guys, no matter what, we are all doing amazing 👏👍👟

Jody, Kaiya & Oban xx

 #canifitwintermotivator #runfast #getfitwithyourdogs #canifit

Tahra Duncan Clark and Mina:

Well saw some improvements over the last two weeks and a few different aches and pains ! I finally ran with someone else, Kirsty ,a seasoned runner and cani-crosser, and g=her gorgeous two spaniels. We met in Aberdour and did a route along the Coastal Path that I often do, but what a difference having company. Yes I actually can run longer and and continuously and talk at the same time !! In fact we might well have made the 5k without stopping if it weren't for Mina wanting to explore a field of sheep again.......... luckily she's very good at coming back and she only wants to play but I doubt the farmer would see it that way:( After meeting up with Kirsty I went shopping. Got myself a new belt as Mina is starting to pull nowadays, only taken three months. Its big and decidedly unglamourous but certainly more comfy that what I was wearing and the new bungee is good. Also got myself a pair of calf compression wraps; something I'd never considered before. They are different and you know you have them on but not in a bad way and the first few times out I didn't notice my calves at all never mind them pulling. This week I go a couple of grumbles but they didn't develop into anything so Im taking that as a good sign. Cross training was the usual TKD, with a few heavy pad training sessions, self-defence and sparring; unfortunately not so much pattern work, which meant of course Ive forgotten half of everything...... and some playing at tennis. Thats the tennis finished till February so Ill need to find something else for the rest of the motivator. This week I tried somewhere new and headed off to Blairadam Forest, a Forestry Commission site near Kelty. It was lovely. Very scenic, lots of paths and trails, friendly dogs, mud and babbling water. Even saw a friendly red squirrel as Mina and I were picking our way along the frozen tarmac at the car-park. Its somewhere I might never have gone if it weren't for the motivator and canifiting in general but will definitely be back soon, hopefully with the rest of the family. Con might not enjoy running with Mina but it'll be great for his bike and Sorren does enjoy a Gruffalo hunt ! I must be improving overall though not at a fast pace. The last few days my hips have ached but Im putting that down to they're working in a different way and pounding on the pavements to Kinghorn in thinner soled shoes maybe didn't help. Being on the motivator has definitely kept me going more whatever the weather and Ive been lucky with that so far; whereas normally I would've been happy just taking Mina on a hike Im choosing to run as a preference and having Mrs Runkeeper telling me my average pace does have an effect....... if only my legs and head would work more in symmetry and I might not keep stopping and Id make my 5k goal. Don't think Ill make it on Sunday at Lochore but you never know :) Tahra & Mina

Marion Smith and Skye:

After a good week last week, this week has been very poor! Friday I did my mile & was pleased as felt an improvement in general, then the sore throat developed & after the weekend a heavy cold followed on so no runs just some walks.  I get very frustrated as just when I think I'm getting going again something seems to set me back again. I am going to go to Cathkin tomorrow as feeling a bit better & can't usually manage a Friday morning but have been on holiday this week. I also intend to take up swimming ? once a week so that along with weekly pilates should help keep me in shape? !

Just to add from previous blog! Friday at class at Cathkin braes, really enjoyed the company, not so much the squats-took me till Wed before legs recovered! Monday I did go swimming, 1st time for a very long time & managed 20 lengths of breast stroke, not alot but I enjoyed it so will make that a regular exercise now. Tuesday I ran my 1mile at 9.23min/mile and then after work had pilates class, I really like pilates and find it relaxing although you are working out. Thursday another mile at 9.02min/mile so some improvement but now really need to increase distance. To sum up, struggling a bit to get out but once I do I enjoy it, also love reading everyone's blog, sorry mine is so boring at moment.

Mx

Freya Kennedy and the Spaniels :

My fortnight of winter motivation began with a great Santa dash run with fellow Canifit and canicross friends, i romped round feeling energized and fit for the first time since i started Canifit a few years ago. The rest of the week followed on from that with a couple of night runs and two day runs following my son Aaron on his bike that he has just learnt to ride, though i still had to tow him a few times as he loves the speed of running with me and the dogs. Week 4 started with me missing my Sunday run for some short sprints as Bella competed in her first agility show and then my running has been interrupted by a trip to Marrakech. I was delighted to find a beautiful indoor pool at our hotel as swimming was my Motivator agenda for the trip. I am sending my blog from the poolside after 40 lengths but im already looking forward to returning home tomorrow night and getting my dogs out to run off a few of these French pastries! Freya

Gillian Donohoe and Sadie

Time flies when your having fun and I have to say, I cant believe that's 4 weeks up already and I have to say, I have been having fun most of the time!

My big plan for the past two weeks was to try and mix up the times of day that I go running after finding the Saturdaymorning cani fit session at Strathclyde park harder than the Monday night sessions, so with all good intensions, the morning runs went in my diary for the week ahead. How many did I manage? None! Be that due to sleeping in ( one occasion only) then unscheduled work stuff, the morning runs got kicked into touch, but rather than beat myself up about it, decided "What will be will be" a night time run is better than no run at all and there is always the next 4 weeks of Winter Motivator to try and get one in.

Have to say, work has played havoc with my training on week 3 as had a lot to get done before going on holiday, so had to try and fit some form of activity around that, like walking home from work ( about 5 miles) a couple of times. I also decided to up my daily plank routine, so now do it in the morning first thing ( see, why can I do that but not a run??) and just before going to bed. Must admit, I am starting to notice a wee bit tightening up in the stomach area because of it, so that's motivating me to keep going with that.

I also decided to kick the latte habit on the head and was pretty shocked to discover I saved myself £31 over the space of a week. £31????????? I'm ashamed to even admit that! But the big bully bonus to my shame is I am getting myself a nice new cani fit t-shirt with the money, or may even upgrade to a hoodie, who knows. One thing for sure, the latte detox is here to stay, so another benefit of the winter motivator program. The lattes where replaced by a few juices and this is something I'm going to try and do a bit more of this next couple of weeks too as I really found it helped with my hydration.

Week 4 was always going to be a struggle as I was off on holiday for a week to sunny Teneriff. Do I pack the trainers or an extra pair of flip flops? trainers or flip flops? This time last year, I woudn't even have been asking that question never mind answering it with "trainers" so in the case they went and I'm pleased to say they were used for the purpose they where intended and NOT a fashion item! Two trips to the gym and an hours swimming everyday, although have to add It was mainly breast stroke as the pool was sooooo cold I did one lap of front crawl and it gave me brain freeze, seriously!! In all seriousness though, it is the first time I have came back from holiday and actualy felt rested instead of over weight and bloated and back to square one in my fitness levels.

So what with work and being away on holiday, poor wee Sadie hasn't had much of my attention the past two weeks, but planning on making up for lost time over the next wee while as I finish up for Christmas on Thursday ( yippeeeee!!) and have signed us up for Fridays Cathkin Brae class and have pencilled in a trip to Callander for a run along the old railyway line there ( lovely flat open trail with a bit of a hill at the end if you want to push yourself) So separate photos of me and Sadie this instalment, me all sweaty at the gym in Tenerif and Sadie getting into the Christmas spirit with a visit to Santa!

Freya Kennedy and her spaniels :

Ok this week I have officially felt really motivated, its been brilliant. 

Friday I squeezed in a morning Cathkin canifit class, I love running there and certainly feel like I've worked hard after a session with Lindsay at Cathkin.

Saturday was a rest day when the dogs enjoyed a lovely beach walk at John Muir country park in Dunbar, and I then was up bright and early to head back to Dunbar on Sunday for the Edinburgh Foxlake canicross race. 

Previously I have hated racing, I have raced only a couple of times and not enjoyed it. I think I have always gone off too fast for my fitness levels and then really struggled to keep running, having moments of needing to walk and feeling really unfit. This race was great, I was confident of where I was so didnt have that horrid feeling that I didnt know how long I would have to keep running, and although some parts were technical and slippy I managed to keep running for the whole race in a time of 24.54, which was 4th in my class. I was very proud of my dogs, especially little Bella who ran in her first race and pulled the whole way round.

Monday was a shift to swimming and i managed 34 lengths before cramp in my foot as I was finishing but think that was race fatigue, and monday night was Canifit Chatelherault class,  which included the evil stairs of doom...not good after a race and long swim! Definately needed Tuesday as a rest day for me and the dogs, I noticed wee Bella seemed tired on monday which showed how hard she worked at the race. 

Wednesday isnt normally a running day but I heard the motivation fairy on my shoulder and tried to figure out what I could do with a 3 year old in tow...easy peasy, run the 6k loop round Strathclyde Loch with Bella and Dobbie harnessed up, and Aaron on his balance bike being towed behind me! Needless to say we got alot of funny looks and comments but I felt great afterwards as felt I'd pushed myself to run outwith a group which was one of my motivators. Wednesday night is agility so lots of sprints to keep up with Bella and I was asleep before my head hit the pillow! 

So its thursday and I'm still feeling powered up, inspired and off running tonight with a few buddies, I certainly think this motivator is pushing me as im already thinking ahead to my 3 night break in Marrakech in december and trying to work out what excercise I can do while away so I dont ruin my blog, flying easyjet so think it might have to be swimming costume as trainers take up too much room!

Bring on week 3!

Freya Kennedy, Paddy and Bella (and occasionally Dobbie)

Claire Anderson and Floyd:

Well where do I start! I got back from Paris last Thursday and didn't make class, I was shattered as was Floyd who'd had a holiday at the dog walkers, so we cancelled! We got back into the swing on things on Friday at the Cathkin morning group. I hadn't been to Cathkin in a while and I really enjoyed it, as did Floyd who was baying all the way after Lindsey and Monte!  We were certainly dain it when we were planking and doing press up's in the pouring rain!! On Saturday I finished my 10hr day at work and took myself out a quick blast, and it was bloody freezing! I opted for a wee 0.8 mile circuit which I planned on running twice. First circuit 6.51 min great happy with that, always room for improvement! Then the dam phone battery ran out, catastrophe!! No run keeper and no music!! 😡 After my second circuit home to planking, press ups, squats and lunges in the garden! Gary though I was loosing the plot! Monday night took me to Chatelherault with the Monday night crew! Floyd wasn't happy he wasn't chasing Lindsey, but after the stairs of doom he got into a nice steady even pace and set to work! Afterwards was hill reps ( or in my case commando crawling at the top) and back to the car park for planking and core work! I went to my weight watchers meeting on Tuesday and was relieved that after Paris I'd only put on 1/2lb!!!! So the diet is back on track with the fitness too, I can do this!! I have 3, nearly 4 weeks until our next race so need to keep motivated and up the game! That starts tonight at Eglington, followed by the Santa run at Strathy on Sunday with some Canifit buddies! (After a 2am finish at work) this could be interesting!!! Claire + Floyd #keepdainit #canifit #canifitwintermotivator #fitforchristmas

Pauline Lindsay and Nismo:

Well that's the 2nd week of Cani-Fit winter motivator completed already - it's flown by yet again and my little chuckles has even been motivated this week as he has an extra spring in his step (it's a miracle!). We started Friday morning running over the braes with the little bundle of power Mrs Whiplash at her Cani-Fit class.  Certainly woke us both up though we did enjoy it and as usual Lindsay kept us on track with improving ourselves (posture for me as I was collapsing down into myself as I got tired) and geeing up the Nismo and keeping him pulling (no easy task).  Although Mrs Whiplash was kind, she did make me do planks and press ups in the dirt and rain..yuck.. And my ribs felt as if they were broken for about 3 days.  Anyway, we took all the instructions on board and off we went to Foxlake for the competition on Sunday where we had a great day.  The weather was ideal for the furries, if a little cold for us humans, but it was fun - which is the most important thing for me and my boy. We done the short course of 2.5k and the Nismo pulled all the way and even had a wee run (rather than his mal trot) to get to the finish due to all the Cani-Fitters cheering us on. We loved the twisty trails through the woods and I laughed out loud as we went splashing through the big puddles and the mud on the course - a true Cani-Fitter cares not to run round these silly things when they can batter through.  I was so pleased with Nismo, and me as I actually felt strong doing this race. Our time of 21 minutes could have been a little quicker but we stayed with our buddy to help them round their 1st competition and I was delighted she competed it also. We also had a great run with Kirsty and Georgy, and Emily and Isla last night at the braes where we included hills, yes the dreaded hills, and we went on our own power for some of it as the dogs got running free - though Nismo did help us along by nipping our bums to gee us on, revenge perhaps lol. Some distance was added which is now taking us nearer the 5k goal. Thanks Kirsty, your my own personal mini motivator. I've also started to include some cross training (now that my ribs have healed from Mrs Whiplash beating) and have started doing 20-30 minutes of intense stretching, lunges, sit ups etc in order to get the rest of my body into action - the middle is spreading beyond belief and don't even mention the airbags that have taken over my boobs! So all in, I've kept up the running 4 times per week, with a cheeky wee competition flung in, planked, exercised, stretched, walked, agility'd and had 1 rest day.  Roll on next week..

Amy McLaughlan and Might Maisie:

Week 2 has been an odd one for Team Small but Mighty, a bit quiet really. Not through lack of motivation, just the way our training plan worked out.          Thursday kicked off as always with week 3 of Cani-Fit class at Dean Park. I didn't take Mighty with me for this one, felt she needed a quiet week since she had races two Sundays in a row (don't tell her I went without her). Dean Park is always tough but I definitely feel better doing that route than I did 6 months ago.  Core work was dire this week though - I have gotten weak since I stopped going to metafit! So I said after class last week that I'd do some core every day which so far I've kept to. So has poor Thomas, he hates my guts now.  Friday and Saturday I had a couple of rest days, went for a nice walk in Dumbarton on Saturday though so wasn't totally lazy. I sometimes find one rest day doesn't quite cut it and I feel the benefit in my legs if I take two days in a row.          Sunday was race day in Dunbar. We had a fab run on what was a pretty technical trail, couldn't have been much more different from Wales the previous week! Mighty was more subdued than normal whilst waiting in line at the start (my mum was with us and Maisie gets upset when her 'pack' get split up so she was on the lookout for mum) but once she got to the start line she was back to her normal rocket fuelled self. The course was tough to navigate and I missed loads of directional commands which meant we went our separate ways a few times (once round a tree), we got held up on some narrow sections and at the bridge which was two way and we had to stop for a bit to let someone coming the other way cross. So no PB but I was still really chuffed with our time on what was a difficult course, we are slowly but surely whittling it down!  Monday and Tuesday were rest days to let my legs recover from the Sunday. I still did my core work - even after I'd been out at a gig on Tuesday night - ever tried side planks with a drink in you? Not easy!          Wednesday I had a rare mid week day off so decide to make use of the daylight and go a slow longer run with Lindsay (dragged oor Thomas again too). Went on my trusty Troon route that I like and it worked out at 4.65 miles so I think next time I'll repeat one of the loops to get my mileage up a bit. It was nice to have company this time - a bit of chatter makes it go much quicker. Maisie will manage that route no bother so I'll take her next time too.  My eating has been better again this week - finally hit the stone weightloss mark that I've been sort of hovering around for a while so that's a good motivator to keep up the healthier eating too. So nothing earth shattering this week, need to make the effort to get more quality training and cross training in. Now that we have no races for a month we can get back on track! 

Sam Mckay and Angus:

  So the highlight this week for me was the CaniSports Edinburgh race at Foxlake on Sunday and whilst I didn’t get the time that I had hoped for, it was loads of fun and a great first race.  Unfortunately on the Monday I finally came down with the same cold/cough that my toddler had had all last week, so combined with a flare up of my Achilles problems I’ve not managed to run since Foxlake or play squash this week.  I have been to the gym twice this week though and planked every day – so I am doing something!  Angus was at the Vet on Wednesday for some skin biopsies and as he was sedated for the treatment he will be having a couple days off before he is exercised again.

I’m hoping next week is better – get rid of cold and back to running.  If not then the plan is to continue with core/strength workouts, walks with Angus and perhaps a swim if I get chance. 

Kirsty McEwan and Georgy:

Week 2 started slow with just some short walks then on Saturday I threw myself in at the deep end, my 1st Parkrun in a good 6 months. I had it in my head that I was going to get a good time. Georgy was his usual noisy self at the start line and with me being the only canicrosser there I couldn’t blame his cheers on anyone else lol we started on the grass and Georgy off like a rocket with me slipping and sliding behind him with road shoes on. 2 miles in and the lady on my arms shouts ‘average pace per mile 8.13’ I thought result ‘pb here I come’ then Georgy decides he needs a toilet break ‘nice timing Georgy’ then my fan club arrived 9i can dream) ‘well done Kirsty lets go I will pace you’ it was our lovely motivator Mrs Cani-Fit who had arrived late for the start and still caught up with me lol off she went in front of me and I could feel my legs getting heavier and heavier after the quick stop and I could see Lindsay getting further away, that’s when I really had to have a word with myself and overcome those demons in my head to keep going, as this Parkrun is an out and back the 3rd mile is the same as the 1st so you could see the finish but it didn’t feel like it was getting any closer. Then I saw Lindsay heading towards me with 150m to go. Although she had just finished a 5k herself she started running beside us and gave us the motivation to sprint (well what I would call sprint, I am no Billy Bolt lol) the last 100m and came in with a time of 27.01.

I could start to feel my legs shake although this was my day that I showed myself that I was getting fitter and off I went to Cani-Fit weekend class. I helped out by tail running and all the time could feel my legs getting heavier, I managed to skive the mountain climbers and the dreaded planks at the end although did give the sumo squats a go while getting pulled from side to side by a beagle lol

I woke up on Sunday feeling like I had been hit by a bus and could hardly move tried 2 baths with muscle soak and a nice gentle long walk with Georgy and no I still feel like that bus has ran over me

lol this is where the motivation will really need to kick in to get me back into it and push through the pain. When Monday arrived I thought OMG what is going on with my body!! All day at work I waddled like a penguin lol I pushed myself to a short run at night along with some core work.On Tuesday I tried to do some core work, onto the living room floor I went for some sit ups and I ended up with extra weight, yes Georgy ended up lying on top of me lol so it made it a lot harder, although he did decide to join in and as Kirsten pointed out he gave side planking a go lol

Wednesday consisted of a nice run with our fellow Cani Fitters Pauline and Nismo at Cathkin Braes with the dogs out in front like bouncers at a night club door making sure I was safe (Pauline can look after herself – sorry Pauline) the night included hills and another step forward for me with off lead running in the dark J

My biggest achievement this week was my Parkrun – I actually pushed myself to run a time that I was proud of and so much so that I felt the pain for 2 days lol

  #canifitwintermotivator #willpower #winterblues #teambumblebee

Sandra Taylor and Derri:

Well week 2 of cani-fit is almost over i personally feel ive done better this week and added in different things to improve my general fitness the week started off with cani-fit class at dean park loved the hills defo improving on this route :D but still tottally hopeless at the planks at the end. last weeks problem of not getting out with kids was tackled with taking them with me to the park on Sunday for a jog and sprints didn't go to plan but did involve sprinting after my toddler James who took off in opposite direction a few times lol Jayden enjoyed some canicrossing with our jack Russell too, on monday a 40min workout at home insanity with the fab Shaun T and side kicks which all look totally fab with six packs the lot jumping about on tv god knows what they would think if they were looking at me lol. Tuesday was some good old fashion team spirit meeting up with Kirsten and Lindsay for some hills and sprint work, agreeing to get together is extra motivation that mid week i think really helps :) so thanks again ladies even id every inch of me is aching tonight as i right this. Derri has had a very easy week this week but she will be out over the weekend when its more dog friendly grounds :) this weeks finishing of with a 2 mile jog in Glasgow while my daughter trains at Murray park (now ive typed it ill need to do it lol) so untill nxt week keep up the good work guys by the sound of it we are motivated :)

Helen Rourke , Charlie and Ruby:

Well the Ginja Ninjas have survived week 2 - and it's been pretty busy so far: 3 canifit classes; A race; A go-faster haircut; A new PT;  And a distinct lack of cake. We had our first official success this week & successfully smashed our baseline for our short distance run - down 2 mins from last week thanks to Charlie's epic run at Foxlake(thanks for the new haircut auntie Kirsten). Ok we're still not back to our old form, but perhaps we're finally getting there! I was really impressed to have only 2 super speedy youngsters overtake us on race day - one of which made it round the course in 9 minutes being towed by a Pointer with longer legs than me! :) Seeing everyone do so well @ Foxlake has really spurred me on. The Ginners MUST get themselves sorted (well perhaps 2 of us anyway. Little princess Ruby is still not particularly impressed by this running attached to your human nonsense). I had to go to London with work this week which has totally knackered me out. 2 days, red eye flights, and lots of work nonsense. I find exercising during the week so difficult and squeezing everything in thurs-mon is putting strain on my Achilles, calves & ankles. Here's hoping the physio can work some miracles next week as the plan is: Eggie Park, early doors Robinson run at Cathkin braes, strathy park circuits with Marley & Midas before they go on their holibags, a Sunday lenzie river run with lady spangles & the little princess, more strathy park with miss whiplash, our first PT session (the dreaded word measurements was mentioned - utter doom!) and then perhaps a rest.  Wish us luck! Oh and guess what - no cake thus far! (So I might've had a triple roll @ Foxlake but that was the hubby's fault he ordered it and it would've been rude not to eat it!) #longgame #wheresallthescones #gingersrule #blogontime #misspunctual

Letitia Aitken and Hamish:

Hi folks,

Well,  was worried that after the initial enthusiasm of the first week I would struggle to keep it up, especially with Niamh being away as I train when she is at triathalon so not triathalon= lazy arse no training for me,  however it didn't happen,  in fact I was really determined not to let the effort of the first week be wasted.  

I'm really delighted that I managed 14.6 miles this week, over 5 sessions (measured with gps watch) 5 of those miles was scootering. 

Also managed to plank a few days although not every day as I would like so I need to work on that. 

For a wee change of scene we took part in a HTM  show and also did our agility. 

Hamish is loving it,  starting to pull more ( although I wish he would even more on the hills) and not stopping to pee as much although I can't talk as I had to have a pee stop while out on one of our runs.  Thank goodness a friends house was on the route :-D

GPS watch has helped loads too as I can set my pace or distance depending what I want to work on and seeing every run get a wee bit longer is really encouraging. 

Anyway;  that's it for this week, have registered for the 6k Santa dash on Sunday which should be fun,  need to get some jingle bells for Hamish.

Letitia and Hamish ( team aitken) 

Ps. Struggling to get a picture of us both in action

Kirsten Cowling, Splash and Leo:

Bouncing along through the second week of the Canfit Winter Motivator challenge and all is going well. My first major hurdle this week was class on thursday night.  Jeez, that was a tricky one.  It was absolutely pouring down and I was driving to Kilmarnock peering through the windscreen thinking "What the Bleep".  I got there to discover that, although it had made an amazing job of helping me to clip 2 horses, I should possibly have then recharged my headtorch before I tried running with it - doh!!  Off I set, very carefully.  Finally I had to run in other folks lights (yeah, go on, move your head and plunge me into darkness why don't you ;) ).  Luckily the rain had eased so it ended up a really good run with a few wee hill reps just to keep us from getting too cocky.  As always, the boys loved it.  The only thing better than a jolly collie is a pair of jolly collies :D. Then it was boot camp time.  Lindsay, as always, rose to her Mrs Whiplash title admirably!  Time for my nemesis - the dreaded Planking!  We were all lying in a soaking car park while the spotlight was randomly shone on us to check and see who was trying to cheat (that'll be all of us then ;) ).  At this point, Mr Whiplash took control of the spotlight.  It was like a scene from "The Great Escape".  "Ve have vays of making you plank!!".  "Ja wohl Herr Keith". Folks were trying to scuttle off under cover of darkness but there was no escaping Commandant Keith!  Mind you, I have to say, this core stuff is awful and I dread it but.... I think its starting to make a difference :D. I've actually managed 4 runs this week and the last one was the killer.  Hills and Sprints with Lindsay and Sandra in Kilmaurs park.  Yet again I had a headtorch failure (this time I had remembered to charge it and then forgot to take the fekkin thing with me!!) so I was struggling seeing where I was going - which was probably just as well!  The Hill in question was horrendous.  If I had been able to see it I would probably have run away crying.  6 times I hauled my fat arse up that hill.  After the 3rd lap I was seriously overheating and had to start stripping off.  My hubby is getting really concerned - coming home wearing less clothing than I went out in was something I gave up in my late teens :D.  The sheer relief when I had finished was amazing.  And then I discovered that the Sprints bit was completely seperate!  What??  I thought I had been sprinting up the hill!!  It rapidly (or not so rapidly in my case) became apparent that I am not a natural sprinter.  I am clearly built for comfort rather than speed.  Plus, I have nearly 20 years on these young whippersnappers!!  Mo Farrah has nothing to worry about just yet!  Still, it added to the overall mileage.  I think I have managed about 10 miles this week which is a definite result!  Canifit Winter motivator is helping me get off my butt and Just Dae It! My other big excitement this week was getting taped up!  I know many of you (my husband included) think I should be permanently taped up - right across my face - but this was the dreaded ankles!  They have been needing some support so it was suggested that I tape them.  Keith very kindly said that he could show me how to do this but that his methods were for Elite Athletes.  Excuse me??  Just look at me.  Clearly I am Elite.  I wear a fat suit so that the rest of you dont feel too downhearted :D.  So, Hilary came to my rescue.  Once again strange things were happening in my dog grooming parlour - this time I was sitting with my legs on Hilarys lap getting my ankles taped.  Boy, were my clients looking puzzled!   Hilary told me to make sure I didnt use moisturiser on my legs or feet.  Ha, she was clearly having a laugh.  Last time I used moisturiser was when I went on holiday with my pals in september (that was also the last time I shaved my legs - its winter, I need the fuzz for warmth).  My ankles are now beautifully taped up.  One is done with pretty pink Rock Tape.  Looks the part, can be got in colours to match my outfits (that'll be Mud Coloured just now then!) and is easily removed.  One is done with Tensoplast tape.  Not nearly so pretty but much much more supportive.  My next worry is that I suspect that half my leg hair will be getting removed along with the tape.  Oh, god, its bad enough being hairy let alone having hairy stripes!!  No one ever mentioned that personal grooming was going to be an issue with Canifit.  D'ya think I'll get away with just running the dog clippers over my legs?? Right, I'll see all the thursday gang tomorrow at Eglinton.  Happy running! Kirsten, Splash and Leo xxx

Tahra Duncan Clark and Mina:

Bah humbug.... the leg I pulled at the beginning of last week seemed to be doing fine, didn't overdo it at TKD on Wed night and didn't embarass myself with my patterns, had a couple of days at work as my days off. Obviously using the stairs whenever possible.... then came Saturday. My cross-training was cardio tennis again. Its great, really good fun and our teacher likes good music, the Foos, Killers etc and the sun was shining. It doesn't matter that you're really not good at tennis, little warm up and pop went the muscle again. Staggered on, as Im nothing if not a glutton for punishment and couldn't really walk by the end of it.

The next day was the CSE race at Foxlake :( My husband gamely took my place whilst trying hard not to lecture me too much about giving a recurring injury a proper rest ( it didn't work the last time ???)

I was entered into the 2.5k with my eldest son Con, to give him a homework challenge to complete - and I thought he would really like it. The were last to go probably as it was Con's first race and I think he might have been the youngest.... they were last to finish because John had to coax and cajole him all the way around, the dreaded stitch had struck big time. Hard to tell an 8 year old just to run through it. Still they were under 23 mins and we had a great time, admiring the excited and gorgeous dogs, trying to take photographs and (me) enjoying the cake. My exercise was the walk back and forward to the carpark.....

Since then Mina and me have had a few hobbling walks, mainly in the rain and sometimes in the dark... managed about 2 1/2 hours in total and about 8 km. Was so desperate to do something that while I was washing the car yesterday I was channeling Mr Myaki - "wax on, wax off ".

Still its been enjoyable if frustrating. Ive been staying out longer and doing longer loops to make sure Ive kept the time up. Wore heels today and my leg feels almost back to normal, I will be embarrassed at TKD next week as my memory will let me down no doubt after losing two sessions but hey, onward and upward. Now where's that medicinal gin ???!

Tahra & Mina

PS John would like me to point out he's taking part in Movember in case you notice strange face fuzz in the photo !

Gillian Donohoe and Sadie:

As with all things in life, we get off to a great start, all guns blazing and raring to go and then 9 times out of 10, things take a slower pace, then fade into the back ground BUT NOT THIS TIME!!

Week 2 for me was all in the preparation. what's that old saying ( or is it corporate clap trap??) " Fail to prepare, prepare to fail" so prepare I did.

So first step was to put all my planned activity into my diary so I would stick to it ( and feel bad if I didn't, like cancelling on a friend) It's amazing how such a simple thing plays with your conscious and works.

Second step was to knock my festive flavoured latte habit on the head, as what's the point of going out running and training, getting all sweaty only to undo all the hard work with a few gulps of coffee ( all be it a few very tasty gulps of coffee) After doing the maths both on the cash and calorie front, it didn't take me long to decide it was time to quit.  I now have my empty coffee jar at the side of my bed and already have over £18 in it, in 3 days!! I know, how bad ( but good!) is that?? I can easily sink two of those drinks a day. So now the money I would usually give to Megabucks or Costly Coffee is going towards my Cani-Fit t-shirt, although at this rate I think I could have myself the full range in a couple of weeks!

I have actually surprised myself at how motivated I have been to get out in the fresh air and do stuff this week and not keep going to the gym. A Friday night run in the rain was surprisingly refreshing, followed by cani-fit class at Strathclyde Park on Saturday morning, although I must admit, I found running in the morning a lot tougher than the Monday night session and we covered a longer distance, so note to self: get out more in the mornings next week and see if it gets any easier!!

Also thought week 2 would be a good time to mix it up a bit and add in some weight training, so to ensure I don't end up looking like Popeye, booked myself a free intro to free weights at the gym. Now it mist be said, this is something I have avoided like the plague in the past, but if you just stick to what you know, you'll never know what you don't know, if you know what I mean!! As a result, I have now added in a few arm weights into my nightly planks and sit ups ( this week blog pic is Sadie trying her best to keep me going during my sit ups by licking my face, nice!!)

Tonight is agility, so more of a workout for Sadie than me, as we are just beginning so I'm not quite at the point of working up a sweat running round the course with her, although have to say I am sometimes tempted to jump over those wee jumps myself sometimes.

So lessons, learned this week? Vary the times of day and night I run, don't be afraid of weights ( unless you acidentaly drop one on your head) and if you want to make serious money, get into the coffee making business.

Week 3? Its all going to be about upping the distance on each run and maybe a wee bit of juicing. Watch this space.

Margaret Gray, Dillon and Harvey:

Well, every little helps it would seem.

This last week I have been running Polkemmet day and night (generally the mile loop) and also part of the Cycle Route 75, though this is tarmac and I don't enjoy as much.

Last week was the first time I had a run with both Dillon and Harvey and I chose a dark wet night to do it so it was pretty interesting and I was a bit nervous of losing my footing or being dragged into a river.....thankfully neither happened.

The CR75 I have been doing mainly on my own, though once with Dillon. He charges off like a bat out of hell so I really have to do some work controlling the speed. Shin splints been more of an issue on the tarmac, and it feels as if I am tying my laces too tight. Lindsay has kindly pointed out that setting out without warm up aint good mind.

The dogs are certainly enjoying themselves and I have got Tentoes involved too with running the half mile to school in the morning (she generally needs two stops) and is getting faster.

In the week I covered 38.3 miles (not all running I hasten to add!!) which was a significant increase from the 21.1 miles the previous week (granted I was on a low ebb).  I have eaten less nonsense and my BMI has dropped by 0.5%.

I have enjoyed myself, though taken it out of me too! I have been extremely tired and my arms are achy. I know I have not covered as much mileage this week, though I am hoping to get a 5k or 6k run in over the weekend.

One thing I have come to realise that I need to push myself. I have the motivation, but I also have fear, an inner critic and a lack of confidence.  This mornings 1.5 mile run got done in jeans, a fleece, a windproof jacket and an old pair of trainers because I new I was on the cycle route and would then have to "go onto the streets". I couldn't go in my running kit. Lol Running along lamp post to lamp post hoping no one would recognise me....it might have got my speed up.

Next week I want to focus more on the two dogs running, get some hill reps in and work on continual movement, even if at snailpace. Also, I will not compare my achievements to everyone else's great efforts.........but Dog I do admire everyone out there just daeing it. Here's to another great week. 

Marion Smith and Skye:

Enjoying getting out with Skye this week, ran on my own last week but not as enjoyable. Anyhow, noticed a marked improvement with my time when I have dog attached so that was encouragement in itself.

Will be looking for company on runs as I def give up easily when just running on my own, but have had quite a busy time recently but hopefully after this weekend my weekdays will be more organised again-maybe! Still doing short runs at moment but hope to gradually build up distance but will be a slow progress I think. 

I'm enjoying reading everyone else's blog as they are so much more interesting than mine!

Will continue and let you know how next week is going. Picture is from the very first Cani-Fit Experience and hopefully not the last that I do.

Mx

Shona and Isla:

This week has not been my best for running. I started off with good intentions but after not working I was only down on Saturday so Isla got a nice walk. On Sunday we were up early and away a long walk where Isla decided to walk herself and then had a lovely cross training session in the river as two lovely joggers watched on as she failed to retrieve any sticks. I then raced to Glasgow for go to the great run local but every light was against me  but that didn't stop me instead shoes were put on and I headed off to kelvin grove park for a run and some hill sprints. Found lovely highly stairs near my flat as well so they will be added into Glasgow runs now. The rest of the week has been mainly swimming which I'm so glad I started again. Eating wises this has been my best week cutting out a lot of the white carbs and bulking up on meat and fruit and veg. I'm enjoying the smoothies so much a smoothie maker is now on the Christmas list (thanks mum and dad!) To end the week though I pushed myself with a 0.6mile swim and then home and out with Isla we managed further than last time and my confidence running has went up again as it had taken a hot and I felt I wasn't good enough but slowly but surely I'm getting there and Isla is encouraging  me the whole way making me super motivated Shona & Isla

Victoria, Buddy and Toby:

It's been a week of two half's. I've had a miserable cold and it stopped me from getting out running but I made a promise to eat better and at least I stuck to that goal.

Not being well I've spent a bit of time feeling sorry for myself but it also gave me time to ponder.

After a fantastic day at Foxlake seeing my Canifit buddies taking home medals and smashing out some spectacular times I decided that I don't want to be standing on the sidelines.

So when I was feeling a bit better I managed circuits, fat burn, fast abs and yoga this week,with a weekend of running to look forward to.

I've attached a photo of me and Buddy as a reminder to myself that I can do it.

I can be fit, I can be strong and I can run.

Brian Stirling and Ella: 

So, busy and rather varied week for me, had a full day of rest on Saturday to start off. Sunday was an adventure day out in Aberfoyle at the Go ape assault course, that counted as Uber cross-training

  Monday was straight back into full pelt early rise to get a morning run in with Ella around the Dean park trails. Tuesday  was Ella's day off so her stand in Shepherd came for a few laps around the rugby fields.

Stepping up with my core exercise as well and planking most mornings, maybe will even add some push ups. 

  Still going fairly strong with my motivation the now mainly since I am already out and about but just need to start building up my distance I'm running now, so setting my aim for 3 miles now

Jody Kyle, Kaiya and Oban: 

Well week 2. Not much to say really except alot more time was spent on 2 wheels instead of 2 legs 🚵💕🐕 Thursdays run was the start of week 2, after obans "obedience" class we had a late run @ eglinton park 2.44miles in 23.30 fastest mile was 8.26mph. Would still love to get below this, especially if I want to improve my parkrun time. But im not going to do that on 2 wheels. Actually has anyone asked the organisers if bikejor is allowed 😊, now that would increase my chances of a 25min time. Okay let's get real😩. Fri was spent at the hydro with bryan adams, some of you will be too young to even know who that is. Saturdays adventures at ae forest, 5.25km bikejor with both doggies, did i mention it was a vertical run lol 10.45mph was our fastest pace. Im sure what came next was some kind of cruelty to a girlfriend lol. Never trust a mans directions!! 5.69 miles in 1 hr 24 mins.. again a vertical run due to navigational error. What was meant to be a fun red mtb route turned into a 55min hill climb, I still think my strop in the middle of the hill was justified lol, then joining a downhill section called "the shredder" oh lordy.. full body protection was recommended, well lets just say i wasn't the one who fell off lol. But the dogs love bikejor. I found this much easier than running so maybe i am subconsciously trying to avoid it. Monday night another bikejor trip to eglinton 3.32 miles in 28.14mins, 9.26mph our fastest mile this time. 

No excuses for not running this week but i have substituted running for bike time with the dogs, well it was a good idea at the time. I've had full support from the other half who doesn't run so this was a compromise. Who would want to run alone in the dark in winter if they can have company biking instead, let's be honest... note to self, must run more next week and bike less or bike the same amount at different times, despite the fact that i have less need for an oxygen tank on a bike.  Needing to work on the breathing technique too instead of breathing ineffectively through my mouth and not attractively gasping for breath whilst running.. watch this space ☺

Kirsten Cowling, Splash and Leo :

Well folks, thats us into the second week of the Canifit Winter Motivator - and I'm still motivated :D. In keeping with this weeks weather, my theme for todays blog is "Wet and Windy" (I know, there is a joke in there but I have to know my audience before I tell it - it involves the house and tornados ;) ) I have had a friends wee collie staying for his holidays so I have been free running the dogs most of the time.  I have managed to clock up about 7 miles over the course of the week but Lindsay had mentioned Cross Training so Splash and I thought we'd give it a go.  One of the activities she suggested was swimming.  Now, Splash lives up to his name.  Swimming is one of his very favourite things to do (unlike Leo who swims like a brick - he had to be rescued from his one and only attempt in the dog pool!).  Clearly Splash and I cant rock up the Galleon sports centre and expect to get a family swim ticket so only one of us was going to be getting wet this week.  And it wasnt me!  I have major issues with swimming and I blame my parents for this.  From a very early age I was taken to Renfrew Baths once a week (and Troon open air pool - I was a hardy wee soul!) to be taught how to swim.  I love swimming and I am a good swimmer but, and its a big BUT, after swimming, we always went to the chip shop for a bag of chips and a strawberry milkshake.  Even now, 45 years later, I cant go swimming without having a "chittery bite" afterwards.  This would be fine if it was say, a teabiscuit but no, I have to have a fish supper - which ever so slightly defeats the purpose of the exercise :(. Anyway, that left Splash to keep up the Cross Training campaign.  So off we went for his regular tuesday swimming lesson.  As always, he had a whale of a time (gettit ;) ) and its really good for his muscles and stamina.  He goes to a hydrotherapy pool in Dunlop (heated to 21degrees and 5' deep - I could just about swim in it myself!).  A good swim, a quick blow dry then wrapped in his towel and fleecy jammies for the journey to Kilmarnock for his training class (I am an overachieving dogmother - thank heavens I dont have children!!!).  Splash competes in Obedience and since starting Canifit he has built up his stamina and enthusiasm and won out of his class and is doing very well in his higher class.  This was a side effect I hadnt expected but that I am delighted with. Thats the "Wet" part of this weeks offering.  Now we get to "Windy".  The weather has been shocking all week.... ;) When I finally decided it was time to get myself fit I had a few issues to resolve.  I am a dog groomer and I occasionally get peed on at work.  By the time I get home, I am usually pretty pongy.  Add to this, I have horses so spend a lot of my time shovelling shit.  None of this is going to endear me to the gym bunny that ends up on the treadmill next to me so I had to have a bit of a rethink.  I had seen the posters for Canifit so finally decided to take the plunge on the basis that both myself and the boys could get fit together - and most importantly, it was outside and the likelihood was that no one was going to care if I smelled of dogs!   It worked (either that or everyone is just being very polite :/ )!  I started running without a care in the world - till I got a wee extra jet boost that I didnt expect.  And another.  And another.   Turns out running makes me fart.  Constantly.  Which is when I discovered another major reason why canifit beats a gym hands down - YOU CAN BLAME THE DOG AND THEY ALL FALL FOR IT :D (please please please dont let me be the only one who admits to this!!) I cant believe I am saying this but roll on tomorrows class at the Dean.  I can DAE hills :D

Kirsten and the boys xxx

Gillian Donohoe and Sadie :

Thought I would try channeling my inner Pam Ayres and up date you on week one of my winter motivator in the form of a poem, so here goes!

One night I went to Cani-fit in search of something new

With running shoes and dog in hand, not knowing what to do

But 8 weeks later, here we are, enjoying every step

Who ever thought you'd hear me cry

"i love a hill sprint rep"

This Winter Motivator plan is just the thing I need

To make me hit my fitness goal, a 5k run at speed

To help me on my merry way, with Sadie by my side

Here is a list of all we've done and all without a sigh

A solo run with Sadie bear, right round Strathclyde park

Then back again on Monday night for 3 miles in the dark

A visit to the local gym running static for 10k

I even managed 6 hill sprints, which really made my day

A lesson soon on lifting weights and what you should not do

If only it was dog friendly, then Sadie could come too

So all in all, its gone quite well and everything in tact

And now the challenge is under way, there is no looking back.

So there you go, my week in the style of Pam Ayres and I have to say, i am so looking forward to carrying on and setting myself new goals for next week. Its amazing how knowing other people are out there giving it a go spurs you on to just get out there and get on with it and the fact that Sadie is having a ball too just adds to the urge to keep going. The one lesson I did learn this week though, Runkeeper doesn't work on the treadmill!!! 

Cheers for now

Gillian

Sandra Taylor and Derri :

Week 1 of The Cani-fit motivator started off fab with Thursday class derri and I had a great run, really enjoyed the trail what a wet muddy and puddly route. Not so much the bleep test at the end lol ! More importantly for me I love class for the social side meeting with friends both two legged and four. We also had 2 lovely runs at the weekend, Sat was a family trip to the Dean Park every thing was wet and muddy espically the kids at the end :). Wee James was a walking mud man after a nose dive at the play park. Derri found this run very interesting from chasing a squirrel to having a nose to nose kiss with a horse and a meeting with a grunting pig post run. The pig being her fav as she bounced like a kangaroo trying to get in with it (daft dog). 

Sunday was a 2mile route near home nice hills and 2 small rivers to cross yes again another muddy wet run lol our jack Russell Millie joined us for this run as the chance of meeting others is very slim . She wasn't so impressed with the river crossing but my pro Derri smashed through them :D that's my girl !! Training from here has been nil :'( but not for lack of wanting to get out my daughters football and mans pigeon shows have taken over this week leaving me looking after the boys. Big aim next week isint the normal aims its to "justdaeit" manage my time better to ensure i get at least one more run :) 

Kirsty McEwan and Georgy :

Week 1 was jam packed with fun adventures, steps closer to overcoming fears and helping others meet their goals. Myself and Georgy squeezed all our activities into the 1st 5 days. We went walking with fellow Cani-fitters, the boys (Georgy & Nismo) played a bit of chase me and hide & seek along with some swimming. We visited new places and supported a fellow participant to meet her goal of running non-stop for a mile whoopee!!

  Georgy had ‘fat club’ on Monday and all day I was trying to find ways of getting out of class as it was going to be a rush and was trying to motivate myself when I spotted class had been cancelled and my 1st thought was RESULT I no longer need to think of excuses the decision has been made for me! Then all of a sudden I had ‘the fear’ of the backlash from Mrs Whiplash for not going out on my own. I managed to rope Kirsty into joining me for a run (poor girl, I always talk her into something) so off we set for Lanark Loch which is about 0.96 miles to go round it. Head torch in hand in case it got dark. I had Georgy in harness to try and stop him from going to another swim lol to our surprise we got round in jig time and decided to give ourselves a challenge to make it round again before it got dark, which we had no doubt we would do J

  Tuesday saw me taking 1 step closer to overcoming my fear of the dark. With no other option I pulled on the winter jacket with my hood up (so chuffed with myself) and off Georgy and I went for his night time walk and guess what……I survived!! This gave me the motivation to try it again soon, although I do wish the rain would just ‘dae wan’!!

  Roll on this week's adventures!

  This week’s main achievement – Georgy starting to become a skinny Minnie (sorry Mickey) although according to Pauline he has some wiggle lol

Sam McKay and Angus :

So here is my blog submission for #canifitwintermotivator for week 1. 

The week in the run up to the start of the #canifitwintermotivator was actually really good – I’d completed all my planned runs for the week, been out with Angus twice played 2 games of squash and had a squash coaching session – so was feeling fairly positive.  And then I did Falkirk Parkrun on Saturday :(

  Since I’ve entered the Canisport Edinburgh race at Foxlake on the 16th and because most of my runs have been around the 2.5mile mark due to Achilles problems, I had thought it would be a good idea to do a full 5k under similar-ish conditions– didn’t turn out to be such a great idea though.  For those who know Falkirk Parkrun, you will be familiar with Heartbreak Hill which normally causes lots of people problems – though this time for me the problem wasnt the run up the hill but the run back down the hill to Callendar House.  By the time I crossed the finish line my Achilles was causing me a lot of pain and I was starting to think I’d really caused some damage.   To add insult to injury, although I was expecting to be a good bit slower than when I last ran Parkrun (in 34 mins last year), I didn’t expect to be over the 40min mark - 41min 49sec to be precise. 

The pain from my Achilles plus the realisation of just how slow I was hit me, and as I hobbled along in a sea of tears to pick the boys up from the playpark, I vowed – rather dramatically - never to run again and Foxlake could ‘fox’ off.  Demotivated was not the word for how I felt, but after a stern talking to from the hubby, some stretching and ibruprofen, I started regained my perspective on things.  The plan would be to rest up completely this week in terms of squash/running, but keep mobile as much as possible with short/slow walks with Angus and lots of stretching/massage.

  Hopefully having rested this week, my Achilles will be in a good enough state for me to get round the course at Foxlake on Sunday.  Based on my disaster at Parkrun, I’ll be really happy if I can run non-stop and get round in under 40 mins, but if I don’t then I’m not going to let it get to me – at least I’m out there with Angus and hopefully enjoying it!

  So setting my intentions for the week ahead – I intend to:

-Run 3 times – two runs with Angus and once during work lunchhour

     -  Walk Angus every day for >40mins, except the days that he is being run.

      - Play squash twice

      - Go to the gym twice.

Fingers crossed!

Amy McLaughlan and Mighty Maisie:

My targets: 27 min parkrun time, able to run a continuous 10k, don't make shins any worse, adventures & new places with Mighty Maisie the Motivator.

So week 1 kicked off for Team Small but Mighty with Cani-Fit class at Eglinton Park. This week we were tail running which is getting tougher as all the others in the class get faster every week!! Good stuff :-) The park was really muddy and flooded which made it extra fun, well and truly christened my new trail shoes. Maisie loves when there are tons of puddles to run through en route, she is a spaniel after all.  I then had two rest days Friday and Saturday,  as we had a race on Sunday. Travelled all the way to Anglesey with Team Cani-Fit for Canicross Anglesey's 5k race at Newborough Forest. All the others were also doing a 10k trail race on theSaturday but in the interest of shin protection I sat that one out. Race day was fab - Maisie knew exactly what was going on as soon as we were on site. She likes to make crazy devil dog noises at the start line and she didn't disappoint. The trail was great, fast forgiving ground, well marked by plenty of marshals with water along the route and enough puddles to keep the Mighty One happy. She ran like a wee trooper,  to be fair she always does, especially at a race but this time she was extra mighty and just ran flat out the whole way. I had soaked her before take off this time which I think helped. Anyway, race done, we got a new PB so I was totally delighted. Especially since over the course of the weekend several folk said 'oh she won't run will she' about Maisie. We enjoyed overtaking them.  Back up the road and Monday meant recovery run day for me - Maisie had a very well earned day off. I ran my favourite route in Troon, is 4.8 miles of mixed terrain, muddy woodland, grass, stoney trail, beach and a small tarmac section. Felt good, went really slow so that wasn't taxing my legs too much. Feel free to join me on this route anytime!  Tuesday is swimming day - gives my shins a rest and always feel great after I've been for a swim, I think the water soothes your muscles at the same time as working them. Best cross training in my opinion, especially if you're injury prone. Did 33 lengths which is half a mile, takes just under half an hour. Sometimes I do 50 but the Tuesday session starts late and I like to get home to my bed lol! (Am actually an old lady).  Wednesday,  final day and 3rd session with Mighty. Went to do some hills in Troon. Dragged Thomas, my other half, with us. He's jst started training for a hill run he has entered and is definitely the one in need of the motivation in our house I tell you!! Unfortunately the hills we chose were tarmac and I was so worried about my shins that I don't feel that I put my all into it. We did 8 reps then 6 sprints on the flat. Maisie absolutely loved it - I try really hard to mix up her training too as I can't help but think just battering out a 5k constantly must bore her as much as it bores me so where I can I take her for hills/sprints/track work/cross training too. Maisie is always enthusiastic about her running and I think the key to that, for us (everyone's different) is that mix of work type and the fact that I only take her running max three times a week. Anyway, the search is on for some grassy hills in Troon to train on so that I can put my back into it without having to worry about my shins. Thomas nearly hacked his lungs up - he's got a bit of fitness building to do lol!  Lessons learned, PBs smashed, dragons conquered, hills beaten, beetroot juice devoured  - roll on next week! 

Pauline Lindsay and Nismo:

Well this little Cani-Fit Winter Motivator has been well motivated this 1st week though I'm not so sure about the Nismo (ain't that a surprise eh!). I upped my running - take that very loosely cos sometimes that fitness bitch app tells me I'm "walking very very briskly" grrrr - to 4 times this week and there is progress.. Hallelujah.  We both managed our 1st mile with no stops in a long long time.  This was thanks to the help of Kirsty and Georgy who kept us going and a double bonus was that we managed it in under 12 mins. Our next run wasn't so pleasurable as I ended up dragging Nismo and had to give up - I'm not yet strong enough to drag an extra 8 stone mal.  Needless to say, tonight's run was minus the Nismo sigh. Our next goal is Sundays comp at Fox Lake, the 2.5k, so let's hope the Nismo shares this goal also.... #canifitwintermotivator

Claire Brown and Maddy :

Ok here goes my attempt at my very first blog for the Cani-fit Winter Motivator!

Well my life is seriously busy (or maybe it just feels that way) looking after my 3 girls (1 hairy with 4 legs)and working.  I have found trying to fit in training a challenge to say the least but the cani-fit winter motivator has been perfect for me to stop making excuses – there are usually a lot !!

So my goals are to run at least 3 times a week with Maddy and get out to exercise with my girls. I want to improve my running technique as I seem to run very flatfooted behind Maddy and get better at free running.

This week, activity 1 was attempting to Rollerblade with my daughter –no Maddy as yet as I think she would kill me !!  It was great fun but it’s been at least 12 yrs since I last attempted it and gave anyone watching a laugh!! No pictures of this though, maybe once I’m better at it ;-)

We went running with other cani-fitters on Monday night which was great,  Maddy loved it as usual.  Wednesday I had a fab run planned.  Maddy could run and chase and I would run at my own pace all by myself !! after a sleepless night and a horrible cold I would usually have cancelled and went for our hour walk before work but not this time!  The challenge is on… kids to nursery and out we went!  I was a disaster to say the least but hey I still went out and gave it my all and felt better after it, although I’m sure the crazy pup was laughing at me puffing my way round!

Picture is off Maddy chilling after a run 

Week 2 beware, I’m coming for you

  Claire and Maddy X

Carol Bamber , Keely and Sanna:

Week 1 Cani-Fit Winter Motivator   This week's blog is going to be shorter than I originally intended having signed up after running 2 consecutive days (a first for me) at the River Ayr and Auchincruive with both Keely and Sanna and not foreseeing that I would be struggling to stand-up/sit-down/generally-move-about  for 2 consecutive days afterwards (guess who didn't do a proper warm-up or cool-down).     After 3 days of procrastinating about running the Rozelle park run route with both dogs, then thinking of doing it with one dog, then thinking of walking it to familiarise myself with the route, then lounging on the sofa with the map spread out (again familiarising myself with the route) with a large tube of pringles for company, I finally decided this morning to................go for a run along Greenan shore.  

             We had a blast, and despite the fact that we only ran for a mile it's probably the first time I've ran with both dogs and felt like we've really been able to go at full pelt at times (I usually struggle leaning into running with both of them on more technical trails - need to work on ditching the fear of a face-plant)!  They were both brilliant but completely different runners, Keely stopping to sniff everything (adds a fun hurdling element to the run), and Sanna is a full-on puller who follows her nose, all 3 of us have different ideas of which direction to go.   Feeling great and (as usual) wish I'd done it earlier in week instead of thinking about it.  So this coming week my plans are: 1) walk/run the Rozelle route during the week with Keely and try to keep her going past all of the interesting smells 2) explore Dumfries house estate running with Sanna 3) dig out my mountain bike (hasn't turned a wheel for 2 years) for a visit to 7 stanes this weekend 4) another beach run with both but aiming for 1.5-2 miles depending on how they're doing (ok, depending on how I'M doing) 5) 4 sets of planking and will also find and include ankle strengthening exercises (for running on ripply sand - was staggering all     over the place this morning)   Ok not such a short blog after all!

  Until next week

  Freya Kennedy and her Spaniels:

Well thats week1 of my canifit winter motivator achieved already, and so far I have managed to last a whole week of being organised enough to remember to take a photo and send an email on time...this is harder for me than the running bit! My aim was to run more often by myself but I've already realised this isnt a good motivation as actually I enjoy running with people and encouraging others to get out so im going to continue to make sure that I run 3 times a week at least, but that if I can encourage someone else to come with me that would maybe have not run themselves then thats all part of the canifit motivation. 

My week started with a lovely run on sunday with a group of friends in Aberfoyle which didnt take much motivation as it was beautiful but as Matt was working Monday night, I would miss the regular group run. Instead I squeezed in a run before Matt went to work so he could look after Aaron...and evil run heading mostly up hill from my house! Certainly felt great sense of achievement getting to the top as I used to puff and pant just walking to the half way point.

Im also missing my thursday night run due to a parents meeting at nursery so instead met up with a fellow canifitter at 10am and did an out and back 5k at Chatelherault,  it was a steady pace as Julie not sure she could manage 5k but entered the race on Sunday, she was delighted with 34mins which she hadnt done before, and I enjoyed getting the spaniels out and preparing for the race on sunday.

Im chuffed I made the effort to run twice outwith my comfort zone of a routine which I wouldn't normally do, and im looking forward to next week.

Pic is the before pic from my sunday run...Im the one with 3 spaniels!

Freya

Tahra Duncan Clark and Mina:

Well thats the end of my first week of Lindsay's Evil plan, sorry the Canifit Winter Motivator :) Though I only really started on Sunday being a bit slow to get going - in more ways than one !

Im in Fife so nowhere near the active cani groups and although I work in Edinburgh the CSE runs are just not at times I can manage. So Mina and I are really fumbling about with this running lark !!

However with the added spur of Lindsay's challenge the week got off to a pretty good start. Most of my exercise has to be at the beginning of the week to fit in with not working and the boys being at school but whereas Id normally aim for one run and a couple of walks, we did two "runs" and a long walk - should have been three but pulled my leg ( again) at tae kwon do training on Tuesday night - and a couple of average walks so covered 22km since Sunday.

My cross training has been two tkd sessions and beginner's tennis - who knew that chopper grip was a technical term ??!

Mina's cross training so far is a gentle stroll with our neighbour and big play session with her best pal Sam and a pack walk tomorrow. The rest of her time has been spent chasing her sisters ( the cats) or wrestling with her brothers ( the boys).

Things Ive learnt already on week one:

I am starting to "enjoy" this running thing.

I do run further and faster when its raining.

I can get rid of snot whilst on the move !!

I definitely run better when Ive got something to listen to - Music of choice so far Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack; despite still hating the Pina Colada song.

I really try and need to write this on the Wednesday night instead of watching more Parks and Recreation.

And the best bit, Mina seems to be starting to really enjoy it. She still hates the harness when it first goes on, but she's more and more actively pulling and actually starting me off when Ive decided that walking is the nicer option. The downside, Im going to have to look at shopping for a proper harness - for me ! Being pulled around the waist by an eager Mina especially when she's spotted a squirrel is a tad uncomfortable !

Tahra & Mina x

Victoria Devoy, Buddy and Toby:

> I started the Cani-Fit winter motivator on top form last week managing a circuits class, a yoga class , and road run and then a canicross run.

> > After giving myself a rest day on Monday it's all been downhill since then. I've let work get to me and instead of using exercise as a way to blow away the negative feelings, I cancelled my classes, haven't been a run and stayed home feeling down. > > I've now caught the cold so I don't think I'll manage any running or classes but instead I can concentrate on clean eating and nourishing my body.

Focus on what you can do , not what you can't. 

Vx

Helen Rourke, Charlie and Ruby:

So it's week 1 of this winter motivator malarkey and I'm still riding high on the promise of a pair of snazzy free trainers (the fact that these will be absolutely useless to me and my chocolate ankles is by-the-by).

My aim was to get our running mojo back, getting the Ginga Ninjas back on fighting form. A secondary objective: to run without following it promptly with cake! (Altho I'm sure a veg-based baked good doesn't count right?!?!) Week 1 Target: Get out for a run x 4 Step 1: Establish the Baseline - Cue a time check 3k run round chatelherault & bitter disappointment when we realised our time was a disgraceful 17mins. (We used to do it in 15! This isn't boding well for Foxlake on Sunday). Cake was required to drown my sorrows. #epicfail Step 2: Build our Endurance -Sunday run at Loch Ard. A change of scenery, a promise of a slow steady run & a pub lunch at the end (note: no cake). The terrain was tricky and the route a bit hilly - hardly ideal for my dodgy Achilles...but it was great! The team were out for an hour with some dug swimming stops. I didn't feel like death at the end. We managed to stay upright (result). Charlie pulled the whole way (ok well almost). And perhaps my greatest achievement (of the week) soup for lunch - no cake (usually the only reason one orders soup is so that one can eat cake?!) #smallsuccesses #turnedacorner Step 3: Keep Motivated (even when your great leader is taking a duvet day) - Mondays class was cancelled, the temptation to stay indoors on the sofa with my spaniel teddybear was HUGE! An elite group of diehards braved the cold and stormed the golf course/river route. We even rounded it off with a sprint finish. Salmon & Scrambled eggs when I got home (no cake in the house booo) #teddybearluvsachillynite Step 4: Conquer the Hills -the Ayrshire group is @ Dean Park tonight - that's a whole 15 mins closer to home & plays host to some nasty hills. No excuses off we trot. Step 5: Keep up the Good Work - Fri @ Cathkin, Sat @ Strathy, Foxlake race on Sun, appointment with a PT on Mon and (hopefully) 2 more canifit group runs (work permitting). It's gonna be a busy week. Just thinking about it I think I need a sneaky fruit scone - 1 of my 5 a day surely? ;) #ginjaninjas #solidstart #inov8srmine

Kirsty Groom and her Huskies  :

After a poor start to the winter motivator, I finally managed to kick my ass out the door tonight. A lot of people will be doing this motivator to increase fitness and times, I have to say the main goal for me is to get a healthy mind as well as body. So tonight I wrapped up and took my boy out for a wee jog/power walk and yes I was knackered!!! But I felt really good after it and my boy loved it. Have a couple foggy blurry pics of his bottom out in front of me that I am currently trying to get from phone to iPad. Will send through once they download. Here's to more pics and hopefully some daylight pics but as work stands it may just be dark ones for now lol. Kirsty Groom x

Sam Mckay and Angus:

So here is my blog submission for #canifitwintermotivator for week 1. 

The week in the run up to the start of the #canifitwintermotivator was actually really good – I’d completed all my planned runs for the week, been out with Angus twice played 2 games of squash and had a squash coaching session – so was feeling fairly positive.  And then I did Falkirk Parkrun on Saturday :(

  Since I’ve entered the Canisport Edinburgh race at Foxlake on the 16th and because most of my runs have been around the 2.5mile mark due to Achilles problems, I had thought it would be a good idea to do a full 5k under similar-ish conditions– didn’t turn out to be such a great idea though.  For those who know Falkirk Parkrun, you will be familiar with Heartbreak Hill which normally causes lots of people problems – though this time for me the problem wasnt the run up the hill but the run back down the hill to Callendar House.  By the time I crossed the finish line my Achilles was causing me a lot of pain and I was starting to think I’d really caused some damage.   To add insult to injury, although I was expecting to be a good bit slower than when I last ran Parkrun (in 34 mins last year), I didn’t expect to be over the 40min mark - 41min 49sec to be precise. 

The pain from my Achilles plus the realisation of just how slow I was hit me, and as I hobbled along in a sea of tears to pick the boys up from the playpark, I vowed – rather dramatically - never to run again and Foxlake could ‘fox’ off.  Demotivated was not the word for how I felt, but after a stern talking to from the hubby, some stretching and ibruprofen, I started regained my perspective on things.  The plan would be to rest up completely this week in terms of squash/running, but keep mobile as much as possible with short/slow walks with Angus and lots of stretching/massage.

  Hopefully having rested this week, my Achilles will be in a good enough state for me to get round the course at Foxlake on Sunday.  Based on my disaster at Parkrun, I’ll be really happy if I can run non-stop and get round in under 40 mins, but if I don’t then I’m not going to let it get to me – at least I’m out there with Angus and hopefully enjoying it!

  So setting my intentions for the week ahead – I intend to:

-Run 3 times – two runs with Angus and once during work lunchhour

     -  Walk Angus every day for >40mins, except the days that he is being run.

      - Play squash twice

      - Go to the gym twice.

Fingers crossed

Claire Anderson and Floyd:

As I sit here writing this blog, I'm looking at the window at a not unfamiliar Scottish scene - rain!

The inevitable is coming and there’s nothing we can do about. Over the coming weeks, people will start to hunker down for the winter, the chocolate and wine intake will no doubt increase and a few extra pounds will start the creep on! Let's face it, in this part of the world, miserable weather is something we all enjoy moaning about and its often used as an excuse to avoid getting outdoors and taking valuable, health giving exercise.

Have you ever drowned in the rain? Did you ever hear about dog walker/jogger who died because they went outside in "rotten" weather ? The dog needs out, you need fresh air, some exercise and some motivation to get on with those big "lets get fit" plans , talking about why you are avoiding it will get you no where.

At Cani-Fit, we believe there's no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong attitude.

We want inspire you to get outside & keep your fitness up over the difficult winter months.

How are we going to do this? Let me introduce to you, our Winter Motivator Competition - Ta Da!!!!

The Winter Motivator is Open to all, not just regular Cani-Fitters.

We want to encourage , motivate and see as many people keeping their outdoor fitness activities up with their dogs over the toughest winter months, November and December.

The motivator is your end product, self satisfaction, high self esteem, higher energy levels, increased fitness or miles, calories burned , happy , content , well exercised and socialised dog , muddy trainers, used waterproof that sits in the back cupboard, Facebook posts of happy dogs and owners in Scotland's great outdoors, meeting new like minded friends, new support network, worn running socks , new blisters......the list is endless , but what I forgot to add is the prize for the most motivated a pair of .... Innov8 shoes from Run4it !!! How I wish I could enter now !! Not only that but a months free training with Cani-Fit, come to any class in Jan for FREE!! We haven't forgot about numero uno the furry one, a 12.5kg of premium dog food from Dr Clauder's at Pet Solutions . Top quality, kit, training and feed ! The prizes will be given to 3 separate people so a chance for everyone .

Ok what do we need from you ??? Blood, sweat and tears?? No !

All you need to do is email in a picture of you and the dog (s) , a brief description of you, why you normally lack motivation, and what your goal for the next two months are . Now be specific if you want to get faster tell us by how much, if you want to run further tell us your end goal, if your goal is to get out more, tell us how much more. Add in factors like remain injury free, feel better, all these matter. We would like to see you attend a Cani-Fit class over these months, if you prefer 1-1 training than a class thats no problem, as long as we can meet up and see how you and the dog are getting on.

You will be asked to keep a weekly log, not war and peace something to go in a blog , just an account of how your week went, what worked, what didn't work, what did you overcome, what did you struggle with , give us a track of your fitness activity and if any progress let us know. We want to know about the dog, feel free to give them days off , let us know how are they  are finding the activities ?

Talk about other factors, like clothing, feed, diet, equipment, trainers , locations you have been using/discovered. All this content will motivate a lot more people at home, without you knowing it you will be not only inspiring yourself but many others !

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain !! 

Submit by Friday 7th November [email protected] , Don't wait until Monday !!