#run4it

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 ☺