Day Number 8- German Short-Haired Pointer Gone Wild

Ran in the woods for my eighth day in a row this morning. As you can see, my dog Dosewallips approves of the new routine!

Pend Oreille Bay Trail - Day Number Five

I ran five miles today with my daughters in honor of day number 5 of my streak. I ran on the beautiful Pend Oreille Bay Trail. A beautiful evening for a run with my daughters. Parking at City Beach in Sandpoint is within a nice warm-up of the trail.

My daughters waiting to run. They usually get a bit annoyed with pictures. That is Lake Pend Oreille in the background.

A shot along the bay trail.

Heading back to the warmth of the car. It was about 28 degrees out with a snow storm on the way tomorrow. Should be fun getting my run in!

Day 4 - Running Streak?

Okay, the only reason I went running this evening was due to this notion of a running streak. I fully realize that 4 days isn't a big deal, but the point is "the streak" actually made me go out and move a bit! So, it was dark, snowy and a few days ago I spotted wolf tracks in the woods.  Needless to say, I stayed away from the woods. I ran the minimum required by the national running registry to keep a streak going (1 mile). LAME?! No, not really....it got me off of the couch with Dose into the brisk evening.

Just four days ago, I was unsure if I wanted to make any sort of commitment related to a running streak. It only took four days for me to think a streak may have some motivational merit.

Interesting Running Streak Links:

Huffington Post
New York Times Article - 30 Years!
33 Year Streak

The scene heading out the door this evening...snowy and dark.

Day 3 - Time for Traction

Day number three today. Again, I am not making any commitments other than seeing if I can establish a habit this winter when it comes to my running. Usually, when I begin something like this I have a concrete goal in mind. This is actually a best practice when setting a goal, but related to running it hasn't always worked for me! Anyhow, it was Day 3.

I only ran 2.5 miles. I used a variation of the Yak Trax today because there is still a ton of ice on the trail. As far as distance is concerned, it is all I could fit in today, but figured exercise is exercise! My goal is to establish a good base so I can train for a fast half-marathon. I hope to run the Couer d'Alene Half-Marathon in May. My goal to run under 1:30. I think I can make it happen, as long as I stick with this during the winter.

I am amazed at some of the running streaks I have found online. I am actually pleased to get to 3 days in a row. I know, lame, but I have been running about 3 days a week with a longer run on the weekend. The challenge will be to string some days together. We shall see!

Check out the following sites:
Running Streak Registry
Jon Sutherland 44 year streak article

Enjoy!

Dose running past me going for some water!

Day 2 - Running in the Snow in North Idaho

Okay, day number 2. I ran 3.9 miles with Michelle and Dosewallips. Dose kept running away and exploring. A good run in the woods. Lots of ice and snow on the path. We had to run slow to keep from sliding off the path and into the trees. We did see another set of wolf tracks. It is doubtful I will do any night running over the next few weeks in the woods.

Michelle finishing a fairly long climb. The snow is melting!

Day One - Winter Running with a German Short-Haired Pointer Named Dosewallips

Day one today. Day one of what, I am not sure! There are many things that I do everyday including the following:

• Read the news online
• Brush my teeth
• Get dressed
• Read
• Household chores
• Work
• Enjoy family

I was thinking while out on a run today and thought how would my life change if I added exercise daily to my routine? Usually I am more content, happier, and have a healthier outlook on everything after I run. Generally, I am a better person to be around. My family would probably agree. So today is day one of.....attempting to establish a habit....kind of like brushing my teeth.

Today I ran 3 miles. Very easy run, very enjoyable. I took the time to stop and look at the animal tracks and enjoy the surroundings. However, today is Sunday. I find it much more difficult to make the time for running during the week. This blog will allow for some accountability to the task! 

Dosewallips coming back my way after running far ahead. 

One of the simple pleasures of running in the winter time. You never know what beauty you will find waiting to be discovered.

Had to get a picture of this today. I was following a bloody paw print, then came along this large canine paw. You can see the outline of my size 11 foot next to the paw. It measured over five inches! We did hear some howling last night. A good chance this was a wolf. They frequent an area northeast of our house about 30 miles away.