Super Simple Thursday, Headless Horseman RACE RECAP

Last weekend I raced in Howell, The Headless Horseman. This was by FAR my most obnoxious run I have ever done.
DETAILS:

• a 7:30pm Halloween race, in the dark through the cemetery.
• Invited by Danielle, her home town, all three of us dressed up as witches.
• Lacey and I decided we wanted to "FUN RUN" it.
• Danielle wanted to RACE it. As Danielle coaxed us to the front of the runners, Lacey and I secretly looked at each other in fear!
• We stayed with Danielle for about a block. Then looking at each other we started laughing and making really ridiculous jokes, about  Zombies, passing SpongeBob, and how we were gonna get our clothes off...
• It was 65 degrees, we were overdressed. Between mile 2 and 3 we were on the side trying to take our layers off. Everything was pinned together, we both were glowing in the dark, bare white skin, with our sports bras and TU TU's on.
• Laughing so hard at the looks we were getting as we tried to dress ourselves again we started peeing our pants.
• Never done before in a 10K...we took off in the woods, forgetting we had glow in the dark bangles, we made a bathroom in the woods.
• We never stopped laughing and cutting up with the volunteers. One group of 6 kids were located on a curve we hit 3 times, They LOVED us, they shouted, high fived us, low fived us and rocked our world in a runners sense!
• SOMEHOW Lacey and I managed to changed our clothes, repin our bibs, pee in the woods, pass Spongbob, get passed by SpongeBob and still finish with a sub 9 minute mile!

RUNDOWN:

INDIAN SPRINGS

Distance:8 miles

Temp: 36'  with wind chill 20'

Times: 1:09

Pace: 8:41

Easy run, if you don't include the cold and the wind that ripped your face off. We did see a nice size buck, it looked like a 6pt, he was majestic, stunning. We didn't auto pause, we made a couple stops for pics.

1. 8:53
2. 9:46
3. 8:25
4. 8:38
5. 8:44
6. 8:24
7. 8:47
8. 7:56

Another one of my favorite routines this time of year is running with Danielle every Thursday! ____________________________________________________________________________

I made Energy Bites this afternoon

2 cups Oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (I used Bees knees)

1/3 cup honey (Local honey is the best way to go)

1/2 cup flax seed, the recipes call for it ground, I like it whole

1/2 cup chocolate chips, I added white chips too

1 teaspoon vanilla

• Mix together, refridgerate for 30 minutes, roll into balls, keep refrigerated.

ANITA

Back on Track

Most of us runners are addicted to our weather ap. Mine said rain most all day. I had a small window to run outside at 11am or 2pm.
I got home about 11:30am from cleaning my maw maws house. In the car, I checked the weather for the hundredth time. I really didn't have time to drive to Genesys Athletic club. I could save so much time if I could just run outside. With the sky just spitting at me, I decided I would run outside, besides the temperature was 54'. Very Nice.
In the time I dressed, rolled and stretched, the spit turned to a more repetitious drizzle. I don't mind finishing in a decent rain, I just struggle starting out that way.

I haven't been to the gym in weeks. With the warm weather, I enjoy spending my time running in the elements. In the evening, in between commercials of Walking dead, the Strain, or whatever my family chooses to watch I do legs, stretching and core. I also fold laundry, but that does nothing for my training!
Today, I quickly packed my bags and headed to the gym. This will soon be my new routine.. I LOVE my gym, I just never want to leave. That's the problem.
I will be running more solo runs.
I will be running less miles and more intentionally.
I will be lifting more, to protect myself.
I will be icing more, prevention.
I will be more focused. Less distraction. I zone out.
I will hurt more. I am motivated by my surroundings.
I am excited.

My heart literally skipped a beat, like the first time you realize someone is flirting with you. I was on a date with the gym. I could hardly wait to step onto the track.
"HELLO TRACK, I am back, did you miss me?"
We picked up right where we left off.
The plan: 7 miles at a sub 8 pace.
I wanted the track to make me work, make me sweat, make my heart pound and my blood pump. Such a love affair.
I wanted to be on the brink of backing out but at the cusp of wanting more.
The mind is powerful. I love that place where you think, "Really, I am only at 3 miles...UGH." Then the great debate goes off in your head. I am screaming at myself so loud I wonder if people can hear my voices. Every once in a while I whisper "Go, shut up.."
I keep hitting the lap/split button on my Timex watch. "Hold on, Nita."
I started getting a little light headed and realized I forgot to eat after breakfast. Knowing that I decided I needed to run stronger, controlled. No excuses.

Plan: Accomplished.
And to add a bonus...I DID A PERFECT PROGRESSIVE RUN. Each mile I shaved off more time, ending with almost 50 seconds faster than my first mile.

SIDE Note, I did get distracted on the track. A little mouse was running around on the track. I was cracking up as I hopped over him. They leave the doors open, this lil guy was trying to find a dry place to warm up. I told the worker about him and later saw them carrying a bucket laughing.
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COFFEE: I like to add some of My favorites: Peets Café Domingo is my favorite flavor of coffee, hence why I have the least amount in My Keurig holder.

Among the some of my flavors are : Green Mountain Organic Peru Calimarca, Seattles Best Breakfast blend, Green Mountain Brown Sugar crumble Donut and Donut Shop Regular 

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Does your summer routine change when the winter arrives? What do you do differently?

Also, Is there a coffee I should try? If so, tell me, I will buy me some and YOU some if I try the flavor you share! I will add some of my favorites in there too!

ANITA

The Boiling Frog

"Create in me a CLEAN HEART, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

I struggle sleeping. I toss and turn, I am green with envy listening to Andy sound asleep next to me. There is nothing on my mind that would interrupt me from getting my ZZZ's. But then I am a chick, there is ALWAYS something on my mind even when I say "I am Fine".

I got up no problem, it was staying up that was a problem.

My morning started out great..My afternoon got a little chaotic.

CHAOS: I do not do drama or chaos. I prefer to communicate. I don't hide behind people, I can hold my own. I have always held my own. I teach people how to communicate and do pretty well at it.

*One thing I have learned about myself, I have to BREATH, THINK and PRAY before I respond.

BEFORE YOU SPEAK THINK:
T=Is it TRUE?
H=Is it HELPFUL?
I=Is it INSPIRING?
N=Is it NECESSARY?
K=Is it KIND?

•  "You don't have to go to every argument you are invited to."
• It's none of your business what others think about you.
• Build a bridge and get over it.
• Life will make you bitter or life will make you better
• Chaos operates better with participants, DON'T Engage
• "People don't believe what you tell them. They rarely believe what you show them. They often believe what their friends tell them. THEY ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT THEY TELL THEMSELVES."

** "The problem with the world is not that people know too little, But that they know So MANY THINGS THAT AINT SO." Mark Twain
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I was so anxious to run the crazy out of me I forgot to pack my running shoes. I met Claudia in my Merrill's, sockless at Rose Oaks for a trail run. Oh Well! We didn't even turn our watches on. And "WHY yes, we did get lost!" It was so beautiful out there. Therapy in Gods Country. Just what I needed.
Claudia is great at perspectives and focus. She was able to calm me down from my afternoon events, reminding me not to react or engage.
You know the old saying " You can put a FROG in boiling water and it will jump out. But if you put a frog in LUKE WARM water it will BOIL to death.
That is chaos. If you are not careful you will become a product of chaos, it becomes your norm. It will suck the life out of you.

Anita

The Scattered Trail: Distrations

Proverbs 4:25-27

²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead,
And your eyelids look right before you.
²⁶ Ponder the path of your feet,
And let all your ways be established.
²⁷ Do not turn to the right or the left;
Remove your foot from evil.

 

 

I have been wanting to get away from the pollution of man. Hidden in the shelter of the trees, void of distractions. I am easily distracted. When I am on the trails I have to stay focused. With roots and rocks scattered over the trail you have to be tuned into where you are planting your feet.

 Being alone I want to hear the noises circulating around me. It is sweet music. The birds, squirrels and chipmunks scurrying all around you makes you giggle. The creaking of trees, and the leaves floating to the ground is so peaceful. The sun dancing off the water and the dew resting on the branches adds a romance to the morning.

Every step, I am concentrating on how I will land my feet. On my tip toes, I imagine I am a deer trying to tap lightly over the path. With the switchbacks and the steep rocky declines I have to sharpen my footing. Looking just slightly off the path can lead me to injury. With the leaves covering the path I concentrate on my focal point. I wasn't just running, I was being intentional on my balance, my posture, my pace and every element to insure a successful run. But at the same time I was comfortable, I was at peace in the elements. It felt natural.

 

What happens when you get distracted...I took a phone call and ended up LOST! Not paying attention to my turn off, I did a loop I had never done. As pretty as it was, I began to get nervous. It was only a mile but it cost me my peace. I stumbled over my mistake. I knew better. One distraction lead to another as I tripped over hidden roots in frustration. My 8 mile run turned into 9.

I LOVE Honey Stingers, but I had never tried the chocolate. I found it at the Detroit Freep Expo. It was everything a girl could have hoped for!

 

FOR THIS REASON I RUN.

Life is so full of distractions. I don't chat on the phone, I am not a busy body. I LOVE people, but if I am not careful I will get distracted. Too much social media, too many errands, too many events, too much confusion. I loose my focus. I let little things trip me up, I slip and fall on things that have no place in my life. I get tangled in expectations, emotions, or drama.

Its living life intentionally. Like running trails in the October.

You cant afford to get distracted.

Stay focused, keep your eyes on the path in front of you. Not your neighbors path, not your friends path, YOUR path.

 

At home I enjoy cooking and cleaning. I put my music in and begin to bake.

 

PUMPKIN BREAD

 

3 eggs

2 1/2 c.sugar

1c.oil

3tsp. vanilla

2c.cooked pumpkin

3c.flour

1tsp.soda

1/2tsp.baking powder

1tsp.salt

3tsp cinnamon

MIx together then divide into 3 greased and floured bread pans. Bake at 350' for 1 hour.

** I add raisins and sometimes nuts.

 

 

ANITA~

 

My Mind a muddy mess.

This week has been a tough week for being a mother. Raising teens is not for the weak.

Monday I found myself running 7 miles with less than 24 hours from running my marathon. I was really battling a good attitude.
I did get a post race massage. What my run couldn't do, Holly's hands did. I literally fell asleep. I could feel my shoulders relax and turn into silly putty.

Tuesday I woke up early to make steak and eggs for the boys. My morning went to Hell in a hand basket. Again I pulled all the positive, grateful mantra but nothing was working. I had a little break and went home to put myself in time out. I needed to reflect, recover and regroup.
It took the edge off but I was totally not myself.

Today, a new day, a new spirit. Directly after dropping Alec off I left the house to run.  Maybe I wasn't running hard enough. I needed to sweat, I needed to hurt, I needed to loose my breath.
The sky was spitting when I walked out the door. Minutes later I could hear the rain nailing my windbreaker. I smiled. THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED. 
Holly High school put in a trail that circles the perimeter of the school. I decided to check it out.
Entering the school property I could feel myself falling in love with the rain hitting me in the face. The trail was smooth and wide. Trees lined both side with curves, large rocks and mud, lots of mud. The leaves gave me friction to catch myself from a slip and slide. It was stunning, the large mature trees with the leaves scattered. The smell was similar to something out of bath and body works. I was bummed it was only a mile and a half long. I took the dirt road back home. I got 5.5 miles rain, mud and sweat in.

But when Lacey called to run a little while later...Yup, I ran again with her!
7.5 miles total today.
Attitude check.
There is something magical about going for a run and feeling your broken world just fall back into place. My thinking changed. My outlook on dynamics changed. I was no longer stuck on stupid. I found myself thinking more of others and less of me.
When the rain fell on my cheeks I could feel unwanted emotions washing away. I embraced the cool wet drops against my bare skin. The mud even came welcomed. The dirt was still cleaner than the pain that had surfaced in my head. My mind was a muddy mess. I finished in love. I finished cleaned, recovered.

Anita~

Detroit Freepress Marathon 2015

Detroit Freepress Talmer Marathon is a special one for me.

1. Its DETROIT! Close to home
2. Its close to my heart. 3 years ago I ran it 2 weeks after losing Ariel. I didn't think I could run, I could hardly breath. I  remembered her verse, Phil 4:13 and ran it crying most of the time. I started it with her and I finished it for her, the wind beneath my wings.

Team Harless stayed home this year. Every year we get a room at the Marriott, I asked Andy if I could bring my running group with me this year. He was good with it, my boys were very excited to stay home and watch the Michigan VS Michigan State game.


SATURDAY NIGHT:
From the time they picked me up at work, until the time we fell asleep, us girls laughed.

We checked into the Marriott,  dropped off our luggage, passed out presents and headed to the Expo. We took the People Mover to the Cobo.

Laughing hysterically, we shot goofy pictures, spent too much money and absorbed the runner energy in the expo. It was all part of the experience.

Back on the People Mover, Mary Ann, Jama, Claudia and I headed to Greek Town for dinner. This was Claudia's first Marathon. We were all so excited for her.

We had dinner at Red Smoke in Greek Town. My chicken was so big and real looking, I thought it was going to get up and fly off my plate singing "Eat more Beef!"

We had a great meal with free entertainment when Michigan lost to Michigan State the last 10 seconds of the game. The restaurant went crazy, then everyone left!

The girls let me get my traditional dessert at Astoria before we headed home. We were all so miserable from dinner.
Claudia thought it would be good to walk to the hotel. It looked like a good idea while we were tucked inside of Greek town.
The closer we got to our hotel the darker and creepier the streets were getting. We all got real quiet after we were asked for change from a dark object that was leaned up against a pole.
Then one of the girls comments "WOW, it smells like weed!"
Trying to not be so nervous I giggled "Cultural Claudia wanted to take the scenic route....Andys last words 'Stay on the PEOPLE MOVER Nita.'
"Cultural Claudia" one of the girls bust out laughing, and walking faster.

We laughed ourselves to bed close to 11pm.

SUNDAY PRERACE:
We got up great considering we didn't get much sleep.

Erin (another gal in our running group) met us in our hotel room before we left for the race. Erin was running the half. Erin was impressed by both our river view and our ridiculous array snacks and food lined up in the TV stand.

Claudia asked me the night before if I was going to say a runners prayer before the race. It was at this time we gathered hands, with heads bowed and humbly sought God.

On schedule, we headed down with all the runners to the starting line. The temperature felt much warmer than I thought it would be.
In front of our corrals, was the lobby to the bank. We went in to get warm. "ANITA!" I heard a familiar voice, It was Danielle, my running partner and friend from HS. I was shocked to see her, we didn't plan on something so perfect.

I hardly got to chat with her when my phone was going off. It was the hubby. I couldn't figure out what he was saying, I had to call him because his text messages were so cryptic.

He had surprised me and was by my "C" corral, only I was not there! The race was starting in 15 minutes. I told the girls that Andy was outside and I wanted to see if we could locate him.
It wasn't hard to find him. He was bummed, he wanted to ride his bike around to watch me but ended up with a flat tire. He left the boys home to sleep.
The first wave was going off.  The music to Eminem was rocking "Lose Yourself" and I felt my race tears surfacing.

THE MARATHON: GOALS and PLANS:
The initial plan was Jama and I were originally going to run with Mary Ann at about a 4 hour Marathon. Claudia over the summer slowly increased her miles and her love for distance running. She signed up last minute for the marathon. The plan then changed. Lets get Claudia across the Finish Line for her 1st Marathon! After running with her all summer, I believed she was capable of a 4:10-4:30 marathon.

My target pace was a 10min/mi for the first 13 miles. If she was still feeling good, cautiously, we could pick it up the second half.

The MARATHON: The Story
It was a perfect morning to run 26.2 miles. The 5 of us started out together. Erin stayed with us until we got to the bridge. We lost her on the incline. The sun was coming up over the bridge, the skyline was amazing. Keeping your pace is equally as amazing!

The Detroit Freepress is one of the coolest races, you are in 2 different countries, over a bridge, in a tunnel and on a island. The first 3 miles we were actually followed by a helicopter. The border patrol were on duty and pulling runners left and right that were not wearing bibs or wearing their proper bibs. The patrol were so cool though. As serious as they were, they shared high fives, smiles and words of encouragement. They were hyping the runners and having a lot of fun with us.

Running in Canada is always fun. We were looking for Claudia's mom, Canada is Claudia's home.
As quickly as we enter into Canada, we are heading into the tunnel. I love the Tunnel too. I decided to video us girls. Everyone usually picks up the pace in the tunnel, I explained this to Claudia. Everyone's Garmin lost satellite but mine.

Andy was supposed to be outside the tunnel but I never saw him. I later found out he saw me.
The crowds outside the tunnel were hyped. Feeding off the energy I was raising my hands in efforts of  getting them more rowdy. "LETS GO DETROIT!!!" I screamed, then peed my pants. I jumped up to high five police officers, I peed my pants. "WAKE UP DETROIT!! WOOT WOOT" I screamed and jumped in the air, peeing my pants even more.
Laughing, "Girls I think I just emptied my bladder back there!"
I knew I had to use the bathroom but all the port-a-johns had lines. I have never gone to the bathroom in a marathon before. Today was going to be a first. A couple of the girls had to go too. The power of suggestion. "I think if we can hold it until after the half marathoners split we wont have any lines."
I didn't know how much more I had to hold. But it wasn't too much longer I was revving the crowds again and peeing my capris again. Claudia said "Anita, you need a panty liner." I replied, No, I think I need a catheter!"

We were all smiles and our pace was right on. I was breaking the marathon down for Claudia, telling her to look forward to the half marathon split.
I screamed into the crowds "HEY WE GOT A FIRST TIME MARATHONER!!"
As the split came we all joked about "Don't get any ideas!" Mary Ann took to the right heading to the Finish line of the Half Marathon. Jama yells "MARY ANN, where are you going?" Cracking herself up Mary Ann jumps over the tape and joins back with us.

The route is beautiful. We enjoyed Indian village and Corktown as we headed to Belle Island. This was unchartered territory for the girls. We all "Ohhed" and "Ahhed" at the beautiful homes.
I wanted to chat but the girls were all listening to their headphones. We were coming up to mile 18, each of the girls were in their special place. Jama was leading most of the time, Claudia was a couple steps behind me and Mary Ann mingled around. I would shout out our pace or our time and one of the girls would say "What?"  I decided I would turn up my tunes too.
As we entered unto Belle Island the sun was out and it was toasty. We all checked in with each other. Jama's knee was starting to hurt. Mary Ann was doing good and Claudia was hanging on. The 20 mile mat was in front of us. With the energy of a crack head I pumped up the girls "LETS GO, 20 miles Raise your HANDS OVER THE MAT!" The ladies in front of us even threw their hands up!
At mile 21, I reminded Claudia that she had now ran farther than she had EVER RAN.
Claudia was trying to smile but she was hurting. Jama  was about 10 feet in front of us. Mary Ann was beside me, "Mary Ann, Claudia's hurting, we gotta drop the pace."
We slowed up. "Today is YOUR DAY CLAUDIA, You got this."
She was holding her side. She had a side stitch.
She was holding on. Mary Ann went back with her. I stayed ahead holding our pace. We all hit the water station. "MARCO....??" I yelled this to make sure we were all together. Jama was the only one still replying "POLO".
Mile 22, was windy but refreshing. I stayed ahead of Claudia so she could see me.
Mile 23 "Claudia, Who you running for?" Mary Ann later told me she said, herself, her husband, her little man." I came back to her. I laid my hands on her praying for her.
As we exited Belle Isle our pace dropped a little. Jama moved ahead. Claudia was still struggling with the side stitch from Hell. "YOU got this, How's your cramp?" Half laughing she replied "You are my cramp!" Pretty witty, that's Claudia.
At mile 24, Claudia actually told me to "GO, Go ahead." Mary Ann stayed right next to her. We worked together to get her through those last couple miles.
"No Regrets Claudia, It's just a cramp, it won't kill you, run through the suck."
We had a couple turns, a couple hills but we kept coaxing her.
"You got this, I am so proud of you" I heard Mary Ann cheer her on.
I was like a caged animal as the crowds grew thicker the last mile. "First Time Marathoner Coming through!!" I pumped up the crowds.
The last mile, we were breaking it down by turns, lights and hills. "HALF MILE.." a volunteer cheered.
With the FINISH in site, I started screaming into the crowds, "LETS GO DETROIT!!" I was literally jumping with both legs 3 feet in the air. I was trying to get the crowds roaring for Claudia. My hands were hurting as I clapped at the spectators. The crowds were smiling and laughing. They were loving the energy. Most people get to the finish and are toast. I saw Andy as I was jumping around like a Mexican Jumping bean. I brought it in with the girls as the FINISHING Mats approached. Mary Ann, Claudia and I for the last time threw our hands in the air all smiles to Finish a perfect Marathon!

FINAL WORDS: We had a PERFECT Marathon. Our first half was 2:10:40 and our second half we shaved off 39 seconds with a finishing time of 4:20:01!
Us girls had an Epic weekend. We had a great Marathon weekend together.

Andy asked later that night "Anita, why are you so stupid?!" He saw me outside the tunnel but I was screaming so much I never saw him! That is Andy's way of making fun of me in a loving way.
I have ran Detroit half Marathon and Marathon about 7 times between the two. I have watched this race get more awesome with larger crowds and more runners.
It is one of my FAVORITES.

I LOVE pacing first time marathon runners. Last year, I paced Lacey at Detroit. This year, I was so grateful to cross that Finish Line next to Claudia and Mary Ann. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
Running is more than a time or a pace for me. There is a race for that, there will always be a race for that. But running next to your friends holds a special place. A place you can't replace.

Anita

The Power of Touch

Physical Touch. This is one of the 5 LOVE languages Gary Chapman covers in his book The 5 Love Language. Andy and I went to the bible study to try and discover what Love Language we are. This would hopefully help to improve marriage more on an emotional level. Too bad for Andy when I did the test we only discovered that I was TOTALLY split between ALL 5.

I have gotten myself in trouble for being too touchy on multiple times. I don't mean anything by it.
Once, after leaving a recovery meeting Andy had to pull me aside. "Nita, I know you don't mean anything by it, but you need to watch who you are hugging and patting, these are men in recovery, some for more than substance abuse." He quietly continued "You need to remember, I sit with them at the tables, I hear a lot of men talk, I hear the things they are doing..."
Well, I had a hard time even looking them in the eyes after that. No more free hugs.

At work, I hug all my clients. Usually twice. A welcome hug and farewell hug. I had one client who was from Britain. "Alan", I sure do miss Alan. He looked like a rock star. We highlighted his tousled blonde locks multiple colors. He kept it longer, disheveled . He loved foreign sports cars and his Ducati. He was untamed and always reminded me of a blonde Mick Jagger. He died unexpectedly at 65. One of my favorite clients. He had a great accent and culturally he kissed on the lips. It took many years to get used to that.

Today was MASSAGE day. I always treat myself to a massage a few days before I have a big race. It has been a very emotionally few weeks for me. I had a funeral yesterday, my sweet cousin, 34 years old. She lost her fight to cancer. It was soo painful. It is the Mexican side of the family. She was an only child. So heartbreaking. Her mother just saying "Anita, you look just like her, Anita, did you see her? Did you see how much you look the same?" Tear my heart out. Her mother collapsed in my arms weeping. I just held her, I held her tight, touching her hair and rubbing her back. Touch.
For massage, I only go to women. They messed an appointment up a few years back and I was quite surprised when I heard a guys voice over top of me. It was unusually warm in the room, he was running late and I realized I recognized him. He was one of the servers at the restaurant we order from by my work.  I couldn't do anything. I could hear him breathing the whole time, he was sweating and I wanted to die.

Holly gave came in to warm the table and set me up. As soon as her warm hands touched my shoulders I melted into the sheets. I took a deep breath and felt my body relaxing. She has strong hands, digging deep but not making me wince. For as small as I am, I like a strong touch.
A massage with a period. Nice, very nice.

 Prerace Massage:

• usually 4/5 days for marathon
• Releases tightness, breaks up scar tissue and helps flush out stored lactic acid
• Sports massage is deeper, helps remove knots and release tight IT bands

The Rundown:

I got to run with Danielle. It was a last minute thing. We met at some trails in Fenton for 5 easy miles. It was awesome. All of it but the part where we ran up on 2 black dogs with NO collar, leash or master. The smaller one approached us with enthusiasm, a black lab puppy. The larger one stared us down with a questionable look. The closer she/he came the more obvious it was a pitbull. I was glad I had released my bladder in the woods because I would have peed my pants right there! A young hippie looking man came out of the woods. "The little one is just a puppy..." He paused and tripped over his words "Uh, the other one is ..a ..bit skittish..." He was trying to get her but she was not trained and kept looking at us. I don't think I was even breathing at that point. She ran off in the opposite direction and the owner ran after her trying to get he. We took off!
SERIOUSLY?? No leash, No collar, and no training..really?!

Treat yourself to a nice massage. Even if your not running. Enjoy the soft music, the warm table, the soft hands that release not just muscle tension but emotional tension as well.
It is like therapy and you don't even have to speak. It was so amazing, I booked one for Monday after my race.

Anita