My New Workout Regimen

Thank you to the many people who have offered sweet comments on my blog posts the past few days. You are the best. Even if I don't know you, I so appreciate the words of encouragement and wisdom. Even those of you who are following and not posting comments, I appreciate your prayers for us all!

Today I just had to share some of the ways I am now able to get full-body workouts without going to the gym. It involves a jogging stroller and a large, happy, puppy-like golden retriever:

• Cardio: this is obvious--I am running. Gleefully because I am out in the fresh air getting some exercise. Sometimes really fast when Lilly says she needs to go potty or when I can tell she is just about DONE with the jogger. And, read on to see why my heart rate is higher on these runs that the runs I did last summer in preparation for my marathon!
• Balance: when Tad suddenly stops to sniff or pee and I have one arm strapped to his leash and the other strapped to the jogger. The jogger and I tend to keep going until his leash stops me in my tracks, and I have to act quickly to make sure I don't tip the jogger or fall over.
• Core Strength: see "balance" above. I am, as they say "engaging the core" to maintain a vertical posture during these new workouts. Even on straight stretches of flat road, I am engaging the core to keep the jogger on a straight path and to keep Tad by my side.
• Flexibility: again, see above. One arm is suddenly jerked backward, while the other is stretched in the other direction. Also, flexibility is required to pick up the poop when Tad decides to wander as far from the road as his leash will allow to find that "perfect spot" to let loose. Jogging stroller on one arm, Walmart plastic bag on the other. And the dog still on one of those arms, too... Sometimes I find myself almost tied in knots if Tad decides to circle around me or if other people with dogs happen to come along our path. I'm sure I am a sight.
• Strength Training: pulling Tad away from the many interesting places to sniff. Pulling him away from other dogs. Standing my ground when he wants to go visit other dogs on their walks. Especially those who also accompany joggers.
• Tumbling: I try my hardest to avoid this last one, but I have had to implement this once so far. My strength and balance were not enough to overcome that of a 70-pound puppy who saw a friend. Thankfully, Lilly, the stroller, and I survived the tumble, though I now sport a bruise or two.
• Mental Alertness: finally, this isn't merely a physical workout. Continual and thorough scans of the horizon and either side of our path are required to ensure that tumbling can be avoided and that I am prepared for all other aspects of this workout.

Try it now! You, too, can benefit from the effects of this new regimen. No personal trainers needed.