July 28 total = 1:12:21
July 29 total = 1:09:59
I know Puppy stories don’t really have anything to do with this challenge, but lately my biking life and puppy life have become so entwined I that I find it hard to separate them. So a short puppy story, which may actually have something to do with bikes.
So one day we take the Puppy and the doggie trailer to Shark River Park. We have found this is a nice place for Puppy-Bike adventures. We brought the doggie stick too so we could run the Puppy on the stick, then rest in the trailer. On one of the Stick sessions I was going puppy-pace (2.5 to 3.5mph) The Hubby said, “can we step up the pace just a little, I find it hard to go so slow.” I had to chuckle. Those of you who have ridden with us will appreciate why that was funny.
I will admit that the slow puppy pace rides have actually improved my balance and ability to maneuver over stuff without relying on speed to go over them. I have actually found myself enjoying the “challenge.” Plus when you have that cute puppy face next to ya…
During one ride I did step up the pace a little and The Hubby said it was pretty awesome watching her run next to me.
One day we took her to a dog park. Up to now she has run, but I don’t think she had really “opened up.” Well on this day there was an 8 month basenji in the park. We figured they would enjoy playing together. They sure did. But my Puppy sure did run. And she seemed to really enjoy it. When we decided it was time to go, The Hubby says to me, “I think she can outrun that other dog. She certainly had better running form, and looked like she had a lot more to give.” I laughed. Is this what they call Fatherly Pride?
I want to thank
@1speed and
@Norm for encouraging me to ride regardless of how I felt.
Because of our Dr appt, the Puppy missed her morning hike, so I felt like I needed to take her someplace extra special in the afternoon. And I still needed to get a bike ride in. So today I took bike, doggie stick, and the Puppy to Shark Park again. No trailer. We had a great time. Most of the ride was puppy-pace and on the stick (leash) but I did allow her off leash a couple times. I even allowed her some “free” time to see how she would behave. During one of those “free” times I encouraged her to run a bit. When she realized I was “giving her her head” she took off! When I caught up to her I checked my garmin and it said 12.7mph. I didn’t want her to over do it so I gave her the proper command and slowed down and she slowed right down with me. We stopped for a break and water and treats. After a bit she was ready to go again, but I kept her at a slow pace anyway. Don’t want to damage her baby body. But she sure loves to run. And The Hubby was right. Watching her run is really something. She behaved very well off leash too. I am happy at her progress for such a young age. She is still easily distracted, but she is improving in this area too.
By the way, my migraine and nausea is gone too. I did manage a few pictures this time. Sorry!
Taking photos while moving on a bike and watching a puppy was an ... interesting experience:
Break and treat time!