It’s hard to write consistently when I’m not actively training. I didn’t get into the NYC Marathon, which means I’m still just cruising along, enjoying shorter runs during my lunch break along the lakefront. Now that the weather is heating up though, I’m trying to find an alternative to running during the hottest part of the day, and returning to the office drenched in sweat and smelling like a wet dog. I haven’t really been in racing mode, but once in a while, I’ll start scratching out a plan for speedwork and distance training. Usually, this is after my new copy of Runner’s World comes in and there’s yet another blonde trixie with a six-pack and lithe, gazelle-like legs prancing around on the cover. That’s usually when I say to myself, Self, you really need to get back into prime shape. This lasts until I see a donut or a leftover piece of cheesecake.
Although I’ve always been a lone runner and although I really love to lose myself in my own head while running, I may have a running partner come August or September. The four-legged kind, that is. Fiance already promised that once we move into our new condo downtown, I can finally get a dog. I’ve been obsessively browsing the Chicago-area animal shelter sites for available dogs and researching training tips. Having volunteered in shelters throughout college, I have a soft spot for the misunderstood “bully breeds.” Not to mention as a lone female runner on the smaller side, I’d much rather run with a pit bull or doberman than a chihuahua.
Admittedly, I also have somewhat of a Napolean complex. I lobbied for a Great Dane or an Irish Wolfhound, arguing that if I ever injure myself on a run, I could just ride the dog home, but Fiance adamantly shot those down upon seeing photos:
Irish Wolfhound
Great Dane
Anyone have breed suggestions or training tips?
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Food photos!!!
Molly's Cupcakes
Molly’s Cupcakes is my favorite, favorite, favorite cupcake store in all of Chicago. I’m incapable of leaving the place with only one cupcake, so when I bought a few the other night and the girl behind the counter told me, “There’s still room in the box,” I was immediately sold. From upper left to lower right: tiramisu, burnt caramel apple (SO GOOD), coconut cream, lemon meringue, red velvet, and strawberry shortcake.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Crostini (Cheesecake Factory)
Lemon Chiffon Cake (Cheesecake Factory)
Strawberry Sundae from Chinatown
This is a perfectly acceptable and healthy dessert. Antioxidants from the strawberries, protein and calcium from the ice cream, carbs and grains from the waffle cookie, and uh, healthy fats from the whipped cream. Yum!
Puppies!
Can’t understand the hubby-to-be’s bias against the Irish Wolfhound, though. He’d never be bugged about reaching anything on a high shelf ever again!
I totally second the bully breeds!!! I have a pit/beagle mix and I love him. He has enough energy (but can still end up worn out after a good run around the dog park), is totally loveable and lots of fun. You should totally get one! And Kai you just made me justify my 2 slices of pizza and regular Frozen Custard from Rita’s today. Thanks!! LOL
Sorry to hear you didn’t get into the NYC Marathon, Kai. The food looks amazing as usual! My favorite dogs tend to be terriers, which wouldn’t look too threatening when you’re out running alone, so no recommendations.
I have a soft spot for the bully breeds too. My Mom’s pit is a velvet teddy bear with muscles. I’m not sure a pure breed would do well with a lot of running because their bones are so heavy. Mom’s pup has an injured tendon in one of her legs that gives her a little trouble. If you could find a pitt mixed with a working or sporting type dog, now that would be perfect! I see many different breeds on the trails I frequent. Whippets, a springer spaniel who has actually run a trail marathon, border collies, austrailin shepards, labs, jack russells, etc. I’ve seen all of these run 8-10 miles. I have a six month old border collie/heeler mix (rescue) who is going to start running with me soon. I just have to wait until he’s a year old in December to run longer distances. Good luck with the move and the dog search!
I love bully breeds. I volunteer at the MSPCA and work with lots of pit bulls that are so well trained and big balls of mush! My husband grew up with border collies, and they are super energetic, amazing runners, but they MUST have their exercise every day.
Your food photos are gorgeous!
I’ve recently found your blog, and have made some of the YUMMY food you post (thanks!!!), but found this post.
I breed and raise great danes, and even though the old man said no way to a great dane (they make excellent apartment/small home dogs) they do NOT make good running partners. As puppies long walks and runs are not good for their growing joints and bones, and long walks and runs can actually damage their bodies. As adults they enjoy lesisurely walks and some good hard playtime, but this may last all of 20 minutes before you have a very sleepy, very worn out dane. Theyre wonderful dogs, Id choose no other, but definitely not made for those looking for running partners.
I havent seen if youve chosen a dog, but something of a border collie cross would love to run with you all day long. They are herding dogs and like to have a purpose, the protective nature of the herder will come out if snyone tries to mess with you, as you will be seen as theirs to protect.
Bully breeds are also very active and like to run as well, not to mention the intimidation factor they carry. Not only are bullies extremely active, they are also loyal beyond belief.
Good luck!