The Perfect Training Partner

I was right. 1.5/1.5 intervals are much harder outdoors. Especially when you have the great idea to bring your 1 year old schnauzer along.

I love Sammers. He's a great dog (most of the time). He could be a great training partner, too...if he would just slow down! Taylor didn't get out of bed this morning for our walk/jog...so I thought I would take Sammy along. After all, he loves nothing more than going for walks and since the husband was actually going into the office today, Sammy would be in his kennel all day long. Sounded like the perfect reasoning to take him with me. Plus, should someone try to acost me...Sammers would surely bite their leg off...or possibly lick them to death. It was my first time EVER walking or running by myself in the dark (let alone at 6 a.m.)...so I figure I'm better safe than sorry (even if Taylor and Justin do think I'm paranoid).

So, we set off at 6 a.m. It was a balmy 58 degrees. I wore yoga pants and a t-shirt...that proved to be a good choice for once. I was freezing when we were walking to 151st Street...but I felt good by the end. *Note to self...if below 65 degrees...pants and t-shirt are the best bet!* As we started on our first jog interval, I noticed that my pace was MUCH faster thanks to Sam pulling me along. I guess if I'm going to take him...my typical pace just isn't fast enough. Maybe that's a good thing, though? Especially since 3 miles in 30 minutes is my ultimate goal.

Sammy and I did a 12:30/mile pace today...and that was with walking as much as we jogged. Not too bad. On the out portion of our journey, there is only one hill to contend with. Of course we were jogging at that point. My legs were burning, but Sammers kept going...and so did I. I just really hate going uphill. On the back portion of our route, there are two pretty big inclines and keeping up with Sammy kept my mind focused and I got through them. I probably wouldn't have without him. I was pooped by the time we returned home, but not Sam...he was still pulling and ready to go. Too bad I had to get ready for work.

Ultimately, I think that Sammy may be a great training partner. He keeps my mind focused on him and I have a feeling of "if his short little legs can do this...so can mine!" Plus, I know that what we are doing is good for us...and that's the biggest reward of all. My new mantra is "Strong body. Clear mind." I keep that going through my head in the toughest times of this journey.

One more day of 1.5/1.5 to complete before moving on. It will most likely be on the treadmill on Friday morning since Tay will be at football practice. We'll see, though. I just might head outdoors and take my new training partner with me.