The Hills

I went for a long, exhilarating run this morning. I live in a lazy neighborhood, sprawled through hills and valleys in the beginnings of just some of the breaks to the Palo Duro Canyon. The scenery can be breathtaking, and I'll just leave it at that. It is a peaceful, safe place to get a good workout.I enjoy cross country running. I took a fitness poll in a magazine a couple of years ago and it changed my world as I knew it. I totally recommend taking one. It helps you mesh your personality with a type of workout that fits you. I happen to be the type who does really well training for an event. I am not an "every Tuesday and Thursday Yoga" kind of girl. I tend to lean toward the extremist side of the sports world. I love to train for 10K's. I love to be in good shape and strong. I love the mental focus and deep breaths I have to take to power up a hill and the coast down the other side. I love to see the trees, wildlife, dogs, neighbors, lawn boys...........life in the Hills, it's rough.

I always take my large, "mature", protective female boxer, Dixie. I had a fleeting thought about HER physical state and ability to survive this run/walk, considering we haven't broke a sweat in several months. I kept calling it a "walk" because I was scared to death I may not have the strength, power, training, or be in good enough shape to not pass out, much less run. Anywho,... Great News: I didn't pass out! Not only did I survive it, but it felt great and I am stronger than I thought. My goal is at least 3 times a week to start out, long, hard, good runs. Ones that will make the kin folk whine. 

Dix, on the other hand, not so much. She did survive though. Her afternoon will be heavily laden with naps, I am certain.