April the Athlete

During my "off-season", I've had to find ways to stay in shape without being able to swim, bike or run.  For those of you who don't know, we have a dog.  Her name is April.  This is how I've shown her before:

When we first got her from the 'pound', they described her as one who likes to show off her athletic prowess.  What we didn't realize was that behind those innocent words was a deeper story (cue the ominous background music and the slow-mo video of April frolicking in the yard).

It turned out, April was actually working hard toward Olympic athlete  status.  Over the years she has continued to develop her skills.  She is, in fact, so talented that she trains regularly for not one, but two events!

They are

The High Jump:

and

The 100 Metre Dash:

(She really does have a purple tongue.)

These of course lead to our own 'special' version of the Indoor/Outdoor Olympics.

Event 1-The obscenity rant:

(I, of course, say the actual words in real life.)

This is immediately followed by

Event 2-The obstacle course from the back door to the front door:

You must get a dog treat along the way or you will be disqualified.

Next is

Event 3-The mad dash to stuff your feet in a pair of shoes while simultaneously grabbing the leash and lunging out the front door:

Bonus points for making it down the front steps without tripping or losing a shoe.

This leads to

Event 4-The "gentle" call while jogging down the street.

The jog will be in the dark.

More than likely in the rain.

These events all lead up to the inevitable scolding when April comes out of the neighbour's garage at the end of the street, having eaten as much dog and cat food as she can get away with.

But really, how can you stay mad at a face like that?

*Sigh*

So, how do you all stay fresh in the off-season?


UPCOMING POSTS:
HOW I STRETCH
GOING BACK TO SPIN CLASS (I HOPE...)

Thanks for the Sunshine! (I'm So Pasty.)

I got a blog award!  Red Nomad Oz was kind enough to think of me when handing out the Sunshine Award.

This award is given to "those whose positivity and creativity inspires others on the blogosphere."  Thanks Red!  Red travels Australia, providing commentary and photos of the stunning landscape.  So when you need to see some beautiful photos and read some funniness, go check her out!

Here are the rules for this award:
A)  Thank the person who gave this award.
B)  Answer the following questions below.
C)  Pass the award on to 10 fabulous bloggers, link their blogs and let them know you awarded them.

1.  Favourite colour?  
This question has come up before and my answer was grey.

Nope. Just kidding. Still grey.

2.  Favourite animal?  
Aside from my pup, I'd say giant pandas.  I got a stuffed toy when I was 5 and the love affair began.

3.  Favourite number?  
Lucky number 13, baby. 

Just like my friend Red.  I can't help but wonder if this has any bearing on my general good fortune.

4.  Favourite drink?  
Plain?  Water.

Alcoholic? Red wine. 

Caffeinated? Coffee. 

5.  Facebook or Twitter?  I've become quite the Twitter fiend, but I'm also always on Facebook when I'm online.

6.  Your passion?  Well I'm Canadian so "passion" is kind of a strong term.  I do love to run and to draw.

Though I think we can all agree I should never do both at the same time...especially when running down a hill as I seem to be doing in this picture.

7.   Giving or getting presents?  I love finding the perfect gift for someone.  

But let's be real, who doesn't love getting presents??

8.  Favourite day? 
This reminds me of the 'perfect date' quote in Miss Congeniality:

So, that said, my favourite day is SATURDAY!

9.  Favourite flower? 
I love roses. 

And now, for the 10 bloggers to whom I shall pass this on (no pressure to post the award, but these are fun reads for me).

Mayor Gia  She's funny, sarcastic, does drawings, and is definitely for the not-offended-by-language crowd.
Cranface  He is funny, sarcastic, does drawings, and is definitely for the not-offended-by-language crowd. (You really can't have Cranface without Gia, and vice versa).
Pickleope Witty, bizarre, brilliant.  With drawings.
One Mixed Bag Bernie has a big heart, rivaled only by her big sense of humour.  I love her Wordless Wednesdays.
Watch Me Go Run Her signature 'cheeseball' grin lets you know that while she's serious about running, she doesn't take herself too seriously.
B for Bel  Bel finds some of the coolest and most fun things on the net.
The Athletarian She's a runner, a vegetarian, and promotes health without being preachy.
This Spartan Will!  She will be racing Ironman Arizona this year.  That's inspiring.
On the Road Again Megan  About to have a baby, ready to run again.  I can relate to the ready-to-run-again part.
TexaGermaFinlaNadian Moving to different countries every hockey season, I live vicariously through her.

If you saw some repeats up there from previous award posts, it's because these are the sites that draw me in with every new post.

I now have a serious request:  I know a lot of you have started hosting your own domain. Can you please share with me the benefits (and frustrations) of doing this?  Thanks!


UPCOMING POST:  MY POST-RACING ACTIVITIES