Running Alone

Usually I run with Cody.  Every other morning, I get dressed, I put a leash on Cody, and together we will run between 3 and 6 miles all through the neighborhood.  The past few mornings, though, I haven't.  Cody simply has not wanted to go.

It started on Saturday.  I picked up Cody's leash and called him to me.  He came, but as soon as he saw the leash, he turned around and ran under my desk.  This was pretty odd, so I went to him.  He looked utterly pathetic.  His big, brown eyes were staring up at me, and he seemed to be pleading, "Please don't make me go, Mom!"  Cody had had a pretty big day the day before, so I figured he was tired.  I was watching a dog for a friend, and he had some energy to burn, so I decided to make my run shorter and take him with (which was a pretty good decision because it wore him out).

Tuesday I expected Cody to be better, but he was still so tired.  He laid up in bed all morning, and when I went to get him, he wagged his tail, but he did not move otherwise.  I was a little concerned, but I also knew that there were some factors contributing to his lethargy.  First, Cody's relaxing day is pretty similar to most people's adventuresome day.  He LOVES his outings, but they can be pretty exhausting.  Second, the temperatures had sky-rocketed.  Normally this would not be as big of a problem as it was, but Cody is not scheduled to have his hair cut until next week, so the combination of the higher temperatures and his winter coat was just leaving him drained.  The poor guy was pitiful!  Anyway, I decided to do that run by myself.  There are a few pros and cons to running completely on my own.

Pros
-Not having to worry about what Cody is doing means I could focus more on me.
-Holding on to a leash means I often end up tightening whichever hand is holding it (not a good idea).
-I did not have to run in the dirt in places where the sidewalk gets a little narrow.

Cons
-I was much more anxious around people I did not know or who looked a little threatening (and everyone looked threatening that day).
-CODY WAS NOT WITH ME!!!

I love running with Cody.  Often times, I'm so happy at the end of the run that I just want to scoop him up and carry him around.  He keeps me calm, he allows me to focus on something other than "Oh gosh!  This is hard!" and he's just cute.  Not only that, running makes him happy too.  Runs usually end with extra hugs and lots of kisses.  I missed those.

I was very happy and relieved when the weather turned a little cooler yesterday (who thought I'd ever say that?).  Cody was able to join me this morning, and it was wonderful.  Still, I know I have to listen to what Cody is trying to tell me.  I have to be prepared for days where I'm running on my own.  I may very well hit a distance that is just too far for Cody.  I cannot push him past his safe point, and running a long-haired dog in 80-90 degree weather would just be mean. 

That said, I can't wait for his hair cut!!