I won’t lie: life is much easier without Lola. The sadness lingers, though, of course, and I’d trade the easiness for more time with her, but it is what it is. Is was the right decision. My heart has been heavy much of this week, but we laugh, too, because life truly does go on.
The only thing certain in life is change. Speaking of change, while I’m very happy that Biden/Harris are the apparent winners of our elections, I also caution people: don’t gloat. Show grace. See my post here about compassion and respect, even though it wasn’t written about the election, it applies to it.
Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and healing through movement and time in nature.
Workouts update
- Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
- Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), TM Peloton 5k Prep + WU + CD (3.20 miles), Yoga (20 min)
- Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), PB Walking + Toning (30 min), Dogwalk., Yoga (20 min)
- Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Peloton Intervals (3ish miles), Yoga (20 min)
- Friday: Yoga (30 min), Short walk/hike on way to moms, Yoga (20 min)
- Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Long walk/hike with friend, Yoga (20 min)
- Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 5 mile “LSD”, Couple of miles walking WU & CD, Yoga (20 min)
Running Mileage: 11ish (+1)
JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running Update
Tuesday intention: 5k Prep
I could definitely have run outside, as the rain stopped early, but since I’m using the Peloton 5k Course, I’m sticking with the treadmill for a couple of runs during the week. So far, anyway. This was mostly intervals, at 5k and 1 mile pace (whatever that may be). It was definitely not easy, but I did my best.
Thursday intention: More speed work
Bandit was due for a long overdue annual (mostly because of all the problems with Lola). Plus I was headed to my mom the next day, and there’s always some prep for that, more so this time because I was getting the Echo Show ready to take with me.
The mill would be faster even though it was a great day to run. I did a 45 minute interval run, and I didn’t need extra run time on that, so I did a quick 5 minute stretch before & after. Go me.

Sunday intention: longer run
It was a lovely day to run today, but I learned my lesson: don’t go up to this park on a weekend when the weather is unseasonably warm! Very few people felt the need to wear a mask, and the path isn’t that wide.
I grew increasingly frustrated as I pulled my doubled over gaiter up and down constantly — and many people walked around with their mask in the their hand. Even with my early warning of “coming up on your left”, people felt no need at all to actually put that mask on. I definitely grumbled (somewhat under my breath) at one point that wearing your mask on your hand does nothing. Maybe I should’ve saved this for runfessions this month!

Favorites of the week
I hate the reason, but not having to take care of Lola meant more time for walking/light hiking/visiting mom. First we visited a small park Darlene @ Myfirst5k goes to sometimes with the running group.
As I drive to mom, I’ve often seen this path along the highway leading off into the woods. I wondered where the heck it was. Now I know. Oddly enough this was the park that Darlene and I tried SUP 4 1/2 years ago — I know this because it was the day we would end up adopting Bandit, the day before the fourth.
We helped Chester cross the bridge a day after New Years. Lola on Halloween. Adopted Bandit the day before the fourth. What the heck is it with our rescue dogs?

I never have enough time when I stop at Olana, but the bathroom continues to be open and I continue to use this as my pitstop. Not bad, eh?

Yesterday it was a long walk/hike with a friend who has gone through many of the same things I have since I moved here. We get each other. She works crazy hours (still), so we only get together once in a while, but we always have so much to catch up on when we do.
Not so favorite: I was astounded that I was able to get an appointment for Bandit so quickly. The news was mixed, and we’re waiting on some test results on the cysts on his chest.
The vet did tell us she heard a very slight heart murmur. I am 3 for 3 for dogs & heart murmurs. That doesn’t really worry me, though, it’s very slight right now. Lola had a slight heart murmur detected at about the same age as Bandit is now, but while it effected her, it never was a big deal and wasn’t what got her in the end.
Still questions this week. Love on your loved ones.
ICYMI: I have thought about creating a meditation for grief for a long time. Sometimes you create what you need for yourself. Yes, I’ve been using this meditation daily since we lost Lola. You can find it here.
Coming up on Tuesday: I have a fun blog on the lessons runners can learn from dogs (no doubt with many Lola photos — that girl was a great sprinter). On Friday I’ll be musing about if I’ll ever run another half marathon.