Breathe

Breathe in...breathe out...breathe in...breathe out... this has been my mantra over the past few weeks. I wish I had been able to blog much sooner, as often times putting thoughts which tend to jam up my head on paper (or screen) is enough to make room to hear myself think. But here, today, finally, I write.

This morning I ran the Colfax half marathon in the fastest time over that distance in quite awhile...perhaps since college. I tacked on to some great pace setting guys and basically hung on for the ride. For once in a long time I did not allow self-doubt to sabotage my race...although I just about wrote myself off by not training. I know...you've heard that "no training" one before. This time I had a good excuse, and his name is Charlie.

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie! What did I get myself into? Charlie is a 1 year old Border Collie possibly Heeler mix we rescued from All Breed Rescue in Colorado Springs. We know very little about his background except that he was picked up as a stray and spent about 5 weeks in foster care. He is fearful of many things, and I can only imagine that Animal Control worked him over pretty well trying to capture him. However, in the 2 weeks that we have had him he has come a long way. He listens very well and does what is asked of him, as long as he knows what I am asking. With time I know he will feel more confident and comfortable around new people, dogs, places, things with wheels, guys in bike clothes (i.e. Sargent returning from a ride).

Scout is happy to play the role of big sister. They play on her terms and she sets the rules. She has been teaching him to be calm, to walk nicely on a leash, to sit before going out the door and to sit for treats. Charlie has actually reinforced in Scout what it means to come when called. It's nice to allow this info exchange between dogs instead of having to do all of the work myself. In addition, Charlie is learning to run with us. We are up to 3 miles, but they are dreadfully slow miles...hence the lack of training for me. Again, much as with his insecurities, it will take time. Good thing summer is here and I have a lot more time to do more than just breathing in...and out.