I was considering digging out my pepper spray to take with me on jogs.  (While off the wagon I’ve started enjoying this.)  My boyfriend said “why don’t you just take duke?”

Meet Duke, my 65 pound pit bull/bulldog mix:

I was thinking this would be a nice,  safe way to run.  WHAT WAS I THINKING???  About half mile from home, Duke seemed distracted.  I looked back to find this little fuzzy black and white dog who couldn’t weigh more than 5 pounds following us and sniffing Duke’s butt.  I ran another hundred yards or so and looked back to see that the dog was still there as well as a yorkie and their apparent mom in her PJs.  This gave me quite a chuckle as I turned around to return the pack to their owner and continue on my run.   Once back on track, I barely make it out of eyesight before twisting my ankle!  (I’m fine).  With my new Duke-enhanced balance skills, next thing I know I’m laying on the road with red marks on both hands and my right arm and hip!  And of course my first response was to look around to make sure no one saw me!

Not knowing if my ankle would feel better or worse, I started back toward home.  When I got there, I felt pretty good and kept going past my house with Duke.  It’s a bit secluded in that direction, but was beautiful with the leaves starting to turn.  Until Duke pulled me off the road and into the woods (and almost a ditch) chasing a squirrel!  After regaining my balance SUCCESSFULLY that time, I kept going with a chuckle and the satisfaction that I could ice my ankle later and that I got in almost 2 miles.  I was richly rewarded when I saw a house at the end of my road proudly flying a flag with a picture of a Pirate on it stating “Surrender your Booty”.  Despite the road rash, one of my favorite runs so far!  I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Now, I don’t suppose it’s good to rehydrate with a margarita…