Sam I am.

Hi, my name is Sam. I used to be called 'Oreo'. I like my new name because my mum and dad gave it to me. Mum says that I am not a cookie.

I can almost spin my head all the way around! I am practicing in the picture above.

I got to go to the cottage for the first time. I love it there. Mum and dad let me run around without my leash. I was far away from cars is why they told me that I could do that.

That made me happy.

I got to meet Grandma Janet and Grampa for the first time.


I am playing with Gramma Janet here...... She looks like a burglar trying to steal my stick; but she's not. She was cutting down trees, getting dirty, and working hard with Grampa.



Look what they did in 2 days!


Mum says I sometimes look like a wolf...... Here is my scary wolf impression. Grrrrrrrr. Ha ha


This is what I look like normally.


I am guarding the bushes.

I am always on guard. I get scared a lot and I bark at things. Dad was riding around on his 4 wheeler. I went up it and mum said I was good for not barking.

Mum says I need to build up my confidence. I wonder if Dale Carnagie has dog classes?





This is the colony road. A whole bunch of years ago a lot of people lived here. They are gone and so are the houses and buildings. Only 4 wheelers drive on it now.



Our vacation time was done so we had to go back home. I said that I could drive but mum said no way.




On our way home dad spotted a moose. It was a baby one.


He just stared at us and kept looking over to the trees. We think he was looking for his mum...... I think he was a little bit scared, but he didn't bark so his mum will tell him he was good.

See ya,
Sam

Winter...... Take 2!

This is what we woke up to this morning at the cottage (arrived last night).



Real glad I brought my flip flops!

Gotta run.

Got the "need to try another brand of runner" itch.

My Nike Structure Triax road shoes have served me well, but I'm getting the impression that they are being weaned out of existence.

For trails, I've been using Salomon. I LOVE the toe cap.... But I do occasionally get blisters on my left arch (where the insole ends).

I always thought that I was a neutral to mild pronator but have come to realize that I pronate slightly with my left and supponate slightly with my right. I was pigeon toed as a child..... wonder if that has anything to do with that?! Any podiatrists out there?




Yesterday I tried out the trail runners with Sam (Fugi racer). My route consisted mostly of single track; Ergo, I was not faced with any trail etiquette conundrums.

My feet and shoes held up very well on the 10 miler. I did feel a bit of irritation on the ball of my left foot so I will continue to monitor.



Here is Sam looking very winded and hot, yet incredibly smart in his reflective vest.

Do you stick with the same shoe or do you change things up?

Have you ever had a pair of shoes discontinued? What did you do, and how did it turn out?

Gotta run.

Trail Etiquette

I've got some inner turmoil when it comes to trail etiquette. Whether it be road or trail, is of no consequence.



The rules state that one must run/ bike/ walk on the right side of the trail.

When passing (on the left) we must let the person in front of us know "passing on the left".

I have been a good, rule abiding runner...... Until now.

My new running partner runs next to me (I state the obvious). He runs on my left side. His distance from me varies anywhere from 6in to 2 feet. I don't know when he is going to move out a little further or come in closer.

I become very nervous when I think of a cyclist zipping by...... Sam (aforementioned running partner) gets really excited when people call out and wants to run toward them. I can't help it if he's super friendly.

The last thing I need is for Sam to get run over by a bicycle and add to his, already long, list of situational neurosis.

Since pleading, and reasoning, with him doesn't help....... I run on the very left side of the path. This way he is afforded his freedom of expression (I don't run in a straight line either so I'm not about to preach to him).

Am I being selfish by ignoring the rules? What would you do? If you are currently dealing with this situation, or have dealt with it, how do/ did you handle it?



"Sam"

Gotta run.