Canix Neolithic Half Marathon 6th May 2012

Another fine run from the team.  This time I had a better idea of the route so I didn't pull so much and let Mark run at his own pace.
Before we started I met some nice dogs, and there were a lot of border collies.
The first water station had clean water for me to have a bath, but I wasn't keen on that.  I little further along Mark found a deep muddy puddle which was far more pleasant to cool off in and drink from.  I think I stopped at 5 (or was it 6?) muddy puddles.

Lakes Trip Easter 2012

A great trip to the Lakes for 24 (or was it 25 - we were never sure how many) juniors and ther parents, staying again at the camping barn and field at Causey Foot Farm near Keswick.
Highlights for me were the lambs, and the long walks.

Canix in Salcey Forest (Northampton)

A good day. Mark took Gran, and I rode in the back where I can get enough room to stretch out.
It was a nice warm day, so the race was started 30 mins early - Mark wasn't happy as he wasn't warmed up, but I was ready and joyfully joined in the barking at the start.
Mark thinks he may have set off too fast, but I was enjoying myself and kept fully focused as I went past the other dogs
Most of the dogs were very friendly, but for some reason I preferred to growl and snarl at them.

Sam the Pup

Last minute Christmas organisation (walks to be had, trees to be visited) has delayed this latest post, but last week I went for a ride with Rosemary, Bella and Young Master last week. We drove up to see Nain, but en route stopped off near Holyhead and picked up a passenger.
Young Sam is a type called a 'Springydoor', which means he's got very big ears and sharp teeth. Everyone makes a fuss about him, but I've had to remind him a few times that I'm still the top dog (which is what Mark is always saying to me these days).

Bonfire Night in Herefordshire

Back home now exhausted after a visit to my new friend Olly. He lives with his family at Pete's house, and shares his home with two cats, Max and Maisie. Olly and I had a great run around the garden this morning, but Max didn't want to play, and he ran up a tree.
It was a great garden and had a nice cool pond to lie down in and cool off, but Rosemary said I was very dirty afterwards and Moss said that I smelled.

Boys weekend away in the Lakes October 8 & 9 2011

Just back from a great boys' weekend. On Saturday after rowing, Mark and I drove (well he drove, and I slept) up to the Lakes. From M6 J39, we parked next to the Wet Sleddale reservoir, and then went for a run. It seemed like ages, but Mark told me it was just under 3 hours; we slipped, slithered, slid and spun all over the place, running in all sorts of mucky stuff. We went up the track to Mosedale, where there was an isolated cottage near the head of the valley, just a grassy track leading to it which Mark I think was thinking he'd like to live there as any visitors would have to walk about 4 miles to get to him. From there we crossed the watershed (and there was a lot of water) and down to the Gatescarth Road. On solid ground to the top of the pass, and as time was tight we didn't descend, but climbed up along the fence to Branstree from which we could catch glimpses of Haweswater in between the clouds. From there we went direct to Selside Pike, and needing to get back as quickly as possible we took the direct route eastwards alongside the fence across Mosedale Beck and back on the outward road.
After drying a bit, we drove to Tebay and I warmed myself in front of the fire in the Cross Keys Inn, while Mark got himself some beer. A nice lady at the next table rubbed my tummy, and looked after me while Mark went outside to send a text.
Next Rick arrived, and we went off to the cottage. Rick asked if I'm OK with other dogs, and Mark said something about me being good with every type except Beagles - then I saw Jessie. I had my reputation to keep up, so I growled and snapped at her. Soon afterwards they all left me, telling me to be a good boy, and that they were going to have a meal with Bob Graham, and get a certificate for it - seemed a bit strange to get a certificate just for eating, but there you go....humans!
Next day, I was ready for more running, so Mark drove us to Buxton and asked the nice Rotary club marshalls if I could run in a race with him.
At the start line, Mark wanted us to start near the back out of the way, but I knew he was wrong and tried to get to the front. I told him this (constantly) for the 5 minutes that we were waiting for the off, and then I sprung into life; I was anxious to get to the front and couldn't understand why we were going so slowly. I couldn't believe it when we queued for 3 minutes to get over a stile - I would have jumped right over the wall and complained loudly to Mark at the delay.
Once we were across, I had work to do and dashed off after the runner in front, got past and then after the next one; most of the smiled at me as I went past, and asked if they could borrow me. I had about 5 or 6 drinks, a couple of immersions, and quite a few toilet breaks, but Mark wouldn't let me sniff about for long.

Bugsworth 5

Mark did a race without me on Wednesday while he was away in Manchester. He was complaining to me before he went that it was too short for him - 5 miles was not worth me getting up for either.
He said afterwards that he was not used to races where you have to keep running uphill.
Anyhow he finished 3rd, which just goes to show how much better he is when I pull him along - when he races with me, we always win. Serves him right for not running with me.