Morning runs with Oscar

Do you ever have those days when you don’t feel like running? Like the morning after Superbowl Sunday when your team won? I had one of those mornings. The idea of staying in bed seemed much more preferable than running through the cold snow in the dark. Luckily, I have my four-legged friend as motivation. Oscar, my standard poodle, thinks every walk is the best walk ever and he not-so-patiently waits for me by the door.

Oscar and I set out when it is still dusk. Although the snow is a pain to shovel and run through, it makes dark mornings seem lighter. There is a sort of magic that happens on those mornings before the city wakes up, when you can run through the ravines and the snow is resting on the trees. The only sounds are the steady pace of feet hitting the trail and the occasional greetings between canines. It is hard to believe that Canada’s largest city surrounds the quiet solitude of the ravine.

By the time Oscar and I start our return journey, I remembered why I love running so much. I feel as if I can tackle anything. By the time I get home the sun’s up and I’m looking forward to the day.

Running is not only a way to stay in shape, it is a good way to get rid of the daily stresses of life. It’s a good thing I have my four-legged friend to remind me that every run is the best run ever.