Walking the dog

Wow! Have I really not updated my blog since Monday? Sorry everybody! I've been super swamped at work and I have been working all day and then going home to work some more. So really, no new exciting updates in my world.

But I have gotten some great workouts in despite my work schedule. All week, after I work from home for a few hours, I've been taking Jack on nice, long walks. Monday, Eric and I took him on a 2-hour walk around Lake of the Isles. Perfect weather. Then Tuesday I took him on a long walk to Lake Calhoun and back while zoning out to my iPod. We took a bit of a detour home so it was about an hour and a half walk.

And last night I took him to the dog park. Now I know that walking isn't rigorous exercise, but taking Jack on these walks is better than sitting on the couch. I love that he gives me a reason to lace up my shoes and clear my head.

So last night we went to Minnehaha Dog Park. If you have a dog and you have not been, go now! Like, run. It's the best dog park in the city, hands down. You turn into the park at 54th & Hiawatha/Hwy 55 and you're there! Park at the meters, not in the lot (you need a permit). Here are some pictures of one of my favorite places in the city. You know I can't resist taking pictures of Jack when the camera is out!

Jack's ready to go!

Entrance to the park. After this point, dogs can be off leash. (Technically, the off leash part doesn't start for another half mile or so, but everyone takes them off leashes here. Plus, it's all fenced in, so why not?)

Got Jack to pose for a picture for me. This was a small miracle.

You walk completely downhill to get to the river. You know what this means: leaving is a nice uphill hike.

Jack usually gets to the river a few minutes before me since he bolts ahead. He doesn't swim, but he loves to "wade" in the water.

Long stretch of beach, just for dogs! It's really so much fun. And the only dog-friendly beach in the cities. (Trust me, I've looked)

Up from the beach there is tons of room for dogs to run and play. As you can tell by this picture, the park was a bit empty. But Jack was still running around like a crazy.

Then as you leave, you have to hike back up the hills. And the terrain is a bit rocky, so you've got to stay on your toes. Here we are, starting the uphill journey.


So after you've walked uphill for a while, you hit these stairs. They're not huge stairs, but I'm almost always panting by the top. Feel like my thighs and booty get a good workout here!

So while taking Jack on long walks and to the dog park is no substitute for a workout in my book, it beats sitting on the couch! And I always feel like such a good dog mom when he's tuckered from a walk or playing.

Plus, after these walks, I usually fall asleep nice and quick too!