Losing bets

Last week as I joined some members of the training team at the corner where we gather in the park, I innocently asked Adrián why he didn't run (his preferred exercise is swimming).  Guffaws resounded, including his own--though a bit sheepishly.  Adrián is one of those "Do as I say, not as I do" people, who can train you to perfection but is lazy himself.

The upshot was a bet between the two of us that in three months he would be running 5K in 25 minutes, and I would be doing it in 35.  Not a hope in Hades on my part, but it doesn't matter, maybe Adrián will get into shape pressured by the bet (a lunch or dinner) or by the jokes of his trainees.

For my part, I decided my standard poodle was going to run/walk with me and behave if I gave out in the effort.  He is a great dog, but he goes bonkers when he sees other dogs (he wants to socialize and play) and you can forget about "sit", "down", or "heel". 

The first day was terrible.  I made the mistake of going out a bit late in the morning when there are plenty of other dogs with their owners, so the work was a nightmare.  If you've ever seen a small poodle leap around like a circus dog, just ramp it up to standard size and you get the picture.  He could have leapt over me in a single bound, but thank gosh he didn't.  My main task was trying to keep him in his lane beside me.  Since lane-changing could send me crashing over him, I keep him on my right side by my stronger arm.  But it was very, very hard.

The second day he did much better.  He actually allowed one dog to pass by us without going into his circus act.  He couldn't keep up the self-control, but I did managed to walk a bit.  He begins to pay attention, and I can change directions suddenly with him reacting too instead of heading off to some other place. 

Today I went out a little after six a.m., and it was great.  He passed a small dog without becoming hysterical, although a larger dog presented him with a near-breakdown of mental health.  The good thing, though, was that with TootSweet walking with me, there is no getting distracted and slowing down, so even with a minimum of trotting, I had quite a workout.  He gets tired, since he isn't in optimum condition, so that helps keep him more or less under control. 

We may win the bet.  Adrián has probably not even started yet.  I'll find out tomorrow, but the Tooters may haul us to victory and a free dinner.