Barkdini

You guys. A lot of things happened yesterday but two of the events are very noteworthy. One is even sort of  interesting. Read on to find out.

My dear pal invited me to go on a trail run with her earlier this week. It was part of the the Albany Running Exchange 2012 Trail Run Series. I was sort of terrified all day about what might happen on the run (even though I was promised it would be short and gentle). Would I go into anaphylactic shock?  Would my armpits start to feel like they were burning? Would my body be able to carry me from start to finish? Am I even capable of walking on a trail (yes, duh)? My mind was racing. The only thing that was really motivating me was the fact that there would be a barbecue at the end of the run. My dog has been described on more than one occasion as being "very food-motivated." Obviously, I take after him.

Eric, who is very supportive of my exercising -- even when I don't make it easy for him, which is most of the time -- decided to come with me and since Barkley was so excited to see us after work and it was so beautiful out, we decided to bring him too.

On our way there we found out that dogs aren't really allowed on the run, but it was too late to turn back. Since it wasn't that hot out and Eric is a fast runner, we figured we could leave Barkley in the car for a little while, get him when we were done and take him for a jaunt around the park.

When we arrived, we parked the car, locked Barkley inside (with the windows slightly opened, of course) and we went on our way and ran and ran and ran.

Remember this for later: the trailhead was probably located a quarter mile from the parking lot. The barbecue was located right at the trailhead.

Naturally, I finished almost last -- with the walkers, small children and people recovering from hip surgeries -- and when my dear pal started running back down the trail to find me, all kinds of horrible profanities were flying out of my mouth (in front of said small children, I know -- don't worry, I got plenty of dirty looks) and I was saying that it was all Eric's fault. What was Eric's fault you may be wondering? I'm not sure either. My "pain bucket" had absolutely nothing to do with him. He was only trying to encourage me by coming with me on this run! Don't worry, I told him what I said and apologized. I just felt too guilty.

Okay -- here's the first notable event: even though I was one of the last to finish, I moved the entire time, didn't hurt myself and even ran (very, very slowly -- see above) for the majority of the trail! This was only my second run since the incident so I had no idea what to expect. And after I got over my initial extreme (h)anger I felt fantastic! And then I got to eat a hotdog! I mean, does it get better than that? I don't think so either.

But here's the really notable part of my story: Barkley, otherwise known as Houdini, wanted to be where the action was. Smelling hotdogs and hamburgers, he managed to squeeze out of a window (we figured this out by the trail of fur and paw prints he left behind). He then sauntered up to the pavilion where the food was and made friends with some ladies who were promoting beer. What a sly fox, right? When Eric was finishing the run, an event promoter was asking over their sound system if anyone had a dog named Barkley, because he was right there with them eating snacks and hanging out. I wasn't there for this as I was still in hell finishing up my run, but apparently when Eric went to claim our prize Houdini animal, he was happy as a clam with the beer ladies and everyone else. Of course he was. He's such a charmer, that one. He charms me with his sweet breath and good looks everyday! And frankly, if some losers left me in the car on a beautiful afternoon and I smelled delicious food, I would have found  a way to eat it too.

The end.