We all need a Roux boost

Every so often I take Roux (pronounced Roo, it’s Cajun) on my morning runs.

And this morning, after her waking me up at 6:15, I figured she could use the run to drain some of her energy.

So after waiting another hour or so for the sun to wake up (this last week of daylight savings is crazy!), Roux and I took off for a run.

She bolts down the street, stretching the leash as long as possible, darting back and forth, barking at dogs behind fences.

We weave through our neighborhood streets and soon we’re entering Roy Guerrero Park, my morning running path.

Roux isn’t great at pacing herself and soon she’s started to slow down, right as we divert from the paved sidewalk into the wooded trails of the park.

She’s starting to lag behind and this is when I pull out my secret weapon.

“Good girl” I say to her in my proud puppy-dog-dad voice.

She bolts ahead in the cutest burst of energy.

Over and over again I use this technique and every time she hits the jets.

Over the padded mulch.

Up the extended hill.

Across the brief stretch of road.

Down the off-road trail.

Back to the forest trail.

“Good giiiiiiirl.”

Boosted.

She’s a trooper and she finishes the full three mile loop like a champ.

All she needs is a little bit of encouragement to not stop, stay focused and keep going.

Don’t we all?