Hiking and a Dog Solution

I hiked a new-to-me trail near my house with the hiking club. This was the fastest I've ever paced and it was technical in parts. There was an enormous downed tree across the path and we had to CLIMB and descend around it. I didn't know if I could make it. Crazy, but so much fun.

Ducks in a row

Another hike leader was on this hike and said -- oh, you're on the hike on Friday. Turns out I had the wrong location in mind because another hike leader is co-hosting the hike. I would've completely shown up to the wrong trail. Geez, that was a lucky near-miss.

I have a journal book that I write down 10 things I want -- spans all things. Actual thing or some goal or some feeling. I've been writing "dog solution" for the last month. We need to have an option to let our dogs out when we're gone for a long day. I've been actively searching and asking since we moved in and no solution in sight. Hence, added it to the journal list. Wham. I met a dog service at the 5K and have an initial visit setup. It seems perfect. Looks like I found the "dog solution."

I swear the list feels magical. Only real things I really want go on the list. I don't put -- buy an airplane or become a billionaire. Practical things that I feel a pull toward. And the list reminds me (and the universe) to focus on those things. 

I have a new spot since the "dog solution" was filled. I usually meditate for the next things to add to the list. It's exciting when something completes and I get to add another thing. A few of the lines are never changing -- e.g. "do something for FS today." 

Heading out with my aunts today. I have mixed feelings. Super happy to spend the day with them. Bummed I'm driving (again). Bummed we're going to a crappy lunch. I suggested otherwise and I think it's a no-go. I kind of, sort of wish I wasn't going. I hate to say it. It feels like a waste of a day when I really could use home time. I said I'd drive myself because we're in opposite directions -- also got vetoed. I can't say no to driving them -- they're coming out of the way to my house. Neither wants to drive downtown. It'll probably be a great day and I'm going to focus on that mindset, but sitting here this morning, quiet time at home sounds so much better.

My active recovery week is getting a bit slim pickings on the recovery. I have a couple of things I needed to add on to the week for volunteering and it's taking a chunk out of my time. 

There is a little part of me that wants to drop the hike tomorrow. I'm sore today after the run and the very fast hike yesterday. The bathrooms are closed from the shutdown and that means up super early to give my body enough time to flush out so I don't need a bathroom. I could go either way. It's going to be beautiful hiking weather and I'll be glad I hiked, but not before I'm super bummed for the rushed morning. Is it worth it or do I need a peaceful morning more??? Hmmm, I need to think on it. The hike isn't full so dropping won't give me a ding.

UPDATE: I dropped and it feels like the right decision. I can enjoy an outside workout tomorrow at my own leisure. Maybe a park run with Duke if my legs feel rested enough. Something about hiking tomorrow didn't feel right and I'm trusting my gut. 

On that note, I'm going to grab a quick arm workout, meditation, and planting garlic from the garlic I grew last year before the aunties arrive. 

Have a good day. Later gators.