Walking in the snow seems to be hard on my bad knee, and it makes it difficult for me to go running - I am perfectly capable of tripping, slipping, falling, or running into trees (although I don't like to admit that last one) when the footing is good. When it is icy, slushy, crunchy or snowy, all bets are off. I would probably spend as much time on the ground as I would spend upright. So, I've been running on the indoor track at my gym - 9 laps to the mile - and there seems to be a limit on the number of times I can run around that little loop before I start wanting to poke my eyes out.
But there is good news - I have redoubled my efforts with physical therapy, and my knee has been improving dramatically over the past few weeks. And more good news - the days are getting longer again! We are gaining at least a minute a day now, so I feel confident that winter can't last forever.
The dogs, at least, don't seem to mind the snow, even though we haven't been able to do much agility lately. I've been pretty bad about practicing obedience with B, too - I'm not very good at doing heeling patterns in this sort of weather. I'm a wimp. She still did very well at class last week, so hopefully our lack of practice won't show too badly.
JollyBall attack!
No pics of Z - I try not to let him get too crazy running around in the snow (because he would) but he is doing well. He will probably always have some trouble with his bad foot, but it has at least improved to the point that he can go walking through the fields with us when the footing allows.
13 comments:
Take it easy, with your bad knee. You know, as we women get older, we have to be careful. ;-)
Sorry--but it's true.
Love the puppies in the snow.
That looks like the ball my horses like to play with. I hope your knee gets better. Running is one of those things my knees won't take unless it's on grassy, soft, flat ground.
You made me think of when Bella slips as she is walking to the car and she says, "Ice isn't good for uncoordinated". I'm quoting Twilight! I'm doomed!
I'm with you on the weather... I'm pretty sure we are not having the worst weather but for us its a lot worse than we've had for nearly thirty years. We had more snow last night but really not enough for me to whinge about!
The dogs seem to disagree with you though. My dads dog, Scruff, adores the snow! I am sure she smiles as she wades the drifts!
As much as I miss fun in the snow, I do appreciate dirtville for being able to wal and work in the winter. But it's to hot in the summer, unless it's 4am.
I am glad you are seeing/feeling improvemtn on your knee!
KGMom - no kidding. Like the Sunscreen Song that they always play on the radio around graduation time: "Be kind to your knees. You will miss them when they're gone."
Maery - yep, that ball is supposed to be for horses. Actually the one in these pictures is the pony size, but we have two of the horse-size jolly balls, too. I think the dogs actually prefer the bigger ones, even though they can barely get them off the ground.
Twighlight-quoting daffy - Scruff may be chilly in the snow now, after her haircut! But you are right - the dogs just love this stuff!
I must say that even though I grew up cross country skiiing and skating in Minnesota, I've been in the DC area since 1982 and am definitely getting tired of all the snow. Winter is my second favorite season too (next to Fall).
At the Elephant Sanctuary, they use jolly balls as toys for the elephants! Those are some tough toys!!
I don't know any details of your knee but I've had problems over the years, originating with a spinal nerve that's pinched and makes my left quads weak. But, to make a long story short, I have chondromalacia (pain behind the kneecap), and those knee straps that the basketball players wear work like a miracle for me when I get in a bad phase. OK, that's it for my half-baked advice.
Oh, except that I wonder if you southerners know about Yaktracks? They'll help immensely with the ice.
I love the photos of the dogs playing in the snow. And, I was thrilled to hear that Z is doing well.
I didn't get to comment on your champion L the other day. Wow! You guys are stars!
giantspeckledchihuahua: Yeah, I would complain about the heat, too. What can I say - I'm a complainer!
Possumlady: actually, I was up there for the agility trial last weekend, driving on a totally snow covered beltway on Saturday afternoon trying to make it back to my parents' house before dark. Not fun!
KB: My knee problem is similar to yours, except my knee cap wants to pop out high and to the outside. So, any of the straps that fit below the kneecap actually make it worse. I've thought about trying one of the IT-band straps that fit above the knee, though. But mostly, I just need to be diligent about working all my lower leg muscles, plus my hamstrings, and inner quads, and keep my IT band and outer quads stretched out.
And I definitely need to get me some YakTracks!
Snow - enough is enough:)
We have had one rain storm after another. At least snow looks clean for a while. Rain is just muddy.
I'm glad to hear that your knee is getting better! From your pictures it looks like you are having a good time!
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Hua
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What fun. I have to monitor Baron as well. Runs straight like the wind..fine. Cut, stop and turn...not so good on the bad wheels.
Our dogs are fond of fluffy snow but what we've had is snow, followed by freezing rain, followed by snow, followed by freezing rain, etc.. Some places will hold them and their paws break through in other places. They don't care for that at all, especially when they get ready to potty and their hind legs break through putting their bottoms right on the snow.
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