Topaz Tussle

How quickly the feelings of satisfaction, happiness and optimism can change to fear, panic and dread!

Yesterday as I was driving out to the trail for a quick run before picking up Troy from baseball practice I was reading my email. Mark contacted me to let me know he had found Joan Peterson via a search online. He is a much better ‘searcher’ than I! I was so excited. I was going to call her as soon as I finished my run.

As Topaz and I began our run up the trail my friend Kevin was running toward us, just finishing his. I haven’t seen Kevin in forever and it was really nice to see him. I did feel bad that I had 20 seconds to say HI and BYE as I had to pick up Troy shortly.

I was smiling, laughing and enjoying the 70F degree weather as I ran upon the trail. As Topaz and I entered the dense pine forest I heard something running really fast in back of me. I heard the sound that Topaz usually makes when he is catching up after taking a detour into the woods, running as fast as he can, paws beating upon the trail sound, catching me. I glanced over my shoulder and there it was, a huge dog running at break neck speed toward us. I recognized him immediately as an American Pit Bull Terrier. Fu**.

Topaz was about 20 feet ahead of me so I called him back before the dog caught up to me. He could hear the alarm in my voice. He ran to my feet and sat, looking up at me. As the dog approached I said in my happy sing song voice ‘nice pup, hi pup, he’s nice, good boy Topaz’ and I was thinking to myself oh man, he’s going to go right for the neck. I released Topaz from his sit/stay and let him smell Pit Bull. Topaz’s fur was standing on end as was the Pit Bull. Oh boy. Here we go. Pit Bull latched onto Topaz’s neck, shaking him like a ragdoll back and forth. I began to scream at the dog, then lowered my voice in a disciplined manner to let go and stop. I pulled on his thick square head just below the ears and realized he was clamped down on Topaz’s fur, not his skin. I pulled and pulled, he would not release. Finally I began to kick him in the head. He let go of Topaz, there was white fur everywhere, I told Topaz “RUN”.. He looked at me, questioning my command and I realized he couldn’t see my eyes. I removed my sunglasses and said RUN again. He began to run through the woods but the damn Pit Bull was a strong sprinter. He was 10 feet in back of Topaz when I thought to myself : how far will they go, how long until he catches up and how am I going to catch up with Topaz? I thought better of my decision and called him back. This all took place in a few seconds. As Topaz came back to me and sat at my feet the Pit Bull stopped about two feet in front of Topaz. I told him to STAY, he did.

The owner arrived, splayed his body upon the Pit Bull, forcing him to the ground. He was full of apologies and I was just in shock. There was no blood. I looked at Topaz’s neck and could not believe there were no puncture wounds.

I ran upon the trail as fast as I could. I couldn’t wait to get out of there! I was shaking like a leaf, I couldn’t feel my legs and Topaz was like yeah, whatever, let’s run and have some fun.

I hope they aren’t at the trail today!

Elizabeth Rose 8K

A few months ago my friend Debbie came to tell me that her daughter, Elizabeth, was fighting stage 3 ovarian cancer. I couldn't believe it. As close as I am to ovarian cancer (mom, grandmother, aunt) I hadn't known of a case involving such a young woman. Elizabeth is 23. Elizabeth is tough, she's beautiful and she's kicking cancer's ass.

Today was our fundraiser for Elizabeth. An 8K race, much as we put on for Ann, before she passed from lymphoma.

We had a nice morning, the rain let up for the race, we had many participants. So many members of the community came out to support Elizabeth!

It was wonderful to see so many faces that I hadn't see in way too long.

Thank you so much for coming out to support Elizabeth. She has a bright strong future ahead of her :)

Run On E!

MDRA Run Classes!

This spring I will be coaching MDRA beginning women’s running classes in Maple Grove instead of Edina. I loved to coach the Edina classes, but alas, the commute just became too much of a hassle. Our class began at 6 PM and I would have to leave home by 415 to arrive on time. Two hours is too much for a 54 mile drive.

I am so glad to be able to coach the Maple Grove class. Maple Grove is only 30 minutes from home so the commute is a non-issue. I was introduced to the coaches over coffee last month and can’t wait to begin!

If you are interested please go to MDRA and register. We are meeting in the Maple Grove Senior High School, Room 255 April 7-May 26 from 6-8 PM.

We will have a blast!!