Some would say that commitment is not my strength. On the contrary, when you are dedicated to a cause – when you discover that passion, an allegiance, there is often no greater sense of commitment. I campaigned for my entire family to buy me Plymouth Fitness gift cards for the holidays so that I could commit to get fit without any barriers. Well, apparently that was not the commitment I was ready to make. On January 2nd of this year, my entire life changed. This may sound a tad dramatic (it absolutely is dramatic) but it pinpoints how I felt when I brought my eight-week-old little pup home. I wouldn’t call bringing her home a rash decision, but I also wouldn’t NOT call it a rash decision. I have known for some time that I have wanted a puppy but on this day she picked me. And just like that I had a dog. It has been one of the best things I’ve ever done but Liberty (Libby) is a handful.
Now, I completely underestimated to amount of work and commitment that a puppy would be despite having dogs growing up. Apparently, I did little to nothing to help my parents out in that respect (sorry, guys!). There is nothing like a love of a dog. It’s also the most incredible thing to see how much she loves me back, and how happy she is to see me every single time I walk into a room (even when she saw me two seconds before).
On the bright side, now that she isn’t constantly Leaky Libby (a little pee-machine) I have found a way to be back in both my training routine with Nate and in the cardio machine groove. I have discovered that playtime with Libby is a great way to get an extra dose of exercise in! I am getting stronger and I have literally never laughed harder.
Believe it or not, Libs and I actually have a lot in common…
- Libby the Lab is more of a stoop kid. She would prefer to eat grass while watching other pups run. She seems to think that running is over-rated. Obviously, I don’t eat grass but I do like vegetables and must admit running really isn’t my thing.
- I bought her a doggie kettlebell. Kettlebell swings aren’t her favorite but she carries it with her everywhere. It’s neon, of course.
- She is highly motivated by food. She will never say no to a good meal. We have that in common. I want to be lean and strong BUT the real reason I work-out is because I love food.
- She is finally getting used to how her legs work and not always falling/rolling down hills. She might even be steps ahead of me when it comes to that.
- We both like a schedule. The difference is I am used to doing things when I want. Some would classify this as selfish. I live in her world now; not mine. I think this is how real adults function.
Getting to be your best self isn’t always easy and takes commitment. A puppy is a also a HUGE commitment. I have found that working out and a puppy have both brought me joy, strength, and it hasn’t been easy but it’s completely worth it.
