Timber - The Trail running Lab!

2007-06-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys, I know...I know....I have been a horrible blogger lately. But, I have a good excuse.....mom is 7 months pregnant!!!! The bad part of that is I don't get taken on long luxurious trail runs quite as often as I would like. Mom is trying to keep up with her trail running but it is slowly but surely turning into hiking. Which is not bad, but I can't wait to get my paws rumbling through the trails on a regular basis again. In the meantime, we are just waiting for the arrival of my new little sister. The first baby of the family! I am hoping Dad will make a saddle that I can wear and strap little Talia on to show her what trail running is all about....I suppose mom wouldn't like seeing her newborn being flung across the trails on the back of a giant yellow lab..........I will keep dreaming though....until next time.....keep running like the wind and enjoying every second of it!

2006-09-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaaack

Things are going great around the yellowbus household. I got Mom and Dad new Mountain bikes. I can't keep up with them when they ride the trails, so I have to stay home when they ride. Which is fine with me, I need time for my mega naps every now and then. Plus, when they are out there riding, I know they are having fun, which makes me happy. This is Mom's first Mountain Bike. She got a Gary Fisher Big Sur. She is catching on really quickly and just loves it. She used to do a lot of road riding, but is now asking herself why she never started Mountain Biking. She is fully addicted. Dad is being very patient with her and teaching her lots of different skills. He used to do a lot of Mountain Biking in his days and is very happy to be on the trails again. The bike he got is the GT Avalanche 1.0. It is an amazing bike for a really great price. Dad is very pleased with his bike. I have already entered Mom and Dad into a race in December. Mountain Biking is so great for cross training because it helps build strength in the old quads. They can already feel the difference climbing the hills when trail running.
Speaking of trail running, we went on a kick ass trail yesterday. It is in South Mountain Park in Phoenix and starts on the north side of South Mountain at 19th Ave. It goes on for miles because it connects to many other trails. It is the perfect training ground because it has a mixture of steep climbs, technical downhill and long sections for endurance. I was in heaven on this trail yesterday.

Below are the pictures:

This first picture is a view of the trail - to get to this point we had to climb over the mountain in the back ground.

Ahhhhh, resting in the shade.

This picture gives you an idea of the different types of terrain this trail has to offer.

Yeah - I look good.

Come on, hurry it up folks - I am waitin' for ya.

Okay, so some of you may think I look exhausted in this picture...but the truth is I am showing Mom and Dad some new stretches....I swear.

I am so glad it has finally started to cool off in AZ. Mom and Dad are finally starting to get into the nitty gritty of their ultra training. They even have a trail race to look forward to on Oct 14th! With the long runs, steep hikes and mountain biking, I know they will be ready!

Stay happy folks and keep living large - I know I will!!

2006-09-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

I miss you

Hello my fine friends! Sorry it has been so long since I have updated. My mom started a new job and is unable to e-mail or "goof off" at her new job so she is now on the computer at night, which leaves less time for me to blog. So sad....but I will make it. I am a happy camper. I have lots of things to update you on - the race my parents just did - our trip to South Dakota - Mom and Dad's Mtn Biking adventures and our upcoming trips. So no worries, I will be back. I just have to keep staring at mom even more so she gets off the computer and I can write. Ya all come back now - ya hear?

2006-08-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

Trail

Here is a picture of the trail we ran on a week ago. I recommend it. It is like running in Ireland.

2006-08-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

Running on the green

Whew, what a FANTASTIC trip. The only bummer is that I forgot batteries for my digital camera so I was unable to take pictures of our running adventures. I had a great time this past weekend. Started off with an excellent drive up north. I stayed awake the entire time, I was so excited to get up to the cool weather. Once we got there, I got to see Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Koda. Koda is also a yellow lab. He is a little scared of me. I get so happy to see him that I charge at him and it scares him so he barks at me, which scares me and makes me bark. Ah man, but I love him, I think we will work out our differences one of these days. We spent Friday night just chillin'. And woke up the next day to muddy trails and rain. We did not let this spoil our fun though and we ended up going on a quick run in Greer, Az. It was beautiful. We ran up a forest road that over looked the town. The next day is when we got to go on an amazing trail run. The trail we ran on is 21 miles long, we did not run that far, but it was one of the best we have been on in North Eastern Arizona. I felt like I was running in Ireland. We ran across a very large meadow with mountains surrounding us. I read a sign that said we were in wolfe country so that was a little scary, although, I tried to pretend like it didn't bother me. Man oh Man, it felt good to run on the trails. I lept through puddles , jumped over rocks, and flew up and down the hills. It was amazing. I felt so refreshed when I was done. After our run we headed back down to Phoenix. I slept the entire way dreaming of my run. I can't wait until it cools off here so we can spend more time on the trails and I can run wild!

2006-08-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Quick Update
Hey Folks, sorry for the long delay in between writings. It has been a busy week around here. I haven't been able to get on the computer much. Mom, is looking for a new job and is ALWAYS on the computer so it is hard for me to update. Put good thoughts out there for mom!
This weekend should be great, we are going on a family camping trip up in North Eastern Arizona. Ahhhh, the cool mountains here we come. You know what cool mountains equal - TRAIL RUNNING!!!! Yayyyy. I will be sure to post some pictures after our trip!

2006-07-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

New Products

Mmmm mmmm - as much as I like licking the salt off of Dad's face after a long AZ run, I have to admit he is too salty! Yucko! I went to Runner's Den yesterday and purchased my parents two Runner's Den visors. They have a really great sweat stopper on the inner lining. No more burning eyes for the parents and no more super salty kisses for me. Perfect. I also signed Mom and Dad up for a REI credit card. With each REI purchase they get 10% back in REI credits to use. They love that store. Don't tell anyone, but they often go to REI and just walk around on the weekends for something to do. That is what they call entertainment. A far cry from the old partying days for sure! Check out my picture below, it is of me showing Mom and Dad how cool their new hats are. I was licking my lips because I than tried to eat the hat after I took this picture, I can't stop myself, I am a lab.

2006-07-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad

This is a picture of me taking care of my Dad after our morning birthday run!

2006-07-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Cross Training..

Last year Mom and Dad made the mistake of not doing any weight training or cross training. Mom got servere ITBS and could not run for weeks. Dad ended up having lots of foot problems. Now that I am their coach, I am changing that. Each week I have them both lifting weights twice a week and doing one day of cross training. Tuesdays and Thursdays after their run I shuffle them into the weight room/office and make them do their excercises. It is important that they stay strong so they can keep up with my energy. Although I do have to admit, when mom was riding the bike today, it was tough for me. I wanted to be out there running so bad, but knew it was best for mom to build her leg muscles and do some cross training. So, I just stared at her and walked around her about 20 times hoping the time would go by faster. I feel that if she knows I am there for her while she rides, she will keep it up. I can tell Mom feels alot better including weight and cross training into her regimen. She has been able to keep injuries at bay and feels really strong. Gosh, I am a good coach! I also do strength training myself which includes pulling my parents along the trail, chasing after dogs and holding items in my mouth - such as socks and paper really tight so that Mom cannot get them from me. Yeah, I am pretty buff.

2006-07-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

They really love me...
Just a quick update, this past weekend heaven was built in my backyard. The parents say I have two weeks until I can go out back ...oooooh, I am so excited. I keep imagining all of the rolling, running and eating I will be doing!!

2006-07-13T14:22:00.000-07:00

Deep thoughts by the Big Yellow Bus
My parents are so into their shoes, as I mentioned before my mom loves her Asics and my dad loves his Brooks. But, I have to tell you - I came built in with the best running shoes of them them all. Sure, cougars and leopards can get up and go, but we basically wear the same treads and I bet after training for this big 50k, I'll be able to out-hike those hoity-toity, big-game cats any day.

LABS ROCK!!!

It may seem like all I talk about is the heat, but if you wore a fur coat 24/7, you would understand why it is always on my mind. Today we ran at 5:30am and it was already 90 degrees!!! Yikes!!! That is really the hottest I can run in, even then it is pushing it. Mom is like - "Timber...drink your water.....Timberrrrrrr...drink your waterrrr" - hee hee, makes me giggle. She is such a worry wart. Dad hasn't been running with us most of the week due to the fact that he has been prepping the lawn for something. Maybe he's putting in one of those green lawns like the one that I pee on nextdoor? Right now the soil is tilled and cool and has some tastey treats mixed into it. The bag reads, "forest compost" or something like that... but who's got time for reading when there's so many new scents to submit to memory. Laying on cool tilled dirt is how I like to roll when it's 110 outside. Now if I can just get dad to spill some beer on the porch, I'll be in hog heaven.
L8R peeps - Keep on keepin on - I think I just heard the pizza guy ring the doorbell and I just love the smell of pizza in the evening as I chase that poor sucker back to his humie-hauler before mom has time to tip 'im. Ahhhhh, the life of a dog....sweeeet!!!

2006-07-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

Feeling hot - hot - hot....

I can't wait until it cools off so we can get on the trails. There are so many great trails in the Phoenix area. South Mountain is right in our back yard and still has a few secret areas that the general public does not know about. We have yet to explore much of the Estrellas but plan to soon. Our favorite trail though is in the White Tanks - it is the Radio Tower hike via the Goat Trail. It is just under 8 miles, but includes a steady climb all the way to the top which is great for mom and dad's legs. Plus, it is gorgeous. It is Arizona desert at its best. We have even been lucky enough to see a group of deer just off the the goat trail. What a sight to see just 45 minutes from Phoenix. We only recommend this trail be done in cool weather. There are large ravines of boulders throughout this hike that radiate heat from the sun, making it extremely hot. Mom and Dad learned their lesson the hard way....as did I....gulp!
Speaking of heat....mom and dad love me so much that they are finally putting in a backyard. They spent all day this past Saturday outside in the 100+ degree weather raking, tilling and putting in top soil to prepare for the sod. If that isn't love, I don't know what else is.
I am off to go sniff around. Too da loo!

2006-07-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Nothing like lounging on the tile after a hot Saturday morning run!
Hello Buddies! Our run was great this morning, I pulled my parents along the entire way. My parents love Saturday runs, they kick off the weekend just right. The only problem was the heat. It was so darn hot outside and since dogs don't sweat like humans, I need to be careful out there. We are going to start getting up earlier in the mornings. My parents are always very cautious about not letting me over heat, but if we run before 6am we should be in the clear. Now, I am going to have to be even louder in the mornings to get them up! But, they agree, we will now run at 5am. Score!!!!! Little do they know, I will now start trying to get them up at 4am! Oooooh, I love it!
Dad started off with his arch hurting him again this morning. However, once he got warmed up, he started to feel good. He really likes his new Brooks Dyad 4 shoes. Mom has her eye on some new trail running shoes. She is looking at the Vasque Velocity . She needs a good motion control shoe as she overpronates. She really likes her road shoes, the Asics Gel Foundation . She has been wearing Asics since running on the cross country team in high school. If anyone has any recommendations for trail running shoes please comment!
Okay, enough about shoes. I had mom take some pictures of me after our run so I can show everyone what I look like after a hot run in AZ. Notice the fan and the cool towel around my neck. After a run, I just feel so fresh and happy!

Check out my cool watch!

I feeeeeeeeeeeel good!

From the movie Tommy Boy......"Luke I am yourrr faaathhher"

This is me being silly!

Have a great weekend everyone...get out there and enjoy life!!!

2006-07-06T09:44:00.001-07:00

The parents are away, now I can play....
Good Morning my fellow adventurers. So, I have this new game......every time mom opens her sock drawer, I dive in.....take a sock and run away. She then has to chase me all around. She now tries to ignore me when I do this, but before you know it....there she is saying...give...give...give...finally I drop the sock and the game is over. I don't understand why she doesn't think it is fun. Personally, I love it.
Mom and Dad both got new shoes last night so Dad was able to join us on our morning run. It went well. The talk around the house is all about trail running now. I have 8 months to coach them into shape. They already have a pretty good base and each week we will just slowly increase the mileage. Once it cools down a bit, we will be able to spend longer amounts of time on the trails. We plan to get in lots of trail running and steep hiking. I truly can't wait!! Tonight, I will make sure they lift weights. Alright, folks, time to take my nap. Happy trails to you!

2006-07-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhh - how lucky am I? Another cloudy "cool" day in Arizona. Just my mom and I ran today. Dad's arch is hurting him, he definitely needs some new shoes. It was nice to run with mom though. I could tell she was feeling good. She said she had a "runners high". Hellooooooooooooooooo, I get that everyday. But, she was pretty happy about that. It was sprinkling outside, so we took a deep breath in and ran like the wind today - enjoying every moment of it. A cloudy day in Arizona is rare, so we like to take advantage of it when we can. When we got home from the run, the kitchen was sparkling clean. Turns out Dad cleans the kitchen if he doesn't run in the morning. I told mom not to get any ideas as I like when dad comes along on the runs - and she does too. Well, over and out for now. Until next time my friends....keep living it up!

2006-07-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

A Perfect Run for a Perfect 4th of July!
Happy July 4th everybody!!! Today I got my parents up at 6am for a lovely 4th of July run. It was actually quite nice outside as the clouds were covering the hot... hot... hot sun. I think we all felt pretty good though. Mom is recovering from a hip flexor injury and today was the first day she could run without feeling any twinges. Dad needs new running shoes, so he was hobbling a little. We have not gotten into the nitty gritty training for the 50k but, I know each week we are going to run and hike longer and longer and I will just keep getting happier and happier. Have a great day everyone!! I am off to beg for some treats!

2006-07-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Trail running, hiking, biking, camping - that's me!

My name is Timber and I'm a yellow lab! I will be updating here often to tell you about the adventures of my mom and dad. They are currently training for their first 50K run and I will be joining them on all their training runs. I am pretty much their coach. Bright and early I sit by their bed and stare at them until they wake up. I purposely make noises and scratch myself all over in hopes they will finally get up. Once they do, I run straight for the door. I am ALWAYS ready for a good run. Stay tuned to hear all about our adventures as a family on the trails of Arizona.