Don't Put Off Your Passion

I would love to say that triathlons are my main passion.  While I do enjoy training and racing, there are things I enjoy more.  It took me a long time to follow my passion but once I did I wondered why I waited so long to do it.

My paw print tattoo is an example
of my passion for dogs!

I have two examples I want to share with you on how I took the steps to follow my passion.  The first is my passion for dogs.  I have three awesome dogs and for many years I wanted to help other dogs in some way. I didn't really know how or what I would do but I knew I wanted to do something. I completed a 50 mile run and raised money for the Nevada SPCA.  I had heard about a running group that ran dogs from a shelter in another city.  I figured I could try this in Las Vegas.  Although the running group didn't really pan out I began running and walking dogs at the Nevada SPCA.  The first few visits were tough because it was hard to see the dogs in the kennels.  Then I began to look forward to going to see the dogs.  I would be drawn to a certain dog and was looking forward to seeing it only to find one day it was gone.  It would bring me so much happiness knowing they found a good home.  The joy of getting those dogs out for a run/walk or dip in the kiddie pool is amazing.  I can't believe I waited so long to do this.  I kept putting it off for many years and now I can't wait to get there.  This is just one example of following your passion and taking the leap! You may not know what your missing.  In this case I was missing love and sloppy dog kisses from many of my furry friends. I am a lucky women, I have more running partners than anyone I know and they don't complain one bit they just keep running. Here are some of the long time residents at the shelter that I run or walk:

Cario

Violet

Andre

Roland

Anna

Almost 20 years of my life I worked in the retail business. While I didn't hate the job, I didn't love it.  About 10 years into my career in retail I got certified to be a personal trainer. I did it mostly for myself and didn't use my certification for many years.  Finally I took the leap and quit my job, moved to Atlanta and worked as a trainer full-time.  I did this for a year not making much money but getting by.  I got an offer to go back to the retail business making a lot more money.  I took it and lasted two years before I had enough.  I didn't care how much I was making because I wasn't happy. I picked up and moved back to Las Vegas to do personal training and triathlon coaching once again. I was not sure about anything, and didn't have a job or any clients.  When I got back to Las Vegas I took every opportunity to make money. I worked for other trainers, I worked at conventions to make money, I taught classes and I kept trying to build my client base.  It didn't happen overnight, I had to live on a lot less money for a while, but I was really happy.  Slowly my client base became big enough to where I could make a pretty good living.  I don't know why it took so long to take the leap.  Maybe when I was younger I didn't have the patience to penny pinch until I could build up a client base.  It could have been the fear of the unknown or fear of failure.  I absolutely love what I do and would never go back to retail.  I have a job that is rewarding because I see people achieve goals and change their lives.

It may not be a new job for you but I believe everyone has something they are passionate about.  Many people don't take the leap because of fear, lack of time, or lack of resources.  You may have to do a little work to get things moving but if you really want it you will make time!

What if you don't know what your passion is?  Then I suggest trying different things to find what you really like.  Maybe its crafts, knitting, hiking, or children.  Volunteer for a variety of organizations to find what will make you happy.  Who knows maybe you can turn your passion into your job!  Don't wait too long, do it now rather than later trust me I wish I would have done it a long time ago!

Beat The Summer Heat With Fido

Beat The Heat With Your Mutt!

 

It is getting hot outside and if you think its hot imagine how your furry friend feels.  Try these fun things to keep Fido cool this summer:

• Instead of a walk or run take a drive to the lake.  
• Get out there early to avoid the crowds and heat.
• Even if Fido knows how to swim put a dog life vest on.  I use one for both of my dogs at the lake.  They both are good swimmers however they could see something they want to get and keep swimming.  If they get too tired a life vest will help save them.  This is unlikely to happen but better to be safe they sorry.
• If you don't have a swimming pool get a kiddie pool.  I have a small one and after a walk or run I fill it for them to cool off in.  I also put their toys in there and they love to fish them out.  Its a fun game for them and work for me......I put the toys in the pool they grab them and take them out over and over again. Like kids dogs could keep doing the same thing for a long time!
• Make ice kongs for them.  Put goodies in the kong toy and freeze it.  Give it to them outside so it does not make a mess.  I put things like cut baby carrots, celery, cottage cheese and chicken broth. Its a cool treat on a hot day and its low calorie!
• Try indoor a dog agility class indoors.  Smarty paws is a great place in Las Vegas to see if your mutt has what it takes to be the next champion or just have some fun and get some exercise.  Oh and you might get a little bit of exercise too!
• Get out early before the sun. Once the sun beats on the pavement for an extended time you can't expect your dogs to walk on the hot pavement!  Even warm pavement for smaller dogs can be uncomfortable because they are so close to the pavement they can heat up faster. 
• Look for signs of overheating in your dog.  Excessive panting can be a sign your dog is too hot.  
• Use a collapsable water dish and carry water with you. 

Have a fun, safe and healthy summer. 

The Yellow Dog Project

I walk or run my dogs on a daily basis.  I am always on the lookout for other people walking their dogs or dogs off leash.  My dog Daisy is not friendly with other dogs and tends to get excited when bicycles, skateboards, or kids running around are near.  I have found ways to occupy her with treats when I encounter a situation but it can be difficult if a dog is off leash.  I carry citronella spray in case we get approached by another dog.  It has happened a handful of times.  Most times I yell at the dog and say NO and it will run away.  The other day I was walking my dogs and I noticed a couple walking with a dog that was off leash.  This dog was a large dog and it was walking ahead of the couple. Luckily I was on the other side of the street. I was walking across the street because I was avoiding a house that I know has previously had their small dog in the front yard on occasion.  I purposely avoid these situations on my walks. The large dog off leash was looking our way and I yelled to the couple that my dog was not friendly.  They called to their dog and he came back near them.  As they approached the house with the small dog I heard a commotion. I looked back and sure enough the little dog happened to come out from the back yard because the home owner had the gate open.  The small dog approached the big dog and they started fighting.  It was over pretty quick after a couple of yelps.  I wanted to say something to both pet owners but I didn't and kept walking.  I felt bad for the dogs, it's not their fault. The fault falls on the pet owners who are neglectful. If you have your dog off leash you are being a neglectful pet parent. I realize you may think you have control of your dog but if your dog sees something instinct takes over and they may not listen to you.  I have known people who's dog got hit by a car in front of their house because they let the dog in the garage and front yard while they were hanging out there.  Their dog decided to run across the street (who knows why) and its now dead.  If you think you can take your dog hiking off leash then think again.  They could easily see a squirrel and keep chasing  it and not be able to find their way back to you.  You could come across someone like me who walks their dogs on leash and has a dog that does not like other dogs in their space.  Then a fight is bound to happen.

Keep your dog on a leash and you will keep them safe.  Lets get back to my dog Daisy who has her issues with strangers, other dogs (except for my other 2),  and fast moving objects.  She is fearful of people, loud noises and just about anything.  If someone wants to come near us out on walks I have to warn them and tell them my dog is not friendly.  This is not really true because if you meet her in the right way she is very friendly and a really sweet dog.  The problem is that she does not like to be approached.  I have worked with an animal behaviorist and I can manage her issues.  She will likely always be this way and we don't really know why.  I rescued her when she was a year.  I don't really know what happened to her during that year. I recently found this website called The Yellow Dog Project.  They are bringing awareness to dogs that need space.  A yellow dog should not be approach. Being a yellow dog does not signify a mean or aggressive dog. It just means approach with caution and give the dog space.  If you see a dog with a yellow scarf or ribbon then don't approach them. You can check out more about The Yellow Dog Project at www.theyellowdogproject.com.  

Snacks For Your Mutt That Will Keep Them Lean

We all love to give our dogs treats.  It seems to make them happy and in turn we get pleasure out of it.  What you won't get pleasure out of is the extra weight that too many treats may add onto Fido.  Use some of these tips to keep your dog healthy while still giving them treats:

• Decrease the amount of dog food you are giving them if you give them treats on a daily basis
• Try long lasting low calorie treats such as a frozen kong.  I put baby carrots in a kong with a little cottage cheese and chicken broth.  I put them in the freezer and it takes them about an hour to finish.  They stay busy and get a low calorie treat.  
• Make them work for it.  There are many toys that you can put some kibble in and it will take them a while to get a few pieces of kibbles out.  It is fun for them and keeps them busy.  
• Try things such as carrots, broccoli, and celery instead of higher calorie treats.  
• Inform yourself about the calorie content of some of the most common treats.  Some of the most common dog treats can be up to 600 calories.  Pigs ears can range from 300-600 depending on the size.  

If your dog is overweight it can cause a number of health issues.  Overweight pets can have some of the same health issues as overweight people.  Diet and exercise will keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Don't feed your dog table scraps!  Just say NO!

Let's Get Ready To Run!

Here we are headed out for our run....lol

I am currently working with an animal behaviorist with my dog Daisy.  As you know I have a passion about keeping pets at a healthy weight and active.  I run and walk with Daisy on a regular basis but I have trouble with her lunging at objects such as well almost everything!  She doesn't seem to like people when they say hello, bikes, skateboards, runners, motorcycles, kids and the list goes on.  One thing that has worked is feeding her lots of treats to distract her form these objects as they come up.  So how do I keep her at a healthy weight while feeding her so much?  Well its simple when its her meal time I feed her much less food.  This is very important to keep her at her healthy weight.  She is highly motivated with yummy treats such as hotdogs and peanut butter.  When I run with her I need to keep running when I see things that she lunges at.  Its tough to keep running while trying to feed her and distract her with food.  I have found using a hotdog works great because I can hold it and only give her a little at a time but still keep her attention.  It has worked great and hopefully we get to a point where she is distracted enough by just me talking to her and I don't need to use treats as a reward.  

The bottom line is when you are training your dog and you have to use treats as a reward then you really need to limit the real food you feed them.  Keep an eye on your dogs weight and if they look like they are gaining weight then make adjustments as needed.  Read the label on your dog food to make sure you are feeding them the appropriate amount of food to begin with.  It's a balancing act and you need to find the right balance for you and your mutt.  Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will keep him healthy and fit for a long time!

If you are looking for a great animal behaviorist I work with Crista Coppola and her website is www.dogandco.com.  

Keeping Fido Fit - It Just Might Keep You Fit Too!

King is available for adoption at the NSPCA
and he is a great runner!

I have always enjoyed staying fit and keeping my three mutts fit.  We do this by exercising every day and not over eating.  Its simple math for both animals and humans.  If you take in more than you burn off you will become overweight.

With people and pets weight gain can creep up and before you know it you or your dog can be obese!  Make sure you read the labels on your dogs food to make sure you are feeding them the appropriate amount of food each day.  Treats quickly add up the calories just like with humans who nibble on things throughout the day.  A pigs ear can add up to 600 calories depending on the size.  Find other ways to keep your mutt happy.  A simple game of tug-o-war can be fun for them.  Dogs get pleasure from licking and you can put chicken broth (low sodium) in a kong and freeze it.  Licking will keep them busy for quite some time.

Dogs can bring you so much joy but if they are overweight their lifespan may be shortened.  There life is so much shorter than ours don't shorten it even more by over feeding them.  Keep them healthy and happy.  A bonus of keeping your mutt fit is that you just might be burning more calories too!

I recently started running shelter dogs at the Nevada SPCA.  People always say to me that I am such a good person because I do this.  Little do they know that I am the one getting the most out of it.  Seeing those dogs excited to go for a run and hanging with them for a few hours brings me so much happiness. Its even better when they eventually find a home and I have to find a new shelter dog to run! I have so much fun I have actually doubled my running distance each week and I don't even feel like I am exercising that much more.  When I go to the shelter I always run more than I plan.  I have lost a few pounds in the process.  To say that I am a good person to go to the shelter is great but little does everyone know its the dogs that bring me joy each time I go run with them.

I thought this was pretty cute!

If you live in Las Vegas and want to run with me at the shelter you can.  Contact me for details.

www.coachcyndee.com
trainwithcyndee@yahoo.com
702-373-8269

Running With The Dogs - A Great Way To Get In Some Miles!

Wrigley is guaranteed to make you a better runner if you
adopt him.  He is very sweet but also very strong!  

Today I followed my passion.  I went for a 9 mile run but this run was different than any other run I have ever done.  I got so much satisfaction and joy from my run today.  I planned on running with shelter dogs today.  As I was getting ready to leave, I went through my typical pre-run routine.  I got my camelback ready.  I put on a winter headband because it was a little chilly. I got my sunglasses, Garmin, IPod,  garbage bags for dog poop, and leashes.  As I was doing this my dogs were sure it was time for them to run.  They were excited jumping up and down.  I felt a pang of guilt as I walked out the door but I knew what I was doing was a good thing.  I figured I would walk them later in the day.  I went to the Nevada SPCA a local no kill animal shelter.  I decided to run 3 different dogs 3 miles each.  I wanted to select dogs that had high energy and needed to get out and run.  My first choice was King.  He is a cattle dog mix.  King is a super sweet guy with lots of energy. I can't imagine why somebody would give him up but then again I can't imagine why anyone would give up their dog.  In my opinion its for better or worse with a pet.  You keep them through the good and bad.  We ran 3 miles and he was awesome to run with.  We kept about a 9 min.  pace.  I went back and decided to run Moon for my second dog.  She is a bully mix about one year old.  She is another sweet dog with lots of energy.  She is really skinny and I am sure being in the shelter is a little stressful for her or any dog for that matter.  Moon got me through the next 3 miles which made 6 total for me.  My next choice was Wrigley.  He is a Chow/Shepard mix.  He is so lovable and beautiful.  He is also a very strong dog.  I walked him once before so I was a little apprehensive taking him for a run because he was so strong.  I choose to put a harness on him because of his strength.  Once we started running he was great.  He was the fastest of all of the dogs I ran today.  We kept a 7:30 pace for most of the 3 miles.  He could have easily kept going.   Today my 9 mile run was one of the best runs ever.   Not only did I get exercise I was able to give a little joy to some dogs that deserve a good home.  I know all three of the dogs I ran today will find a good home.  I just hope whoever does adopt them likes to run and will take them along:)  

When I cam home my dogs had to inspect me because I smell like other dogs. Its like I am cheating on them.  They must have been mad that I left to run (with leashes and all) without them.  I came home to find my protein shake empty and remnants of it on the dog bed.  I will take part of the blame for leaving it on the counter. I am not sure who did it but I have my suspicions.  Well my dogs may not have got to run today but we did go for a 2 mile walk.  And one of them got about 15 grams of protein)