Sasha is a great dog and runs better off the lead than on the lead, but in the streets mostly I keep her on the lead for the sake of other people and dogs ( I avoid any areas where there are likely to be bikes for both her and the riders sake).
the other morning I was out for a run and came across the a couple walking their dog with my least favourite product - a retractable lead. The problem with retractable leads is that you have NO control of your dog - they are generally off exploring all by themselves with limited distraction to your walk - perfect for you but not so for others around you. Solid leads can be long and give your dog a bit of scope but at least with a solid lead you and your dog can get close and in control quickly.....
This of course is not what happened with this dog - They didn't hear me coming and I just about tripped over the dog and it's lead darting out across my path to get to Sasha! GROAN. Do not kid yourself - you have less control of your dog on a retractable lead than I have with Sasha off a lead.... She follows along often close beside me and obeys the commands I use (mostly)...
The other problem I have at the moment is my diet.... its not really going to plan and as a result I unfortunately have gained some weight. Everyone keeps telling me I still look fit and healthy and I am but I really don't want to carry those extra kg up the hills in Canada.
So it is time for me to be the adult and stop my snacking, drink more water or green tea and less coffee. I am back to being about 77kg - still lighter than when I did my last ironman but Ideally I really would like to be about 72kg when I race so I am going to have to get smarter with my nutrition.....