It’s cloudy, windy, rainy and 38 degrees out. Walking 2.5 miles was the last thing on my mind today. But alas, I laced up my pink and black nikes, put on some stretchy pants, and slid into my blue hoodie.

The first mile was awful. The cold breeze was blowing in my face and I couldn’t keep my hands warm (note to self: knit gloves). I was miserable and just wanted to go back home.

To make the walk even more enjoyable, starting at the 1.5 mile mark my remaining path was all up hill. For the more experienced walker/runner, think of a 1.0 incline on a treadmill. But to me, it was going up the side of a mountain.

I tried to go faster to end my misery quickly but I just ended up with a slight cramp in my right calf. As I stopped to tie my shoelace and stretch my leg, I saw him coming towards me.

Actually barreling at me. His leg movements, fast and frantic, were worthy of a grant from the Ministry of Silly Walks. I just finished tying my shoelace when his 2 large front paws crashed into my chest, knocking me promptly on my butt.  I looked up and got a big sloppy kiss on the mouth. 

I learned my harasser’s name is Clint, a playful 10 week old yellow Lab who lives in my neighborhood.

It is not possible to have bad thoughts when an adorable puppy crosses your path, especially one who gives great hugs and loves to snuggle. Clint was what I needed to snap me out of the whiny hole I was digging. The truth is I felt great after the walk and can’t wait until tomorrow’s walk.

That’s what I need to remember the next time I start to whine. That, and my new friend Clint.