DISTANCE: 6.54 km  DURATION: 54:30

First run back after two weeks in Scotland! Ria was bouncing off the walls when I first walked in so that was a very warm welcome and off we went! It's Ria's last run for a while so I wanted to maximize our company and we went to all our favourite spots today-which of course as we all know included the river! Oh sweet Ria I will miss you! Lots of pets and treats were had including one of me trying to get her inside after her run. She wasn't ready yet! Also had to take one more little team photo of us! Hope to see you around the neighbourhood!

Runner: Lauren

DISTANCE: 6.19 km   DURATION: 1:04:30

Run with the wind.. Ria once again greeted me with smiles at the door, and we were off on our windy run! After 2 poops and 3+ pees, we were on our way. We headed along the river and crossed over at the Crowchild Bridge. Ria loved sniffing about and also took a moment to roll around in the crisp leaves a couple times. We passed a couple dogs, however only one seemed to pique Ria's interest, but with little leash at her disposal. It was an uneventful passing. We also encountered many people, cyclists and strollers with nothing to note. Ria was a bit sneaky and her keen nose was able to pick out a french fry, and before I had a chance to redirect...she had herself a little snack! Another great run with Ria on a beautiful fall day!

Runner: Christine

DISTANCE: 6.65 km  DURATION: 1:15:19

Ria and I went on an early morning run through Riley Park and and then along McHugh Bluff. We took many breaks for Ria to sniff around and even just to roll in the grass! We also stopped to enjoy the local street art throughout Sunnyside. On our way back we ran along Memorial Trail where we saw lots of beautiful flower beds and foliage for sniffing. 3 poops and lots of pees

Runner: Melanie

DISTANCE: 6.69 km  DURATION: 59:45

Today was a wonderfully wet adventure with Ria. What a sweet girl! We started off slow with 2 poops and 2 pees towards the first half of our time together, then continued on our leisurely jog with many, many stops to sniff...there must be so many new scents with all of the newly fallen leaves! We did not come across any other dogs, but did pass by several other joggers and some cyclists, all without acknowledgement from Ria. We had a chance to check out the amazing view near the McHugh Bluff stairs, and Ria was kind enough to let me take her photo there! Great first run together!

Runner: Christine

DISTANCE:  8 km   DURATION: 1:11:00

I greeted Ria from outside her house and she enthusiastically replied "woof woof." When I entered her house, she gave me a hug and I buried myself in her luxurious fur coat. Right away, Ria headed out the door to explore. She led us to where the best scents were coming from and that was in the direction of Higher Grounds in Kensington where they serve yummy pastries and coffee. Ria's nose then pointed in another direction with the goal of taking me to an overpass, onto a path and up and over a bridge.  After a good mix of sprint, running, and walking, we paused.  A young student asked if she could pet Ria's fluffy fur.  She also commented on Ria's beautiful eyes.  I mentioned how Ria has amazing eye contact.  Eye contact is very rare today with everyone looking at their cell phones. We chuckled and she managed to take a pic or two. On our jaunt home, a pleasant voice called out "Is that Ria?" and we both looked over our shoulder, "Yes" and gave a friendly smile and wave!  Today, Ria definitely deserved her salmon treats.  Doggy Business: 2 poops and several pees.  Unfortunately there is no map today as I had some gremlins in my Runkeeper app.

Runner: Denise

DISTANCE: 8.30 km   DURATION: 1:19:48

Today I met Ria for the first time. Hearing a bark from indoors upon unlocking the door I say, "Hi Ria I'm here"! Around the corner of the door is Ria all fluffy and even more "SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS" in person. We exchange hugs for licks, and it looks like she is ready to embrace a new day in the great outdoors. Ria made tracks and off we went! She paced briskly in a definite "go-ahead" manner. then we accelerated together heading to the Bow. Once there, Ria's ears perked to the burst of sounds from the ducks and geese. We headed in for a closer view. We decided to pause and just breathe. Next I sensed from a pull, Ria's mission was to take a quick dip in the river to cool off before returning home. I made sure she drank from bottled water just to be safe. and then we were homeward bound.   The scoop: 1 poo and 7 pees.

Runner: Denise

DISTANCE: 6.31 km  DURATION: 1:00:44

Oh no! Lauren has a bum knee today. We hope she's on the mend quick, but that meant I got to run Ria today! Everything about today's run was gorgeous! And although I was a little trigger happy with the photos, I'm realizing I didn't even come close to capturing all the beautiful sights. First, we noticed the glistening water of the Bow River. From there, we headed up the stairs by the curling club and ran along Crescent Road where we were treated to amazing views of the city for blocks and blocks! We ran through Patrick Burns and Riley Parks where the flowers are still in full bloom. And then as we approached home, we came across Ria's mom It clicked right away why Ria was smiling up at this person! Which brings me to the most obvious gorgeous thing about my run, the beautiful Ria! Doggy business: three poops and several pees.

Runner: Tammy

DISTANCE: 7.06 km  DURATION: 51:37

It seems like Fall is here! At first glance this makes me sad as I love the summer warmth and fun. That being said, Fall is my favourite time of year for running! I think it might be Ria's too as we both had a little extra pep in our steps today! We surpassed 7km for the first time in a long time and boy did it feel good! Part of our routine is that she almost on cue knows when the run is about to wrap up and 5 minutes before getting home she always plops herself in the grass for some pets. I always oblige so now she seems to know when we are near the end better than me! Nothing eventful on our run just enjoyed the coolness and adventure through the neighbourhood to check out all the pretty houses! One poop four pees today!

Runner: Lauren

DISTANCE: 6.30 km  DURATION: 51:28

By 7:45am today I had driven to work, forgotten my phone, driven home and back to work, realized I forgot my breakfast and lunch at home, decided not to drive home again and then the water filtration system in our work kitchen sprung a massive leak in front of me and started flooding the kitchen. I was a bit frazzled to say the least. I decided that today instead of letting this get to me, I would embrace it and appreciate my run for whatever it was going to be. We would run when we felt like running, roll around in the grass and most importantly stop and smell the roses (or in Ria's case smell everything). So we did just that and I think it was exactly what both Ria and I needed today. We had to take a step back, and be grateful for all the things that go RIGHT and for our combined six legs that stride for the stride center us. Thanks Ria! I am also thankful for all the funny pictures we snapped today! One poop many pees!

Runner: Lauren

DISTANCE: 6.90 km  DURATION: 53:51

Long time no see Miss Ria! She was raring to go when we left but soon wanted to stop for all the exciting smells. We had to have a couple of heart to hearts and negotiated some running into the mix as well! It was a wee bit challenging to begin with as I wasn't having a great morning but we soon got into our groove and all was okay! We just had to find each other again as it had been a while since we have run together. It was a nice jaunt and I knew that taking her for a long dip in the water would make her happy and in turn make me happy! Nothing else too eventful, three pees and two very mucousy poops. Looking forward to working on getting to know her better again on Thursday!

Runner: Lauren

DISTANCE: 6.98 km DURATION: 1:00:05

Ria is a hill diva!! Today we decided to tackle the 10th Street hill. I mentioned to Ria when I first picked her up that I had missed a hill day in my race training cycle. She looked at me in such a way that I knew I couldn't get away with it, so we decided to do the hill. I also know that Ria loves the pathway on Crescent Road, so it was a win-win! Ria ran so well today on that path! It stopped raining as soon as I picked her up and we even enjoyed a burst of sunlight. We had great views, wonderful conversation and some great contemplative moments. Sometimes I find running with a furry companion almost meditative! Ria loved running down the hill and we made it down fast! We then of course finished our run with a dip in the Bow at our usual spot. I have to go back to teaching next week so today was my last day with Ria. I am going to miss her! She is so sweet and loving and a great running partner! Until next time my Bow River Ria!!!❤️ Business: 1 poop and many pees.

Runner:  Rachel

DISTANCE: 6.68 KM  DURATION: 56:04

"To be or not to be, that is the question!" Well the question of where we were going to go on our run! To be park wanderers, pathway runners or urban explorers ? We decided on all three ! We visited Prince's island park, ran along the Bow, over the Peace and 10th street bridges and ran through Kensington! While on the island we ran through the venue of Shakespeare in the Park, where we paused to take it all in! Thinking about the great man, we realized that "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves." So we continued with our run! Ria loves exploring the pathways, running alongside me and the occasional exploration stop. Ria is so loving and when we pause to take a quick picture she always loves when I scratch her head, I even get a few gentle kisses ! We looped through the park and headed back to our usual Bow River dip area before heading home. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." Well if it was called Ria, it would smell sweeter! Business: 1 poop and many pees.

Runner:  Rachel

DISTANCE: 6.12 km  DURATION: 1:02:51

I love starting my mornings off by running with Ria! She is so loving and just loves exploring the city. Today we decided to head through Kensington and tackle a hill! Ria was on top of the world.... Well, kind of, she was on top of Calgary!!! We paused to sniff the grass and take in the view of the city skyline before we continued along Crescent Road. Ria did a wonderful job of running along the path! The nice part about turning around was that we got to run down the hill that we just ran up! I think Ria enjoyed that as much as I did as she kept a great pace on the way down. A run with Ria wouldn't be a run with Ria unless we visited the Bow! We finished off with a nice cool down in the river, just like the Olympic athletes taking ice baths after exercising, so too does Ria (well, substitute the river for ice). Although Ria was tired when I dropped her off, it was very endearing to see her run back through the door to give me one last cuddle before I left! Until next time - Miss Bow River Ria! Business:: 2 poops and many pees.

Runner: Rachel

DISTANCE: 6.90 km  DURATION: 57:24

Ria and I got off to an early start to beat the heat!! Ria and I are becoming quite the running team! She greeted me at the door with her tail wagging and a few little licks and I knew it was going to be a great run! We started by running through Kensington and into Riley Park. Ria spotted fresh grass and we took off as if we were in a race. We paused briefly by the wading pool and Ria looked longingly at it, Good thing I know Ria and I mentioned we would hit the river instead. We made our way to the river pathway so that my Bow River Ria could make a splash and cool down! I love our pathway system here in Calgary and it always feels cooler running beside the river! We headed over the Peace Bridge and started to turn back for home ! I secretly love when we have to stop and wait at crosswalks as Ria sits so nicely, and I love when she looks up at me smiling, excited to continue, and sometimes I even get gentle kisses on my legs! I can tell that Ria loves roaming around on the paths! See you Thursday ! Business Report: 2 poops and multiple pees!

Runner: Rachel

DISTANCE: 7.46 km  DURATION: 1:05:11

I was very excited to see Ria this morning and it was very heartwarming to see how excited she was to see me and to know that she was going to go for a run. We decided that we would like to explore Prince's Island Park, so we headed in that direction. It was the perfect day for a run, not too hot with a little bit of rain here and there to cool us off. Around the corner we spotted a production company shooting a commercial. Ria looked up at me and I could tell that she would be a wonderful movie star! We stopped for a quick pose and continued on the lawn around them. When Ria felt the cool, wet grass on her feet, she energized! We frolicked in the grass as we made our way past and I couldn't help but think of how she reminded me of a fox bounding in the grass, she does have beautiful red fur like a fox. I couldn't help but feel relaxed running beside her. A nice steady pace and a loyal furry companion was the perfect start to my morning! See you Tuesday Ria! Business: 2 poops and many pees!

Runner: Rachel