DISTANCE: 10.21 km  DURATION: 1:02:10
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Happy Friday Sam! I am fairly confident in the following statement; Spring is here! And with the return of Spring, comes the return of trail running. Sam and I ran a trail trial last week, and things were looking good, so I was bummed at the snow we got on Monday. Thankfully, the melt happened quick, and it's been dry since. I was also confident when I set Sam loose on the trail. We encountered plenty of mud in the shady spots, but the majority of our run was on perfect trail! I am running a Spartan Beast in Montana 2 weeks from now, so this was perfect training for me, and Sam was loving tearing up the dirt, and snacking on the leftover snow piles. He looked pretty majestic at the top of a steep hill climb; kind of like he was surveying his kingdom! Of our 10+ kilometers today, I think at least 7K were in the trails; it was awesome! As the song goes "Happy trails to you, until we meet again." Lucky for me, that's next week! See you then Sam!  The Dog business: 1 poop and many pees.

Runner: Kathy

DISTANCE: 9.52 km  DURATION: 1:07:24

I was super hyped to see my old friend Sam. I had it all planned before I even walked in the door. We were going to run fast and far. Well, I walked in the door and got that 'big Sam greeting'. I changed my mind! Why hurry? It has been a long time since I have had the pleasure of Sam’s company. We went the distance but enjoyed every second of each other's company. Today was classified as ’Living in the moment and soaking in the fun of a friend’. Sam, thanks for being you. The Doggy Business Report: 1 poop, several pees and lots of snow cones.

Runner: Michelle

DISTANCE: 7.47 km  DURATION: 58:42

It was a great day for a run with a great companion! Sam made me very sentimental as he looks almost identical to my family's old Labradoodle. I caught myself calling him by my old dog's name a few times. This boy brings new meaning to the phrase "stop and smell the roses." Even with no roses to smell, Sam took every opportunity available to smell a post, a tree, a heap of snow, and even a bird carcass on the path. I wasn't too fond of that last stop. Despite the stops to appreciate the scents of his neighbourhood, Sam and I covered some good distance through parks and residential areas. I love the Varsity area so thank you to Sam for showing me around! Can't wait for our next run together! The scoop: too many pees to count and no poo.

Runner; Alyssa

DISTANCE: 9.04 km  DURATION: 1:22:12

Hello Sam, I haven’t seen you in a very long time! I was a little worried you would be disappointed that I wasn’t your regular runner, but you just seem happy to get out. There was lots of chatting with Sam on today’s run, since I forgot my headphones, so we had a music-free Friday. It made for a very pleasant run, listening to nature and conversing with Sam (though he gave me the ‘you’re a little crazy’ look pretty regularly 😂). We took a route I’m not familiar with and got turned around a couple times, I think Sam may have been laughing at me, but he definitely wasn’t giving me any hints; good thing for smart phone maps! I had forgotten how nice a running partner Sam is; good company and a nice, even pace. Thanks for the lovely run Sam, hope to see you soon! Lots and lots of pees, and one poop for Sam.
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Runner: Janine

DISTANCE: 9.25 km  DURATION: 55:29

Happy Thursday Sam! The snow did not hold off for us so it's back to winter running conditions for us. But I have a sneaky suspicion that the trails that were too muddy to run on Tuesday will have solidified perfectly for running today; and it turned out that I was mostly right! There were sections that were still icy, but the majority were perfect running. Sam is a great trail runner, and we had a blast revisiting our favourite paths from last summer. Sam had his usual roll in the snow, and we were a tad slower because of ALL the hills, but it was a fabulous trial on the trails today! A very good wipe-down was in order before Sam grabbed his blanket and ran upstairs to sleep the snow away! See you next week Sam! Dog business: 1 poop and many pees.

​Runner: Kathy

DISTANCE: 9.88 km  DURATION: 53:36

Happy Tuesday Sam! I am LOVING this mild weather. I know it's supposed to snow again on Thursday so let's enjoy it while we can. With the melt in full swing (for now), I thought it might be time to test out the trails down by the Bow. Sam and I made a bee-line for the river pathway; I could tell Sam was itching to let loose! Sadly, the trails were extremely muddy, so it was a short dip into the hillside before Sam and I both wound up a sloppy, muddy mess! We stuck to the pathway, still having to mind our footing on some sections that have yet to get enough sun to melt. Sam raced along the drifts that were still solid enough to hold him up! All of a sudden, I lost sight of Sam! Sam is not a barker, but I heard him calling me; that little sneak jumped in the river! I guess Sam was tired of waiting for the weather to be just right. He frolicked for a while before I decided it was time to go; I mean, I have to clean him up right!? We kept up a good pace up Home Road and back to Sam's, where a very thorough wipe-down occurred! Sam's first dip of the year made for one wet dog, and runner for that matter! Hopefully, the snow holds off for our run on Thursday Sam. See you then!  Dog business: many pees​.

​Runner: Kathy

DISTANCE: 10.41 km  DURATION: 56:32

Happy Friday Sam! Our second run of the week, how wonderful! Lucky for us, the snow is holding off and it looks like we have great weather for our run. except for the windchill. My car tells me it's -9° but I would wager it feels more like -15° out there. Sam and I have faced windy conditions before. It's just a fact of life living in Calgary. Off we went, knowing that half of our run would be into a head wind, but the other half would give us a nice tail. The trick is to run into the wind first! I made the right route selection, and Sam and I battled teary eyes and frozen faces for the first 15 minutes or so. We found a sheltered path for the middle portion of our run, and got a wonderful tail wind (pun intended!) on our way back. My fingers were a little chilly so I kept my phone in my pocket today, so only before and after photos of our run were taken. Sam and I were both grateful to be inside by the end of our run, and we warmed up with some scratches, treats and dog hugs. Great run buddy!  Have a great weekend and I will see you again for 2 runs next week!! Dog business: a couple pees.

Runner: Kathy

DISTANCE: 9.28 km  DURATION: 1:16:22

Today was my first date with Sam, a gorgeous Labradoodle, itching and eager to go for a run. First things first, Sam. How about we shake paws? All right! Now we can go! Sweet Sam led the way, since this was definitely his territory. Except that he's a very strong guy and the neighbourhood was VERY icy, so I had to entreat him to go gingerly at first. We headed down to the river and Bowmont Park area. I had to get used to Sam suddenly putting on the brakes for whatever he wanted to see -- or smell -- or taste, the latter being the snow off the tops of the snowbanks. Most refreshing, I'm sure. It was a lovely day, and a good workout with this big boy. Maybe next time we'll see some crocuses under that snow (well, one can always hope!) I see there are many potential runs in the area. I hope we can run again sometime. Sam got quite dirty on our run today. I cleaned him off as best I could, as well as the floor where he brought his dirty paws. The scoop: many pees, no poos for Sam today.

​Runner: Barb

DISTANCE: 10.8 km  DURATION: 56:21

​Happy Tuesday Sam! While Lauren's away, we get a bonus run together! The sun is shining so let's make the most of it. Most routes that Sam and I run together involve crossing streets, so there is always an auto-pause or 2 on Runkeeper's end. Today, the traffic light gods smiled down on us and we hit a non-stop route! Sam has mastered the in-stride snow scoop for hydration, and the spring thaw appears to be on hold so not even a sniff break broke our stride today! No stops meant I took no in-run photos, but Sam was nice enough to do a few selfies when we finally stopped back at his house. No stops also means there is really not much to talk about on our run. I came, we leashed up, we ran, I left; after a treat or 2 of course! What a run!  See you Friday Sam.  Dog business: 1 pee before we started.

​Runner: Kathy

DISTANCE: 10.31 km. DURATION: 59:12

Happy Friday Sam! I've decided that this horrid weather we keep getting will not get me down, so let's bounce outside and get this Good Friday run going! I planned a route that would take us mostly east and west so we could avoid running into the cold blowing snow from the north. Luckily, the snow died down about 10 minutes into our run so it was much more enjoyable. I'm always quite aware of the surroundings when Sam and I run together. Although ,Sam knows who is in charge, he is a dog, and when this dog sees a rabbit, he can't help but try and catch it! So I wasn't surprised when Sam spotted none other than the Easter Bunny! I was too slow to catch him on camera; well, let me rephrase that... I was too busy trying to stay on my feet as Sam desperately tried to catch the famously camera-shy Easter Bunny. It was an all out sprint! That's okay, I needed to do some speed training anyways. Sam got some off-leash time and used it to scratch what must have been a very bad itch, and to investigate one of the largest snow balls I have ever seen! Back at Sam's house, we had the usual wipe-down and treat. Normally I would say see you in a week Sam, but lucky me I get to see you on Tuesday as well! Have a great weekend and thanks for the run!  Dog business: many pees​.

​Runner: Kathy

DISTANCE: 8.39 km. DURATION: 55:51

Hello again Mother Nature you fickle entity you. Good thing you can't keep Sam and I down! Especially since this is our last run for a couple weeks, sniff sniff. I will miss you Sam and will drench my sorrow with tequila on the beach! The beauty of crummy days like this is it's like we have all the roads and paths to ourselves. We ventured down into Bowmont, said hello to all the ducks (and there were MANY!), and enjoyed some off-leash racing around! I happen to know firsthand Sam is a well fed dog and yet if there is a snack to be found it will be in his mouth and down the hatch before I can inhale to say no. Never a dull moment! The weather really started to turn so it was time to dash home. Sam was muddy from the off-roading we did so we had to do a wet wipe followed by a dry wipe to clean him up. As soon as we were done, he gave me a lick, dashed into the living room, grabbed his queen sized blanket by his mouth, and ran off. Good plan Sam! I think I'll go home to do the same! See you soon! One poop many pees.

Runner: Lauren

DISTANCE: 8.36 km. DURATION: 52:54

It was a Jekyll and Hyde kind of weather day today. We started in summer and ended in winter. I picked up Sam and of course since it was a whole weekend between our last visit, he was extra bouncy to see me which I do love! We set out with no real plan but quickly turned it into avoiding being blown away the wind, which by the way was impossible. The wind was spiteful and turned to face us in every direction we went! We frolicked in the off-leash area for a bit in the glaring sun then made a tour of the 'hood until suddenly the blue sky was no more and the wind was extra vicious. Time to pick up that pace! We raced for home but the snow still got us before we made it. I wanted to go a little longer but the last ten minutes of the elements took it out of me. I called it a day! You can see Sam's displeasure by the darkened skies in one of the above photos! I agree Sam! See you Thursday for what appears to perhaps be an even snowier run! I'll be sure to dress for winter! No poops, many pees.

Runner: Lauren

DISATNCE: 9.03 km. DURATION: 55:14

Whew is it really only a Thursday? It’s been a long week! Might be because I’m counting down until my birthday (March babies are the best babies right Sam?) and my trip to Mexico! Either way I’m thankful to get some fresh air today with my homie Sam, and it’s a cool cloudy day which is my favourite! Usually this weather means it’s quieter outside, and it was, and my legs just always seem to work better. We were on a mission today to get some good kilometres in and we accomplished just that! Sam was more focused with less beans today but with his usual spirited gait that I try desperately to keep up with! Less ice meant more speed, and also more unearthed smells for Sam. We stopped for a few but tried to keep our focus. We spotted a few squirrels but thankfully I tend to see them first so I can brace myself for his impending excitement. We paused for a little off-leash because it’s our fave and I continued to test the new settings on my camera! See you next week friend! One poop many pees.

Runner: Lauren

DISTANCE: 7.17 km  DURATION: 55:00

I surprised Sam with an early morning run today and boy did he have a case of the beans! Apparently, he had been trying to play all morning so I think a morning run was perfectly planned! It was full speed ahead when we got going but the sidewalks were treacherous so I decided that we should try to get as much off-leash time as possible today to exhaust his energy! We hit Bowmont and Sam just had a ball. We ran into a group of dogs that were not being friendly towards him but one quick call of Sam's name and he was by my side, so well- behaved! We were mostly on snowy single track and with some steep hills down I was not moving quick. Sam probably out ran me by an extra couple of kilometres. I paused the app to take pictures with my new phone of him and forgot to restart until about 20 minutes later - so The actual time is 55 minutes! We hit the 53rd St. dog park because it also looked quiet and ran into a dog that I tried to steer clear of but then Sam and this dog raced around and had the most epic play in the snow. I’ve never seen ​him have so much fun with another dog. I didn’t want to push any luck so after a few minutes we headed home! Great run today Sam. See you Thursday! No poops to report but the usual many pees.

Runner: Lauren

DISTANCE: 7.54 km  DURATION: 56:51

Happy Birthday Sam!! The big five this year woot woot, in dog years that makes you, 35? You’re older than me! Okay, it’s not actually until Sunday but we are celebrating today. How you ask? Well first anywhere Sam wanted to go today we went, I let him set the path. We often ended up in a lot of snow. I only fell several times. Then we obviously had to have some off- leash time with a game of our snowball catch and a few big rolls in the snow (I let him roll alone). We stopped to sniff everything of course. It was a slower run today because of path conditions and having too much fun. We rounded out the celebration run with a happy birthday treat (all natural, probably healthier than any cookie I’ve ever eaten) which he was extremely excited for. Not the manliest colour cookie but hey Sam doesn’t judge! One big birthday poop and marking all of his sniff spots!

​Runner: Lauren