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Leashes, Leaves, and Lingering Thoughts

 Got to walk with my mom 4.32 km in 56 minutes plus 19 Celsuis




Today’s walk with my mom felt like more than just a stroll—it was a quiet moment of connection wrapped in the soft rhythm of rain. As she walked ahead over the bridge, I found myself thinking about how these paths we take together can feel like metaphors for life: moving forward, sometimes uncertain, but always meaningful. The leaves along the trail were in full transition—some still green, others blazing yellow, and a few scattered at the edge of the path like memories left behind. It’s a beautiful time of year, and I’m grateful for every step we shared today.




This morning’s walk was a solid effort—I ruckered with weight the whole way, aiming for 5 km and landing just shy of it. Still, I’m proud of the numbers, and it meant a lot that my mom joined me before work to walk Dixie. She needs those early steps to feel settled, and I know how anxious she gets when the day starts to slip by without a proper outing. It’s a quiet kind of guilt that comes with dog ownership—when life gets busy and their needs get pushed aside. Today felt different, though. The rain came down, my back soaked through from the weight and weather, and I had to peel off my jacket at the park bench. But it was worth it. A shared walk, a calm dog, and a reminder that showing up—especially when it’s inconvenient—is what makes the day feel right.






The day was packed with photo ops, and one of the most memorable moments happened on the watershed dock. It was a thrilling experience—Dixie was tugging at the leash nearly the entire time, making things a bit tense. At one point, I genuinely thought she might leap straight into the water. She tried. With the weight of my backpack pressing down, I couldn’t help but imagine myself sinking like a stone if I had to dive in after her.

You can actually see the tension in the photo—the leash pulled taut as Dixie tested her limits. Despite the chaos, I still managed to snap a shot right there on the dock. A little wild, a little nerve-wracking, but totally worth it.







The walk was a quiet marvel of shifting skies—from a light drizzle to patches of blue breaking through. I half expected a downpour, but the rain passed us by with just a whisper, never quite settling in.

We paused by the waterfall, now shut off for winter, its silence a reminder of the season’s shift. Nearby, a tree lay fallen, likely a casualty of the west wind. Judging by the direction and the weight of its foliage, it seems the gusts were too much this year. I suspect decay had already begun to take its toll.

One photo stands out: my mom by the waterfall, gazing out over the watershed, while Dixie sits on the bench, staring straight into the camera—back at me. It’s the kind of moment that makes you wonder what thoughts flicker through a mind in stillness. I found myself watching the fountain’s flow, surprised it was still running. Maybe it’s the last to be turned off, helping to purify the water before it makes its way to the river. A quiet final gesture before winter fully settles in.









Despite the forecast, the trail was surprisingly dry, making for a pleasant walk down the back lane. The rain had been light, just enough to freshen the air without turning the path to mud. One section was thick with overgrown foliage, still damp from dew or the morning drizzle, so we veered onto the over-tire trail—a quieter, less tangled route. It was a small shift, but it made the walk smoother and gave us a chance to appreciate the subtle beauty of the morning: glistening leaves, soft earth, and the calm that follows a gentle rain.







Ruck Walk Recap: A Weighted Wander Through Shifting Skies

This walk was more than just steps—it was a full-body effort with a 14 kg pack strapped on, testing endurance and balance as the weather danced between drizzle and blue skies.

🏃‍♂️ Performance Highlights

  • Total Time: 56 minutes and 19 seconds
  • Moving Time: 51 minutes and 23 seconds
  • Elapsed Time: 56 minutes and 19 seconds
  • Distance: ~5.2 km (based on 5,202 steps)

⏱️ Pace & Speed

  • Average Pace: 11:54 /km
  • Best Pace: 7:14 /km
  • Average Moving Speed: 5.0 km/h
  • Max Speed: 8.3 km/h

❤️ Heart Rate

  • Average HR: 126 bpm
  • Max HR: 145 bpm

🧠 Training Effect

  • Aerobic Benefit: 2.2 (Base building)
  • Anaerobic: 0.0
  • Exercise Load: 25

🦵 Cadence & Elevation

  • Average Cadence: 88 spm
  • Max Cadence: 194 spm
  • Elevation Gain: 14 m
  • Elevation Loss: 17 m
  • Elevation Range: 925 m – 932 m

🔥 Calories & Hydration

  • Active Calories Burned: 421
  • Total Calories Burned: 518
  • Estimated Sweat Loss: 622 ml

Body Battery Impact

  • Net Energy Drain: -5

From the tension on the dock with Dixie to the quiet reflection by the waterfall, this walk was a blend of physical exertion and mental presence. The stats tell one side of the story—but the real magic was in the moments between the numbers.






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