Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas: Learn How to Protect Your Dog From Top Holiday Hazards

The holidays are supposed to be a joyous time for the whole family - and that, of course, includes your dog. Since you spend all year looking out for the health and safety of your dog, it’s important to recognize the extra hazards that pop up during the holiday season. From toxic plants to decorations that damage, a little precaution is needed to ensure things go smoothly. Recognizing the dangers, and having the tools required to deal with them, such as a DIY dog fence, is all that’s needed, so here’s what you need to know to have a happy holiday season.

Toxic Holiday Plants
Mistletoe, poinsettia, and holly are common holiday plants, but they are also toxic to dogs. When buying these for your home, go for the artificial versions. If someone gives you one of these plants, place it in a spare room that the dog doesn’t enter. Placing the plants high out-of-reach isn’t always enough, because your dog could eat fallen leaves faster than you can pick them up.

Things to Do On a Long Walk

People today are more health conscious than in the past. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take long walks on a daily basis. You can even make this time more interesting and consistent by following a few ideas suggested below.

Read
Ever wish you could find the time to read the latest bestseller? Your daily walk could be an ideal time. Today, it is easier than ever to download audio books for use on your iPod or phone. Libraries also offer audio books for free on CD.

Race Report: Rock & Root 30k

The second running of the Rock & Root 30k by the guys at Peak Mountain Sports went down at Haw Ridge Park in Oak Ridge, TN back on August 29. Yeah I know what you're thinking, wait long enough to write a report? Yeah,well when you're training for events you don't have time to blog, haha. I have to say that the Rock & Root is probably one of my favorite trail races and for a number of reasons.

The course is challenging to say the least. The Peak guys changed it up a little this year and added some extra vertical gain. There's one climb in particular called the Hill of Truth (H.O.T.) and in late August it's definitely HOT. It's a loop course and you have to run it twice. Thankfully, there is an aid station at the top of the climb put on by the Hill of Truth Hooligans. I'm always glad to reach this aid station because not only do they have water and/or electrolytes, they usually have some other libations if you so desire if you catch my drift. I call it motivation for getting up the hill.

Gear Review: Thule Capstone 32L Backpack

Some of you might have heard and even seen that Thule (luggage and car roof rack giants extraordinaire) has started making backpacks for outdoor adventures. That's right, the brand that dominates the "on top of your car" bicycle rack world and apparently luggage world has entered the outdoor scene on a new avenue. They have two new style packs that just recently launched and I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to try one out...The Thule Capstone (32L edition).

Upon arrival, I could tell this was more than just a day pack, indeed it could also be used as an adventure pack and even an overnight lightweight backpack. I couldn't wait to get it out in the field for testing but alas, wait I would have to do. Fortunately I didn't have to wait to long to really put it to the test.

Gear Review: Munk Pack Oatmeal Pouch

As an ultra marathon trail runner, I'm always looking for ways to refuel during my long training runs. We're talking runs that are anywhere from 10 to 30 miles. I'm always trying new things during my training so that come race day, I have everything dialed in and I know that what I put in my body will cooperate under that kind of physical stress.

A month or more ago, the folks at Munk Pack asked if I'd like to give their squeezable oatmeal a spin. I jumped at the opportunity. It was something new to me. Usually it's either, waffles, gels, chews, or granola bars that get me through my long runs. Having oatmeal on the trail sounds like a dream come true. It wasn't long before the squeezable pouches of heaven arrived on our doorstep.