100 Likes-- Robin's Running Playlist

Alright everyone, I'm excited to announce that we passed 100 likes on Facebook! I'm so thankful for all of you. Please keep following along and sharing.

I decided to create a little surprise for you today. I know I'm always in search of a good playlist to run to, so today I'm here to share some of my favorite running songs. There's no theme, but I think you'll enjoy the uniqueness of each song.

1. Great Day - Paul McCartney

2. Amsterdam - Peter Bjorn and John

3. Sway - Heartless Bastards

4. This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads

5. I Turn My Camera On - Spoon

6. Hold On - Alabama Shakes

7. Soak Up the Sun - Sheryl Crow

8. Your Life, Your Call - Junip

9. Mushaboom - Feist

10. Kiss - Prince

11. I Know What I Am - Band of Skulls

12. Left Hand Free - alt-J

13. Ain't Too Proud To Beg - The Temptations 

I know this playlist is a little running specific. It may not work as well for a work out in general. I hope you enjoy! Let me know if you have any good additions.

As you may have read in my first post, I'm raising funds for It's a Pittie Rescue while I train for the Starved Rock Half Marathon. This organization helps dogs like our Robin. They rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, and provide education about the breed. If you enjoy any of my posts, please share and encourage donations. You may donate through Crowdrise. There is a widget on the side of this page or you can click here. Feedback is also appreciated.

Running with Robin

You may have read my last post about how all this running got started. I think I need to elaborate a little more Robin's habits while running. She's a riot. I really need to be taking more pictures on my runs of all her little adventures. I have three stories for you today.

1. The Pizza

On one of my first runs with Robin, I was really struggling. I kept telling myself things like "when you make it to the next corn field you can walk" or "THREE MORE TELEPHONES POLES AND IT'S OVER". It was a rough run.

I could hear Robin running up behind me. She had been searching for good smells on the side of the road. When she ran past me, she had a huge grin on her face and had a full slice of pizza in her mouth. Her trot had turned into a prance as she showed off her treasure. I started laughing and forgot all about my aches and pains. The pizza remained in her mouth for the last mile and a half home. It made me giggle the rest of the time, too.

2. The Turtle Shell

This was a little bit short lived but still pretty comical. Robin had been poking around in the recently harvested corn field when we saw her pull a big hunk of dirt out of the ground. We had no idea what it was until she got closer. A foot long turtle shell! She was struggling to carry it while running so she did end up ditching it. I'm sure that if it had been pizza sized she would have carried it the rest of the way home.

All her little quirks make the runs more enjoyable, even when it's simple the sound of her paws hitting the pavement as she tries to catch up.

3. I Heart You

Okay, this is the most recent run we went on, my first 6 miler of training. Robin and I were by ourselves this time. We were probably around the two mile mark when there was an ominous deflated balloon stuck in the grass on the side of the road. It read "I Heart You" and was shaped like a heart. I saw it and didn't think much of it. Not Robin, she was horrified. What was this thing?! I'm not sure exactly what she was thinking, but she was ready to defend me from whatever this aggressive balloon decided to do. All the hair on her back was sticking straight up and she was all ears. I went over to  the balloon to show her there was no danger, but she was a little on edge for the next mile. While it was pretty comical when she got in defense mode over a balloon, I do make a point of trying to let her know that she is safe with me and that strange new things are not bad. We're going to be taking her to a trainer within the next week to work on that with her.


I hope you enjoyed my little stories today. Please let me know if there is anything you would like to hear more about. I think my stories are going to involve some new pups very soon. I'm really looking forward to meeting some foster dogs from It's a Pittie Rescue. This way my readers and donors can get to know the dogs they are helping. If you enjoy my blog and would like to make a donation to It's a Pittie Rescue, you can use the widget on the side of the page or click here. It also tremendously helps when you like the facebook page (click here) and share these posts. This organization helps dogs like our Robin. They rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, and provide education about the breed.

How the Running Began

I come from a family of runners. My dad was a cross country coach; it seemed like my brother was always out on the road throughout his youth; and my sister seems to hassle me into running with her almost every time we see each other. I was the odd ball. Even my parents' dogs Pre (after Steve Prefontaine, the famous runner) Sanuk (not after the shoe) are runners.

My dad, sister, and brother about 17 years ago

When we got our first dog Kojak, I was always pestering Axel to take him on runs. Kojak loves to run more than anything. Sadly, he's not very good on a leash and we can't trust him not to run off without one. 

Kojak frolicking in the yard. 

When Robin showed up, I didn't really expect her to be much of a runner. She kind of waddles when she walks and wasn't moving too fast at first--especially compared to Kojak. We live in the country, so Robin gets the luxury of playing in the yard without a leash or much to worry about. I had her out one morning when Axel was taking off for a jog. Without him knowing, she trotted behind him. I was in flip-flops and had no intention of trying to catch up. I waited at the end of the driveway for Axel to realize she was with him. When he came back with her, I handed him the leash and told him to give her a chance. He was a little reluctant after experiencing Kojak's disobedience, but I did persuade him in the end. She's been running ever since.

Robin had to take a break from running when we got her spayed. At the end of her recovery, something came over me. I wanted to give running one last chance. A half marathon would be just the right length to keep me motivated. A friend had just finished a marathon. I was so happy for her, but a bit self loathing at the same time. I'm capable, and I can do this.

I took Robin out on a run when she was fully recovered. Let me tell you, she is fun to watch. When she's out on the road with you, she's having a blast. She's running, jumping, chasing birds, and searching for the perfect smell.When she lags behind a little, she runs as fast as she can to catch up and gives you a big smile as she passes by. She's there as a happy distraction when I'm struggling along and has made my decision to do this much easier.

One day as we were running along, I knew what would put me over the top. I could run for her. Well, not exactly for her, but for dogs like her that need immediate care and attention. It's a Pittie Rescue had been so much help when we first found Robin. They gave us ideas to socialize her with Kojak, how to make her feel more comfortable, and how to create an environment where she would not feel scared anymore. This organization also rescues, rehabilitates, rehomes, and provides education about this breed. It was decided. I would raise funds for this rescue while I trained for the half marathon. If you would like to donate to this fundraiser, please check out the widget on the side of the page or click here.

Robin and Kojak

Robin's Story

I was on a dirt, country road a mile from home when I saw an exhausted dog trotting along side the road. I couldn't help myself; I pulled over to make sure she was okay and check her collar for a tag to see if she was was near home. I'd never seen this dog around here before. I walked around the front of my car to where she had been. She circled the car until she reached the driver side door which I'd left open. It looked comfortable, I guess, because she crawled uneasily into the driver seat.

I could not get her to budge, and she looked pretty indifferent toward me. She was tired. I did what I could to get her to move. I would have been more than content had she just moved to the passenger side.. But no.

As I got a closer look, I could see that she lacked a collar and that she had recently had pups. Where were they? Poor girl. There was a circular burn a little smaller than a dime on her face and she was pretty dusty. How had she gotten there? I almost didn't want to know.

I was stuck a mile from home with a dog in the drivers seat in my car. I called everyone I could think of to help. No one answered. I did the only thing I could think to do. I pushed the drivers seat back as far as it would go and crawled in front of her. I rode the last mile home with the door open and me hanging partially outside the car. I should add that my car is a manual just to add to the awkwardness of it all.

I'm sure we were a sight to see as I pulled into the driveway--yelling and halfway in the car with a new dog behind me. Axel, my boyfriend, was outside doing yard work. He shook his head unsurprised when he saw what I'd done.

With Axel's help, we finally pulled her out. We tried to coax her out with excited voices and treats, but in the end we had to pull her out with a spare collar and leash. She didn't come easily. 

The first week or so was a little rough. We could not get her to come inside the house. She would lay down as we tried to pull her in. No amount of treats of coaxing would work. Finally, there was a storm. I tried to get her to come inside multiple times throughout the night. She had been sleeping under the bushes. When water from the rain crept into the little nest she had made, she started to cry and was ready to come in--finally! 

I think coming inside may have been the beginning of the end for Axel's hopes of finding her a home other than our own. She quickly transformed into a loving, playful girl, and she just recently discovered cuddling. My heart melts every time I come home from work as she wiggles over to greet me with a big smile and an ever wagging tail.

As you may have read in my first post, I'm raising funds for It's a Pittie Rescue while I train for the Starved Rock Half Marathon. This organization helps dogs like our Robin. They rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, and provide education about the breed. If you enjoy any of my posts, please share and encourage donations. You may donate through Crowdrise. There is a widget on the side of this page or you can click here. Feedback is also appreciated.

Welcome to Running for Rescue!

Hi! My name is Mary. I'm an animal lover and budding runner.

You may have read a few posts on my last blog, Your Mountain is Waiting, about my adventures through Chile. I'm back again with a new agenda.

If you know me personally, you're mildly aware that I'm an avid animal lover. If you know me well, you've probably rolled your eyes at me at least once because of how over the top my love for animals can be. So get ready for that.

I've decided to run the Starved Rock Half Marathon and raise funds for It's a Pittie Rescue along the way. This rescue educates people, rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes pit bulls. They provide a wonderful service for these dogs and the community.

Race day is May 16, 2015. In the months leading up to the big day, you can expect to read about my training and pit bull loving lifestyle. You'll be getting to know my sweet pit bull, Robin, soon.  I'm sure you'll see some other pups and cute animals, too.

If you enjoy any of my posts, please share and encourage donations. You may donate through Crowdrise. There is a widget on the side of this page or you can click here. Feedback is also appreciated.