Exercise
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Dear Frankie,
I couldn’t wait to start running on the track again. As soon as the weather warmed up, my mom took me to the park so I could do my usual three laps.
On the way home, she asked, “Are you OK?”
I wondered why, and she said, “Because you could hardly breathe when you left the track, and your timing was way off.”
I told her I was just pacing myself, but honestly, it took a month of running three times a week and exercising before I could get back to my old speed.
Do you think spending the winter on the couch watching Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin reruns is to blame?
Felix
Dear Felix,
Like they say, “Use it or lose it.” It’s surprising how fast you can lose your fitness.
I’m glad you stuck with it and got back into shape. Now the challenge is to keep it up during the winter.
Have you considered working as a mall security dog walker? I know someone who does that during the holidays, and she walks and runs miles every day. It’s good exercise, plus you earn some extra money and get to meet interesting people and fellow canines.
Best, Frankie
© 2026 Geneva Woodruff
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