Blizzard-like conditions here yesterday dictated I run by the numbers: Degrees: 25
Feels like: 10
Winds: 60 mph
Shirts: 2
Jackets: 2
Sock pairs: 2
Glove pairs: 2
Treadmills: 0
Still froze my ass off.
I expect today to be even worse as I have a Tempo run planned. I like to run these type of workouts at Carrier Park, which sits right next to the French Broad River. Most of the year, this is an ideal run spot, and I'm surprised it's not jammed packed with more runners. Especially barefoot runners.
The path around the main park measures just over a mile and it's relatively flat. Bark covered trail gives way to bike path, and connectors to other adjacent parks. Great for recovery runs, and tempo work. Also, it's about the only flat ground in Asheville. However, you run at your own risk: snow, ice, flooding. They have it all. You can literally star in your own private disaster movie. Minus Dennis Quaid.
Anyway. Moving right along on to the "small rodents' part of my post...(There's just no easy segueway to this, is there?)
We have the sweetest little guinea pig. Just look at her. Awwwww... Well, a few days ago she suddenly stopped using her back legs, and began pulling herself around using her front legs. Then they stopped working, too. It is so sad. I finally consulted Google and found a site that described the exact phenomenon that had happened to our little guinea pig.
"There is a kind of paralysis that can occur in guinea pigs which is a great puzzle and no one has ever been able to give me the answer to the question why. It happens very quickly, over night as a rule. You will wake up to find the animal down at the back, pulling itself along by it's front legs. In all other respects it is alert, lively and as keen to get stuck into it's breakfast as ever."
This is it! This is what happened. She still seems happy and healthy, she just can't use her legs.
The article goes on to say:
"The cure, and it invariably works, for the over night paralysis are heavy doses of calcium, in the shape of Osteocare. Usually within twenty four to forty eight hours of beginning this treatment the animal begins to recover mobility."
So, we're giving her calcium, and she appears to be in the midst of a full recovery. ...
And that's the story of how I came to be able to cure guinea pig paralysis.
The End.
Do I need to call you "Doctor Psyche" from now on?
ReplyDeleteMaybe she is just sick of the "treadmill"? Take her out to the trail with you. You could start a whole new fad. There seems to be a plethora of "guinnea pig" jokes here. Seriously though, I am glad to hear she in on the path to recovery.
ReplyDeleteAs far as distaster goes... you might not have Dennis Quaid, but fortunately you don't have Randy Quaid either:) I hear they come as a package deal.
Way to get out there and brave the elements, think of how much you grow each time you succeed in this way!!!!
Who knew guinea pigs could get that, I love it when I learn something new everyday!! Not that my cat would ever allow a guinea pig in our house. Sorry Dennis wasn't there to help solve the mystery...I'm sure he would have solved that in a heartbeat and you could have drooled awhile. Next time. Tempo run will keep ya warmer than a slow, recovery run :). Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteYou're like the guinea pig whisperer. And here's an awkward segueway too: When I was in Ecuador for a wedding, I found out that guinea pigs are a delicacy there.
ReplyDelete*Shudder*
It is flipping cold here too!! Great job and getting your butt out there:) So, your guinea pig is really cute:) My daughter bugged us so many times to get one, but my hubby said no way! I hope that you have a great tempo run today:)
ReplyDeleteBizarre!
ReplyDeleteCalcium? Seriously?
ReplyDeleteDreadmills are not as bad as you think.
ReplyDeleteI have had great success with them.
I mainly use them in the dead of winter where it just becomes counter productive to run outside.
Never seen a guinea pig during a run. But have seen.
Snakes
Vultures
Eagles
Skunks
Fire ants... they hurt