Now I know how the mailman feels.

Beyond my desire to sleep, rather than exercise, other impediments have emerged to try to foil my Boogie training.

I had so enjoyed letting the walk lights guide my route downtown previously that I thought I’d take a similar approach in my rural neighbourhood.

The walk up one road was curtailed when two enormous, barking dogs came barreling out of their yard toward me, followed by the discovery of another large woofer in the middle of the next road.

Logic told me they couldn’t be vicious as their owners let them run free, but survival instinct told me to steer clear.

Two more dogs frightened me from within their own yard — one a ferocious-looking pitbull with snapping jaws and a fierce bark that repeatedly lunged itself at the fence as I walked past, with another beast alongside expressing its displeasure at my presence.

True terror set in when I saw the pitbull on a crate, nearly hoisting itself over the fence and no escape route in sight. I’ve vowed never to go by again.

It’s more fun training with the group anyway; the pace and company are much more enjoyable than running alone.

Time passes so quickly in group; steadily chatting with new people leaves me surprised when our workout is done and my body feels no ill effects.

Alone, my pace is too fast and my ankle calls out in protest, reminding me to do as Jo says, take it easy.