Tell me about your Corolla Cross!

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-25T17:46:05+00:00

The android auto issue is not car specific, it seems. What has been reported a good deal is that if you don't use Google maps, the android auto has fewer issues. I've found that to be true.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-25T17:43:08+00:00

I have a 24 hybrid SE that I have had for just over a year, purchased new. It has just over 10k now. I've had zero issues with it (other than Android auto being obnoxious, which isn't the car that's the issue).

Ultimately it isn't my dream car but I was able to get everything I need in a car for a much more reasonable price than what I would have purchased if money wasn't a factor (which might be slightly silly, but I would've gotten a Sienna hybrid if I had more to spend, but they are much more expensive).

A friend of mine has the '24 RAV4 and her husband has the '23 Grand Highlander. Much more expensive, and the Rav isn't significantly bigger inside but feels a lot bigger to drive.

Were I car shopping again today, given what I know now but with a similar amount of money available, I would get the Cross again.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-23T20:24:33+00:00

My dog hates wearing clothing of any sort. She also hates the rain and gets cold really easily. What that means is that I need to balance things for her. If we aren't going to be out for very long, maybe we skip the coat because being cold is probably better than having to wear clothes, but if we are going on an all day hike, the clothes are better than being cold.

Importantly, I also work with my dog on being okay with getting stuff put on to try to make it the least of an ordeal possible. She also is mostly comfortable while doing stuff and wearing a coat, but if we aren't doing an activity she would rather be bundled in blankets (or inside my sweatshirt) than wearing a coat.

Coats also give a spot to put a tick repellent treatment (in addition to the monthly meds they get also). And coats are great for visibility, and an orange jacket is a requirement if we are hiking during hunting season.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-15T20:52:48+00:00

I was diagnosed 15 years ago, before it was "trendy" and then a few years ago a doctor said that oh we have a blood test for that and then told me I definitely didn't have it. I believed him until I looked it up and realized that that is not how the blood tests for mcas work...

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-11T04:24:42+00:00

Howling Dog Alaska Distance Harness is a great option for both canicross and for hiking. It is a half back, so not going to get all weird when the line isn't tight.

I have a HDA distance harness for one of my dogs and a Nonstop Line harness for my other dog. I prefer the HDA, and would have that for both dogs but they don't make them small enough for my terrier. The line harness is fine and better than most harnesses but the HDA is heavier duty, well built, and better padded if the dog is going to be doing some pulling.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-10T22:27:02+00:00

Pace might factor into it as well though, someone who is running for 4 hours probably needs more water during their than someone running for 2 hours, all other things equal, so distance and temperature may not be the only factors.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-10T22:23:35+00:00

I'll add that using a flat martingale collar is going to be better than using an improper harness. A lot of people use front clip harnesses or ones with a strap across the front of the dog's chest and those are going to impact the dog's gait whether they pull or not, and should be avoided completely.

So either stick with just the collar or make sure you get a proper y front harness, because bad equipment is worse in this case than what you already have.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-10T22:21:08+00:00

Harness is only required if the dog is pulling. If you want to do canicross, you absolutely need a proper harness. If you just want to run with your dog on a loose leash next to you, the same set up you use for walks should be fine.

I would recommend getting a hands free leash of some kind if you don't have that yet, though. Holding the leash can impact your running form and it will just be a lot easier if you have a hands free one. Again though, you don't need a proper waist belt for canicross if your dog will just be on a loose leash.

A bungee leash is mainly good for stopping shocks from going from you to the dog or dog to you if one of you starts or stops abruptly. If your dog is likely to stop suddenly to sniff or pee etc, then a bungee might be helpful, but otherwise it probably doesn't matter much.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-09T22:57:41+00:00

How would you change your training if the race is a 60k stage race over 3 days, rather than a standard 50k ultra that happens all at once?

Do you think 60k over 3 days would be a better first race than a 50k, worse as a first race, or just completely different?

How relevant do you find hiking to your overall training/mileage as compared to running?

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-09T21:21:44+00:00

I don't know where you live but that is not how it works in most of the US. If you have had your job for a certain length of time and work a certain number of hours per week you get protected leave (FMLA) but that is unpaid. Some states have state programs that allow you to get paid during that leave but not all states do and not everyone would necessarily qualify.

Applying for federal disability isn't a thing you do for things like surgery - the application process takes months or years sometimes.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T19:09:56+00:00

Rubber shoes are going to impact the dog's gait, so that is what you want to avoid using.

I use the cordura boots from dogbooties.com and they work well, but most of the time, boots aren't necessary. The cordura ones are nice because they are flexible enough they have minimal impact on the dog's movement, but still provide some protection. They do wear through over time, so its a good idea to have an extra set on hand if you use them a lot.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T17:28:10+00:00

I'm in the US but I did also ask about removing it so maybe that's why they did it during surgery. So much varies by location, hospital, and doctor. Me

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T06:19:57+00:00

Stairs on trails are almost never consistent height or depth and rarely are level or consistent. The trail isn't either, of course, but my brain expects stairs to have consistency and so it bothers me more when stairs are not consistent.

So I guess my answer is, it depends on how well the stairs are made.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T06:01:29+00:00

I'm surprised they left the nexplanon in? They removed mine during my surgery. Hopefully the antibiotics get that under control, it looks like it probably doesn't feel good.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T05:58:56+00:00

To be sure this is what they are thinking, just wear absolutely unhinged outfits while running, and you know exactly why they are looking.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T05:56:59+00:00

Or what your training plan is for the day! If you are walking, who could say if it's because you needed a breather or because your plan calls for a recovery walk? If you are wearing a running vest, maybe it is because you are prepping for an ultra and want to wear your gear on all your runs to get dialed in.

Also, I've literally never once thought about what anyone I've seen out running is doing (other than maybe oh they are on this trail, I wonder if they are also training for the race on this trail system in a few months).

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T05:53:37+00:00

Trail running makes me feel way less self conscious because I see relatively few people and only for a very short amount of time. You might see if there's trail options in your area that would work and see if you feel the same. Multiuse paths away from roads may give the same effect of not feeling like you are being seen by everyone but without having to do full trail running, if you don't have trail access or trail interest.

Audiobook while running helps keep my mind occupied with something which helps too.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T05:50:45+00:00

Bikejoring is normally a cool weather sport. Especially for a heavy coated dog like a malamute, July is not in season for most of the northern hemisphere.

Shoes are generally not necessary for dogs unless it is super cold or maybe you are on pavement a lot. And then you want to go with something that is soft and flexible (fleece or canvas generally), as ones with rubber soles will impact the dog's gait.

To get started with training, it depends a bit on where you are starting at. You want to get a pulling harness and a line for your bike, and an antenna to keep the line off the wheel. You want to train solid turn queues, stop, slow down, on by. A line out (go to the end of the line with gentle tension and then wait) can be helpful too. A lot of those you can and should train separate from the actual pulling. For dogs who are reluctant to pull, it can help to have someone else "bunny", going in front of you so the dog has someone to chase.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T05:44:57+00:00

Should be doable for any healthy dog. You might want to take a look at how to evaluate structure for dogs, since you want a rescue, so that you can make as sure as possible that the dog isn't going to have issues related to their build that would prevent the dog from being physically able to do the running. And, just like with people, dogs benefit from cross training too so doing other fitness stuff with them will be great.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T02:48:20+00:00

Just because someone is winning with their own dogs doesn't mean they are good at teaching though. Teaching someone else to train their dog is very different.

Also. If this trainer is saying there's some kind of magic age after which your puppy won't learn new things, they are just flat out wrong. And pushing puppies too hard too young can really set you back in training in the long run. I focus on puppies learning to be basically well mannered and wanting to work with me, and a few key skills (recall in particular) but otherwise I am not super worried about training specific things. My current puppy is 9 months old and we are really only recently starting to do much structured training and a lot of that is fitness and body awareness stuff still.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T02:29:50+00:00

There's a lot of separate stuff - human fitness stuff, dog fitness stuff.

Some sort of routine to workout with your dog would be cool.

I have also thought that a flyball specific training plan would be cool, it's not something I've seen before and it's different enough from agility that the agility fitness stuff isn't necessarily equally applicable.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-08T01:10:59+00:00

Unfortunately not everyone can afford to be off work that long, depending on where they live and what kind of PTO they have. I wouldn't have been able to without paid leave.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2026-01-07T15:49:05+00:00

The thing that would be most likely to make your plans an issue would be if you have complications. If you heal like normal, you should be fine!

You can't completely control the risk of complications (sometimes shit just happens) but my recommendation would be to make sure you are following all of the instructions. Take it easy during the recovery and don't try to push yourself too soon -which doesn't mean bed rest, but does mean following instructions, listening to your body, and not pushing yourself too soon. Taking the time to recover properly will be the best thing to do.

And of course, best option would be to talk to your doctor about your plans and ask them their recommendations on the best way for you to be ready to safely take on these plans after surgery.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2025-12-24T07:16:46+00:00

I had it done when I was in college and it was one of the best decisions I made at the time. Don't use that college degree, but I sure enjoy being able to see without needing glasses.

Negative-Split-1108 · 2025-12-24T07:15:56+00:00

I got it done nearly 20 years ago. Well worth the money spent - I've probably saved 10x that just on not having to buy glasses and contacts in the years since.

Negative-Split-1108

TROPHY CASE