Runs With Pugs | ok, the pugs don't run, but we doRuns With Pugs

dialing in that pre-race routine

Posted on August 21, 2019 by runswithpugs

As a runner with a certain level of anxiety, having a consistent pre race routine is key to me making it through an event of any distance. I very rarely waver from my established regimen. After all, it works, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Eat a race-worthy dinner

The right dinner is essential to my pre race routine. What I choose to eat depends on how I’m feeling, the weather and upcoming race distance. For example, if all things are normal and fine and I’m taking on a 10K or shorter, I’m thrilled with a pasta meal. If it’s a certain time of month, I need to make sure I’m getting in some red meat for a push of extra iron. And if it’s particularly hot and humid, and/or I am going for a longer distance, my dinner of choice is Chinese food. Extra sodium the night before is very much needed on a day of long and hard efforts.

Set out the Flat Runner

The night before a race, I like to set out my Flat Runner. This includes everything from my sports bra and sunglasses to my socks and shoes. If I already have my bib, I’ll get it pinned on my shirt in advance. I use this pre-race routine to ensure that my Garmin is charged, that I have two (hopefully matching) socks and that everything is ready and waiting to be donned in the morning. Incidentally, I’ll also pack my wallet, car keys and anything else I will need for the drive to the race site. It makes for a smoother time getting out the door.

Social media photo and post is absolutely optional.

Wake up and wash up!

I fall into the category of people who believe that when you’re on time, you’re late, so I get up pretty early on race morning. I like to have time to use the restroom, get dressed, and …. this is going to be weird… take a shower. Yes, it is absolutely bizarre to bathe before going to get sweaty, but I feel better about the day when I do, so part of the pre-race routine it remains.

Fuel up.

As you may have figured out, I’m an early trainer. I literally roll out of bed and hit the road running. This means I rarely eat or drink before my miles. However, when a race is involved, I usually don’t run until an hour or two after I get up, so fuel is critical. I will typically stick to something plain and easy, like a bagel (not toasted with nothing on it) and some kind of electrolyte drink (like Nuun).

You all know I love my iced coffee, but that’s a treat I will save until post-race. It’s just too risky to indulge before a run.

Arrive early to get settled.

If we are being completely honest, I don’t hate being one of the first people on site. I have had way too many close calls with distant parking and long lines at packet pickup or the portapotties, and I’m just not interested in living on the edge right before a race. When I’m early, I can walk or jog out my nerves, use the facilities at my leisure, get my bib and shirt if I still need to, and generally just breathe. A calm Jenn is a better runner and I do everything I can to bring some chill to the starting line. This is also a great time to mentally review my race day goals.

And when all that is done, it’s time to race!

Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!

What is your pre-race routine?

Coffee before or after?

Do you shower before a race?

2 Comments
POSTED IN: florida running blogger, jacksonville running blogger, race day, running blogger, running thoughts

[Share on facebook] [Share on Twitter] [Pin on Pinterest]

riots #32: back to school

Posted on August 19, 2019 by runswithpugs

Just like that, we are back to school. In our neck of the woods, summer ends early in August and the kiddos get back to their learning. It may seem short, since so many people still have another month of vacation to go, but we have been home since the end of May, so it all balances out.

Back to school was especially bittersweet: little man started 6th grade, which is middle school here. It’s a (‘nother) new school for him with all brand-new people, policies and dynamic. I barely slept leading up to the first day. I knew he would be awesome, but I struggle with change, sometimes.

Sunday – 2 mile walk

Twas the night before Back to School, so we took advantage of the day to just chill out. As a family, we practiced walking to school – he’s been taking bus or car transportation for his entire school career thus far, so we wanted to make sure he knew how to handle this new routine.

All of got to bed at a reasonable hour so we could be fresh first thing Monday morning.

Monday – 9Round + 1 mile walk

Monday morning rolled around and I finally had to admit that I was the mom of a middle schooler. We all got up with the alarm, had breakfast and then our guy set off for his first day of 6th grade.

Happy Back to School Day, buddy!

To be honest, I didn’t know quite what to do with myself for the rest of the day, so I started working out some of that stress at 9Round.

And then I went for breakfast with a few other moms in the same boat: our kids have been in class together for years, and Metro Diner was offering one free mimosa to moms for Back To School Week, so it was the perfect solution.

And then? I just sat and waited and waited and waited. When did a school day get so long? Finally, little man was walking through the door and we were able to eat fresh-baked cookies and talk about his (amazing) day. He was tired for sure, but so excited about the variety of teachers, the app through which all his classes are communicated and the new independence he gets to experience. He had just enough energy to get him through karate – he will be testing for his bo-black belt (for those keeping track, it’s the last belt before black belt) next month so he needed to have a chat with his instructor about last minute details for that.

Tuesday – 9Round

I skipped running again (Reason? Didn’t wanna). My focus this week was getting to my 50th 9Round class, so that’s where I put my efforts. Rawr.

While little man was at Scouts, I met up with one of my friends for some conversation and quality time. It’s been a great week for that.

Wednesday – 6 miles, running + 9Round

The humidity is really going to kill my love for running. Ugh.

By Wednesday, we had really all hit our groove. I got to 9Round (class #48!) and was able to shower and change for our first official PTSO Board Meeting of the school year.

The PTSO is really off to a fairly great start, which is encouraging as the entire board is new this year and we are really starting from scratch.

Now for the not so great news: Bentley had what I think was a seizure when I got home. It was awful. We have been dealing with his vestibular disease for a while, now, and he has been doing great, so this threw us all for a loop, and while we all (vet included) have our fingers crossed that this is a fluke, we could also be dealing with a tumor. At this time, due to his age and temperament (he has to be sedated for all tests/scans and the more in-depth exams), we are treating it as a fluke and he is responding quite well. He is not in pain and we haven’t seen anything concerning since he snapped out of it that afternoon, so we are hopeful.

This is his favorite way to sleep: in his crate with his chin right on the bar and his tongue hanging out. Bless his heart.

Thursday – 5 mile walk + 9Round

I met up with M for a morning walk. We were able to meet after little man went off to school, so it was much hotter than normal. Boo.

Friday – 9Round

After little man got off to school, I hustled out the door to meet another friend for free mimosas. I mean, why not take advantage!

And then it was time for my 50th 9Round class! The reward? Besides a phenomenal workout? New hand wraps! Wheee!

Saturday – 9Round

I was starting to drag on Friday night, and since I knew I wasn’t going to have a running buddy on Saturday morning, I just didn’t want to get up. Instead, we both went to 9Round, and met up with my friend C, who was trying out a class for the first time.

Mr. PugRunner dropped off little man at the nearby church for a final day of volunteering. It was drizzly all day, but overcast and not nearly as hot as the previous week. Little man was absolutely incredible – he wanted to stay as long as it took to get it all done, but we finally had to collect him. I was so proud that he was willing to be uncomfortable to get the job done.

We had hoped to go to a local Taco Festival, but standing outside in the rain just didn’t sound appealing, so instead the boys went to buy little man a new bike. He had a bit of a growth spurt over the summer and his knees were hitting his handlebars. I would have a photo but he’s been nothing but a blur as he enjoys his new ride.

Goal-getting

I was able to get in some solid runs, and went to 9Round Monday through Saturday. This definitely led to an improvement in mood (and muscle development). It was a huge moment of pride to hit my 50th class and earn my new wraps, and it’s really got me motivated to go for 100 and get my t-shirt.

Being back to school also meant that I spent more time cooking. I didn’t create anything new, but I did put out some favorite dinners like crockpot taquitos and lasagna.

I can’t claim great hydration this week. There was a little bit more in the line of champagne and wine and less in the way of water. It’s ok. We were celebrating, after a fashion.

Now that little man is officially back to school, I have to figure out my new normal. I’ve definitely been getting up way earlier than normal, which is leaving me a bit rundown as the week goes on, but I’ll get there. Now is the time to focus on work and other pursuits.

I hope you’ll join us for the #RIOTS (Running Is Our Therapy Sisters) link up every week on Sundays. We’d love to be a part of your weekly routine!

Set some goals, share them on your blog and then go to our link up below so we can cheer you on! We’d all love to support you!

I am also linking up with the new Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!

Will you be joining me at any of the Best Damn Race Ambassador Crew! Don’t forget to register with my BDR discount code RUNSWITHPUGS to save on any distance at any BDR location!

How was your week in training?

How do you get yourself into a new routine?

15 Comments

[Share on facebook] [Share on Twitter] [Pin on Pinterest]

fitness with the family

Posted on August 14, 2019 by runswithpugs

Fitness With The Family was last week’s topic on Tuesday Thoughts, so I am throwing it back and linking up with KookyRunner and Zenaida!

Growing up, fitness wasn’t really a huge priority in my house. I took dance and horseback riding lessons, which were great, but there wasn’t any dedication to regular workouts or exercise.

I don’t know if times were different or if my specific household just didn’t care. Sure, we did walks and bike rides, but I can’t remember anyone ever going to the gym or watching workout videotapes (ah, the VHS days). It’s certainly not a judgment, but times were different, and fitness with the family just didn’t seem to be on the radar.

Because of my long-time battle with obesity and eating disorders, I had to work incredibly hard to find a way to incorporate health and wellness into my life. Now that I am married with a child, I believe it’s even more important to build fitness into our lives in a sustainable and enjoyable way.

Lead by example.

Leading by example is a key tenant of parenting. No matter what else is going on, we both want little man to see that we are committed to wellness and health. While Mr PugRunner and I don’t always run together, we do demonstrate our ability to care out time for fitness, regardless of how early we may have to wake up or how we have to shuffle our schedules. The hope is that he will also see fitness as a regular activity rather than a hardship (and he is already talking about joining 9Round with us when he turns 12, so maybe it’s working!)

Beef up regular outings.

When I used to work an office job, some tips for staying active included things like using the stairs instead of the elevator, taking a walk at lunch or parking super far away in the parking lot. I can apply this to family outings with things like taking a family walk (Pokemon Go is a great motivator) or riding bikes to breakfast or lunch. It’s a great way

Get outside.

The simple act of getting outside is essential to staying fit as a family. Little man loves getting out in the neighborhood on his skateboard or bike and plays pickup games of basketball and soccer with his buddies. We also love checking out parks and hiking spots, locally and while traveling. It’s a great way to stay active as a family and also to see the country (and hopefully world).

Try new things.

No matter what we do or where we go, I love introducing something new. We have gone swimming at new bodies of water, hiked new trails and taken on new activities, like skiing and nighttime kayaking. The plan is to show how fitness can be a destination and to also share a love for adventure.

Compete as a family.

You know we love our family races! Both little man and Mr PugRunner pick and choose races that we can all run together. I confess that with school and extracurriculars, it can be hard getting everyone on board with training, but everyone is able to knock out a mile or three on the fly, so we make it work. Sometimes we stick together as a unit; other times we compete against each other. Every time we have a blast!

I’m hopeful that by introducing and exposing little man (and Mr PugRunner) to the activities and adventures I love, it will create a lifelong fitness routine for him in the future.

Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!

How do you stay fit with your family?

Was your family fitness-minded or is your current activity routine something you implemented on your own?

8 Comments
POSTED IN: family, fitness, running

[Share on facebook] [Share on Twitter] [Pin on Pinterest]

riots #31: the curious case of the running blogger who neither ran nor blogged

Posted on August 12, 2019 by runswithpugs

As a running blogger, I am supposed to run. And blog. This week I did very little of either thing and I feel incredibly unproductive on both counts. However, I’m trying to look at it as a glass half full situation: even if I haven’t been logging miles or workouts, I’ve been spending lots of time with my family and friends. That’s worth quite a bit more.

Sunday – 3 miles beach walk

Due to lots of unexpected scheduling conflicts, we never got the chance to celebrate my mom’s birthday. Finally, we found a date and planned a day trip to Amelia Island, one of her favorites.

One of her favorite pastimes is shelling, so I took on a three (ish) mile, sandy trek, so she could fill her bucket with all kinds of shells, sea glass and shark teeth.

By the time we finished, it was lunch time so we got burgers and a birthday cake milkshake at Tasty’s.

Monday – 13,211 theme park steps

On Monday, a dear friend and I took the kids to Sea World. The plan was to visit Aquatica, but on the drive, the kids decided they were in a roller coaster mood so we made the adjustments.

It was a wonderful day. The kids are old enough to take on some of the rides by themselves, which was great because I just couldn’t handle Mako twice in a row.

Towards the end of the day, storms hit. We took cover until the rain stopped, and then headed for home since the thunder and lightning was keeping the rest of the rides closed. It was still such a fabulous day.