Runs With Pugs

The past week was an interesting one, with a focus on running and, more importantly, running recovery. I confess I don’t spend enough time on stretching, resting or doing any of the things that can be classified as “running recovery” – it’s a flaw. This week, I devoted myself a bit more to that cause.

Sunday – 7 miles, running + walking

On my non-running days, I’ve been helping a friend with some walks and C25K regimen. After we wrapped up our walking, I continued on alone to complete a total of seven miles.

After lunch, we loaded up the car to take little man to Scouts camp. He would be going for six nights, earning rank and merit badges as a provisional camper (this means on his own without his Troop, due to a scheduling conflict with our vacation).

We got him there and set up in his tent and campsite. A staff member gave us a tour and led him to the pool to take his swim test (he passed at the highest level).

And then we said our goodbyes. We couldn’t wait to see him at the end of the week.

Monday – rest

The truth about Monday is that we had a sleepless night. Little man had called us after lights out from First Aid, upset and homesick. He was fine, but needed to hydrate more. Between us and the medic, he calmed down enough to get some sleep.

Either way, Mr PugRunner did drive down to the camp in the morning to bring a box fan and a cooler of ice and water. The sites all have electric and since it was just so hot, it only made sense to help him out a little.

We had another Explore Tour with the St. Augustine Moms, and that was a lot of fun. I was sorry little man had to miss out, but it was a great distraction for me.

Tuesday – 6 miles, running

Tuesday was a busy day. I ran six miles.

I helped my friend taxi her kids to a camp, got a much-needed manicure and took some work calls.

In the afternoon, I went to see Spiderman: Far From Home with a friend and her kiddos. It’s my second time and I’m a little obsessed.

Wednesday – 9 Round

Finally, I dragged myself into 9Round. I just didn’t have the motivation to do it sooner, and I struggled the whole time. Ugh.

I had some PTA friends over in the evening for margaritas and a nacho bar. We had a year end gift to give our President and it was way overdue.

Thursday – 5 miles, running

First up, an easy 5 mile run.

Next? Spa day. A few of my girlfriends and I had scheduled appointments at the Spa at Ponte Vedra for various treatments. Much as I don’t love massages, I had put in for a “Therapeutic Sports Recovery Massage” and I was both dreading and looking forward to it.

For 50 minutes, I let the LMT work on my glutes and right hamstring. I haven’t been inured but there has definitely been tension and tightness in those areas. It hurt, but also brought great relief. She advised me to stretch more and spend a bit more time on my running recovery, in order to avoid future injury (or painful massages LOL).

And then? It was time for fun!

We had cocktails, pool time, yummy lunch and more cocktails.

When I got home, Mr PugRunner and I had a dinner date, taking advantage of the kid-free time.

Friday – 4.32 miles, running

S and I went out for a run but it was a pretty low-key slog. Neither one of us was particularly feeling it. That being said, my hamstring felt great, so that was a huge plus!

After getting cleaned up, we hopped in the car to attend Family Day at the camp. I wasn’t sure it was a great idea to go, but little man already knew about it and he would be crushed if we didn’t show up.

We brought him a Pub sub for lunch (he was delighted) and then went to two periods of archery with him. He earned his Red Arrow award as we watched. Rockstar.

Afterwards, we were hoping to see him in action at First Aid, but a storm rolled through, effectively delaying his last class. We left him watching movies with other campers and drove home. In the morning, we would be back to bring him home.

Saturday – rest

Usually, Saturdays are for long runs, but not this day. It was time to pick up little man from camp! Pick ups started at 7:00 AM, and we arrived just a few minutes after that. He was already up, dressed and (mostly) packed, so we just had to load the car, obtain his awards and completion certificates and say goodbye to his camp master and new friends.

While there were hard moments for him (nights were tough), he rocked it out. He earned just over 50% of his requirements for his Tenderfoot rank and three merit badges (archery, first aid and swimming). We are so incredibly proud of him for pushing through and allowing himself to enjoy camp’s offerings. He will have much more fun next year, when he goes with his actual troop, but he did great on his own.

Goal-getting

This week, things flipped: I had way more running than 9Round. For the upcoming week, I hope to balance things out a bit. I want to feel stronger.

We barely cooked this week. We just weren’t home much, and when we were, we scrounged for leftovers or grazing foods more than cooking actual meals. It was just easier.

Reading is phenomenal. I’m actually getting lost in some of my books again, and I love that feeling.

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 link up with other awesome fitness bloggers to help keep you on track! We’d all love to support you! Drop your link and please visit our Hosts and some of these other amazing blogs to share the love!

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?

What’s your favorite method of running recovery?