5 fitness items to snag on black friday (and one to avoid)

Posted on November 15, 2019 by runswithpugs

Black Friday.

Small Business Saturday.

Cyber Monday.

Tis the season to be shopping, and I confess it’s my least favorite part of the season. But even I can’t deny that there are some great deals to be had, especially on fitness gear and accessories.

black friday

Check out my rundown of items you absolutely DO want to snap up on the Black Friday weekend (as well as one item you DON’T).

DO PURCHASE: Race Entries

Race directors love to offer special Black Friday pricing for certain events, so if you were on the fence about registering for a certain event, it’s time to make a move. Keep an eye out for savings on smaller, local races, as well as codes for the bigger, brand-name events.

Make sure you’re on the email list for those hot races so you can get yourself signed up and take advantage of great savings!

Best Damn Race usually offers a Black Friday Deal, but you can always save 10% with code RUNSWITHPUGS

DO PURCHASE: Large-Scale Equipment

Have you been eyeing a treadmill? What about a weight rack? Or maybe even a Peloton system? Black Friday may be just the day to make those dreams come true. Sporting goods stores and manufacturers generally take advantage of the shopping spirit to offer great discounts and packages on higher end equipment. Start watching websites, circulars and email blasts so you can wake up to this beauty under your tree.

black friday
courtesy of OnePeloton

DO PURCHASE: Activity Trackers + Smart Watches

Quality smart watches and activity trackers are not inexpensive, so Black Friday can be a great opportunity to purchase your first or upgrade your current model. Through the shopping weekend, you should see solid discounts on most of the entry-level watches and tracking bands, as well as price cuts on older versions of new favorites.

black friday
courtesy of Garmin

You will probably not find too many price breaks on the newest Apple Watch or Garmin Fenix, but rumor has it that select retailers will be offering the Apple Watch 3 series for $129 and Garmin has a variety of Fenix 5 models for about $100 off.

DO PURCHASE: Electronic Accessories

Looking for things like wireless headphones, heart monitors, bike computers or other fitness related electronics? Stock up on Black Friday. Most retailers will start offering discounts on these kinds of items right before Thanksgiving, so if there’s something you have your eye on, it’s time to act.

Amazon is even offering a small break on Air Pods 2 with wireless charging case, available right now. Happy holidays to you!

black friday
courtesy of Amazon

DO PURCHASE: Fitness Stocking Stuffers

It’s a great time of year to stock up on those little things: socks, headbands, Nuun, and Gu. Both local stores and online retailers should absolutely be offering great incentives on all of these items, so be on the lookout.

black friday
unsplash-logoDan LeFebvre

AVOID: Running Shoes

I know, but hear me out.

black friday

There will be phenomenal sales on running shoes and it can be tempting to hand over all your money to your local running store or favorite website to score a great deal. Please do not prioritize rock bottom prices over fit. It’s ok to snag a terrible color of your regular model because it’s a great Black Friday deal. Buying an untested model just because it’s cheap can end up costing you in the long run, with losing money to tricky return policies or even to injuries. Be smart, make informed decisions, and don’t be dazzled by discounts for the sake of discounts. You’ve got holiday races to run!

What have you got your eye on for Black Friday?

Any great deals you’ve heard about?

I am an ambassador for Best Damn Race, and do receive amenities based on codes redeemed. I do not represent any of the above listed companies and do not receive compensation for any of the links clicked.

5 Comments
POSTED IN: , ,

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

week 46: cold snap + rest days

Posted on November 11, 2019 by runswithpugs

There has been a cold snap in our little part of the South and I couldn’t be more grateful. I know it seems awesome to have so much sunshine all the time, but it’s nice to get a break from the sweltering heat and humidity. The only “downfall” is that I skipped some of those perfect weather days or some real rest.

We are all home today, in honor of Veteran’s Day. Thank you to everyone who has served our country. I am very looking forward to spending a day with the family.

unsplash-logoBrandon Day

Now, let’s talk about the week.

Sunday – 6 miles, running

It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to “sleep in” and run in actual daylight. Can you believe that sky? I had to wear my gloves because it’s the season for my Raynaud’s to act up, but other than that, it was a perfect run.

cold snap

The rest of the day was fairly quiet. Mr PugRunner went to a nearby butcher and picked up steaks, salmon and fingerling potatoes to cook us a yummy dinner on the Big Greem Egg. The weather is perfect for grilling.

cold snap

Monday – 9Round #111

Happy 13 years to me and Mr. PugRunner! Yes, Monday was our wedding anniversary, and we were ready to celebrate. Mr. PugRunner took the day off work, and we started out by going to 9Round together. I wasn’t really thrilled that this week’s CHOW included a ton of burpees, but it got the blood pumping.

While little man was at school, we had a little lunch date at a place that specializes in sandwiches or “board” (basically deconstructed sandwiches). I ended up with a special, involving fried green tomatoes, remoulade, provolone cheese, and pickled onions.

I also received a gorgeous surprise in the form of a dozen stunning yellow roses.

Little man came home from school, did his homework, and then we went out for a family date. We had a yummy dinner and ice cream, with a little walk around town.

Tuesday – runner’s yoga + 9Round #112

I have complained about feeling incredibly stiff and tight, and I am committing to doing some yoga at home. Confession: it’s not my favorite thing. However, Yoga With Adriene is really great, with tons of free options on YouTube. I chose a 30 minute program for runners.

And then I went to 9Round and punched all the things.

This particular cold snap brought with it some nasty rain, which made for a lazy day. I had a board meeting for the charity I’m working on, and then my evening was dedicated to running little man to extracurriculars.

Wednesday – 5.65 miles, running + 9Round #113

My sinuses started acting up with the onset of the cold weather, so it was tough dragging myself out for this run. It was also warmer, so blah to that as well.

cold snap

I needed the intensity of 9Round to feel better about the awful run.

cold snap

I had to get myself together: my friend and I were going to a charity holiday shopping event for Rethreaded. Rethreaded is a local company, founded by Kristin Keen, to provide a safe, supportive work environment where the women could earn money while learning a skill and experiencing continued healing through community.

We enjoyed the music, wine and some shopping.

They offer some beautiful handmade scarves, jewelry and accessories, so if you don’t live in the Jacksonville area, check them out online for sure.

Thursday – rest

Much as I wanted to be productive, I woke up feeling tight and tired and really didn’t want to do anything. So I didn’t. Sure, I felt a tiny bit guilty about slacking, but I got over it. My energy was gone and that was all there was to it.

Instead, I handled errands and some shopping, did some work and just lazed. Thursdays are our quiet days and it was great to just do nothing.

Friday – 9Round #114

Friday, I was up and out early to pick up donuts for my client to deliver to the teachers at one of our neighborhood schools for an appreciation treat.

We also had a conference at little man’s school just to check in. The administration there has been so supportive and available for parent questions and concerns and we are on all track.

I hit 9Round close to lunchtime, just because I wanted to get it done. No regrets.

cold snap

On a less fun note: Bentley had stomach issues and made a huge mess in his crate. He was miserable and we were on duty for laundry, baths (since he was getting one, Delilah and Hufflepuff got one, too), and helping him feel better. It made for a long day.

Saturday – 7 miles, running

Yay for long runs! Sure, it was humid, but the temperature was in the way low 60s, which was close to heaven.

And then we spent the rest of the day at a nearby community festival, with food trucks, music, shopping and cocktails! Yay!

Goal-getting

I was just so stinking tired this week. The time change never really had too much of an effect on me, but I’m another year older, so…

I took a lot of rest this week. It wasn’t planned, but it was the right thing to do. I also managed one yoga session (and I did get in another one today). It’s frustrating: I’ve lost a TON of flexibility, but I guess that’s the point. I’ve got to earn back what I no longer have.

To combat the blahs, I’ve been diligent with my (sparkling) water intake. I don’t know that it’s helping too much, but I’m doing it anyway.

This was a week of leftovers and home cooking, once we got our anniversary out of the way. I’m excited for this upcoming week because I have a few new recipes in mind, now that it’s cool enough for some heartier meals.

Oh, and I only splurged on one donut this week! It was a plain, old-fashioned donut, no glaze or anything, so we might as well just call it bread. However, I have been committed to breakfasts with more of a protein punch, and I know I will be thankful for it one day.

I am 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!

bdr discount code

How was your week in training?

How are you handling the time change and colder weather?

10 Comments
POSTED IN: ,

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

week 45: november goals + holiday running

Posted on November 4, 2019 by runswithpugs

A new month means new November goals. Gosh, it feels like yesterday when 2019 began and here we are, getting ready for the home stretch. How did that happen?

Sunday – rest

There are days when you just need a break, and so Sunday became a rest day. No run. No 9Round.

I attended a lovely baby shower for a friend who is expecting her first child. It was a little different – more sharing stories and experiences and less games.

From there, we had my friend’s birthday dinner. It was at a fabulous Italian restaurant with all made-from scratch foods. Yum. We loved celebrating her.

november goals

Monday – 9Round #106

No run, but I did get in a 9Round session. Coach C pushes pretty hard, and it was tough with box jumps and surrenders, but I got it done and felt fabulous.

november goals

The rest of the day followed the usual Monday routine, except I did sign up for a bunch of holiday races. Yay!

Tuesday – 5.8 miles, running + 9Round #107

The weather had dipped a little in temperature, so our run was manageable. I was happy to get in almost six miles.

november goals

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9Round opens at 8:00 AM, so I had a little time before working out. Again with lots and lots of burpees. This week was shaping up to be all about arms and shoulders.

november goals

After clarinet, little man had Scouts. We are now making Tuesday nights into date night since one of our local restaurants offers a fabulous happy hour special while he is in there. It’s been working out beautifully.

Wednesday – 9Round #108

Mr PugRunner joined me for Wednesday’s trip to 9Round. It’s been a while since we’ve gone. His back has been bothering him and then he was giving himself a chance to rest after his trip to urgent care. The good news is he’s ready to get back into it and did an awesome job.

november goals

In between work, I finished getting the house ready for Halloween. We always have a few friends over for dinner before trick or treating and I wanted everything up to par. Since we were having pizza on Thursday, I made a special “Toxic Waste” Macaroni and Cheese for dinner. It was just my normal mac and cheese recipe, loaded up with fresh spinach, minced cauliflower and white cheddar cheese (so the green food dye would take). Next time, I would add some broccoli, too, but it was pretty yummy.

november goals

Thursday – 9Round #109

Happy Halloween! 9Round was awesome: all the exercises had super cute names like “Monster Mountain Climbers” and “Zombie Punches.” I wore a sugar skull tank to be more in the spirit.

november goals

And then it was the countdown to the fun!

I had my deviled egg costume all ready to go but the weather was not cooperating. I could NOT wear leather leggings (or jeans) in the high 80s with all the humidity, so I pulled an audible and threw together this “CopyCat” outfit (you can’t really see the ears).

November goals

And little man just had to deal with his tracksuit, since he was planning to be Naruto (an anime character).

november goals

After dinner (and a totally surprise rainshower), the kids headed out for trick or treat. It was really too hot for them to want to stay out too long, so when they came back, we drove them to the front of the neighborhood for a haunted house experience. We really have some incredibly talented people in our community.

Friday – 5.2 miles,running

Friday morning was a tough one. I only got three hours of sleep due to a bout of insomnia and just couldn’t drag myself out of bed. Mr PugRunner let me get a few more hours and I felt like a new person when I got up at 8.

Temperatures had dropped significantly, and I just couldn’t let it go to waste. Running felt almost like flying!

I didn’t have time to really savor it. The rest of the day was dedicated to meetings and calls. Mr PugRunner decided to go to a concert that night, so little man and I opted to chill on the ouch with Christmas movies and just take a breather.

Saturday – 9Round #110

Even though I wasn’t going to run, I still had to get up to get little man to his troop car wash.

I’ve said it before, but I am so proud of him and his Troop for all the work they do.

While he was washing cars, Mr PugRunner and I went to 9Round for the second time this week. It was a really good workout – I liked almost all the moves and felt great afterwards.

We had time for a quick break, and then little man had a birthday party at a local arcade/mini golf/go kart center. He had a blast with all his friends and when the party ended, we dropped in at a nearby sports bar to see the Miami Hurricanes smash FSU! Our team has not been playing well so rivalry wins are always nice.

Goal-getting

Blergh on my lack of miles. I had high hopes and big plans, but they didn’t pan out. That being said, the miles I DID get were faster and stronger miles, so that has to count for something.

On the other hand, 9Round was fabulous. There have been a lot more people working out when I go, which is a huge motivator for me to really step things up.

For November, I want to hit at least 20 9Round sessions and 90 miles. I also want to start incorporating some more yoga. My hips and lower back are aching a little, and I know it’s because I’m not stretching enough. I’m annoyed to have to add yet one more thing into my daily regimen, but it’s a necessary evil.

We did enjoy a newish recipe, in the form of the aforementioned macaroni and cheese. Not being home much led to lack of inspiration for cooking. Meh.

I am 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!

bdr discount code

How was your week in training?

What are your November goals?

18 Comments
POSTED IN: ,

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

november coffee date: 13 years + holiday cheer

Posted on November 1, 2019 by runswithpugs

Happy November and welcome to the the Ultimate Coffee Date with Coco and Deborah! After reading here, head on over to visit both of these awesome bloggers to join in on the fun.

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

Monday marks 13 years of marriage for myself and Mr PugRunner. The traditional gift for the 13th anniversary is lace, while the modern gift is (faux) fur. I explained to Mr PugRunner that both make a great case for running shoes/races and the adoption of a pug puppy.

via GIPHY

He turned around and bought an extra ticket to Hamilton so little man can join us when we go in March. I’m crazy excited – I grew up going to the theater and little man has yet to go to a Broadway-style production (He has been to concerts and a ballet, but that’s it. He knows the music and the story because I listen to the soundtrack all the time, so it will be a great first show for him.).

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

As if Monday wasn’t special enough, my lovely friend Amy invited me to guest host her Sweet Tea Talk Facebook live show at 2:00PM EST! I hope you are able to tune in to join us!

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

I have a wee bit of making up to do if I intend to hit 1019 miles this year. It’s not the end of the world, but I’ve got to hit almost 100 miles in November and the same in December. I guess I should make a B goal of 1000 miles for the year, just in case I can’t keep up.

runs with pugs blogger

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

I am super excited for the holiday rush to come. This is kind of my favorite time of year, and I know I’m not alone. We have some super fun things planned from now through the end of the year, and even into next year. Even though little man is getting older, he still enjoys a lot of the fun things we do for the holidays. I hope he never loses his excitement. PS. This is the first time in my 42 years that we will have an artificial Christmas tree. I’m thrilled to be able to set to up way earlier than we ever have.

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

This year has had its ups and downs and I am very hopeful that we end on a higher note than we started. No matter what is going on, I try to stay positive and grateful, but sometimes that leads to me feeling overwhelmed and over anxious. I haven’t done a phenomenal job of controlling my anxiety in 2019, and it’s something I will need to focus on in 2020.

What would you tell me over coffee?

Are you ready for the holiday season?

13 Comments
POSTED IN: ,

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

best damn reasons to register early for best damn race (+ a bdr discount code)

Posted on October 30, 2019 by runswithpugs

Do you register early for races, or wait until closer to the event date to make a move? Today, let’s talk about the reasons you should register early, especially for events like Best Damn Race.

register early

There are several schools of thought about when to register for races. Some people take their time, preferring to see what life brings. They want to make sure their schedules allow for the event, and even keep an eye out for potential injuries that might sideline them.

Me? I take the proactive route. When I see a races I want to run, especially popular ones like Best Damn Race, my next stop is my wallet. Call it FOMO if you must, but there are plenty of great reasons to register early!

Lower Prices!

The earlier you register for a race, the lower that entry fee will be. Early bird pricing for races can be reasonable, but with Best Damn Race, they are crazy low. Rather than actual date cutoffs for price increases, BDR raises prices in increments of registrations. Check out pricing for the upcoming Safety Harbor race:

register early

Spots are filling up, but are still super reasonable, and you can still snag a half marathon space in Safety Harbor for just $70! (even less if you use code RUNSWITHPUGS for a 10% savings).

Savannah’s Half Marathon is $60 and the 5K is $25! In New Orleans, you can run the BDR Half for just $65! Orlando’s race has been selling fast so prices are just slightly higher, so you don’t want to miss out!

Less Stress!

You read that correctly: registering early for Best Damn Race events helps alleviate stress. These races absolutely sell out and waiting means worrying if you’ll be able to snag a spot. No one needs to be anxious about missing out on fabulous running moments like this, so get your registration done as soon as possible!

Higher Motivation!

Now that you’ve paid for your race and put it on the calendar, you have an established goal. Training is just little bit easier when you have a target in sight. The longer you wait to sign up for a race, the greater the tendency to let other plans get in the way. Early registration keeps you on track and your eye on the prize.

register early

More Swag!

Some races offer bonus amenities to early registrants, and Best Damn Race happens to be one of them. This year, in addition to the best damn shirts and best damn medals around, each market is offering custom socks to select quantities of pre-registered runners. By getting in on the action sooner, you actually get even more for your money, by guaranteeing extra goodies. Early registration clearly equals “wise financial decisions.”

register early

For even more reasons to run a Best Damn Race event, check out this post.

And don’t forget to save 10% on any Best Damn Race distance in any city with my BDR Discount Code, RUNSWITHPUGS!

bdr discount code

It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Thoughts with KookyRunner and Zenaida!

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!

Are you Team Register Early or do you wait til the last minute?

Are you joining us for Best Damn Race?

I am an Ambassador for the Best Damn Race series. In exchange for my promotion and honest reivew of the events, I receive complimentary race entries and other amenities. All opinions are my own.

7 Comments
POSTED IN: , , , , ,

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

week 44: heading into halloween

Posted on October 28, 2019 by runswithpugs

We are heading into Halloween week, and with that comes the official start of the holiday season. In addition to the regular lineup of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s , we have anniversaries, birthdays, and plenty of celebrations.

I love this time of year: there are parties, and family, and friends. It’s just incredibly fun and uplifting.

Sunday – 5 miles

Even though Mr PugRunner was out of town, we had a fun day planned.

First, I got in a five mile run. It was lonely, but at least it got done.

halloween week

Then little man and I loaded up and headed to our friends’ house. The boys were all going to hang out with the dad, while mom and I went out to a lovely, beachfront brunch.

halloween

We ended up watching the end of the Jags game at their house while the kids hung out, which was the perfect end of the day.

Monday – 5.2 miles, running + 9Round #101

I was up and at ’em early to meet S for our Monday morning miles.

halloween week

Then it was time to get back to 9Round. It’s always hard to come in after a run, but I was ready to start back with my strength.

Mr PugRunner got home from his conference and so after homework, we just all had a nice dinner and evening together.

Tuesday – 9Round #102

Since he hadn’t been home all weekend, Mr PugRunner wanted to go out for breakfast to catch up. From there, we had an appointment for Bentley at the vet. He had two vestibular episodes over the weekend, and we wanted to see if we could shed some more light on the situation. Unfortunately, the news hasn’t changed much: it’s rare for dogs to have more than one vestibular episode in a lifetime, but since he’s not presenting any other major symptoms, we are not going to put him through lots of additional testing. We will keep up on his course of medication and continue to look for signs of discomfort.

A late trip to 9Round was just the thing to work out some of the stress.

halloween week

Since little man was at Scouts, Mr PugRunner met me at a restaurant close to 9Round for their Taco Tuesday specials. We are thinking about making it a regular thing.

Wednesday – 5.2 miles, running + 9Round #104

We had amazing running weather on Wednesday: 60s and low humidity! I was tired but couldn’t miss out.

halloween week

9Round incorporated so many pushups and lots of arm work. I could feel it in my shoulders before I even finished my 30 minutes. It’s great seeing the change in the shape of my arms and shoulders, too, so I don’t mind the hard work.

After school, we picked up one of little man’s friends and the boys goto to hang out and discuss Pokemon and anime related things. It was a really chill time, and I love that they have each other.

Thursday – 9Round #104

The kiddo had a meeting before school so I offered him a ride. He needed to submit his entry to the pumpkin decorating contest and it was going to be hard to transport it via bike.

halloween week

Afterwards, I grabbed my gloves and wraps to hit up my 104th session. There has been a huge focus on hooks and power hits and kicks, and sometimes, it’s fabulous just to wail the heck out of the punching bags.

halloween week

I got to enjoy some time at the beach at a Client Appreciation Event for a local hotel I’ve been working with. We had cocktails and appetizers on the outside terrace and I couldn’t get enough of the view.

Friday – 5.2 miles,running + 9Round #100

Friday’s run was flat out miserable: hot, heavy and dragging. Blah.

9Round was better, but I really had to amp myself up to give it my all.

The rest of the day was dedicated to working on my Halloween costume, getting little man packed for his campout and getting things set for my Trunk or Treat entry.

Mr PugRunner came home early, not feeling very well. He ended up having to go to bed early, so I ate dinner with little man and some Halloween movies and got everything set for a busy Saturday.

Saturday – rest

First up was dropping little man off for his campout. We met some of his Troop-mates for breakfast and then said our goodbyes. They were going to camp, help decorate a haunted trail at the park and then dress up to scare the hikers. The kids were so excited (I saw video and it was TERRIFYING!)

Mr PugRunner was worried about his blood pressure so we went to urgent care. He was seen quickly, prescribed something for his dizziness and nausea and told to just keep an eye on things. Having something to eat also helped settle the vertigo and get him back to full strength.

With that said, I was all in to help him with his Trunk or Treat event. We transported everything to the venue, set up the volunteers with tasks, got the music pumping and the photo booth in place, and then I decorated our trunk. I was fortunate to get everything on loan from a friend and our Jurassic Park theme was a huge hit.

halloween week

By this point, Mr PugRunner was feeling much better so we got dressed to attend a Halloween party in our neighborhood. I went as Deviled Eggs, and my friend was Holy Guacamole. This was totally unplanned, but a huge hit.

halloween week

For more great (and easy) Halloween costume ideas, check out this post I put together on One T-Shirt. Ten Costumes for the St. Augustine Moms!

Goal-getting

Miles were fantastic this week. I ended up taking the weekend off, which is probably much needed. I was disappointed not to get to run the 5K for Pancreatic Cancer due to a scheduling conflict, but I am making a donation to my friend instead. Also, I’m also signing up for three races today! It’s happening so I can commit and get them on the books.

9Round was also great. Our new trainers are very no-nonsense and I find myself pushing harder when they lead the workouts.

I felt pretty hydrated this week, but I did end up consuming more alcohol than usual. Not a lot, but drinks at brunch and drinks at the Halloween party were definitely in play. ‘Tis the season.

I am 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!

BDR Discount Code

How was your week in training?

What effects do the upcoming holidays have on your training in regards to nutrition and scheduling?

20 Comments
POSTED IN:

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

october runfessions: the good, the bad + the spooky

Posted on October 25, 2019 by runswithpugs

How is it time for October Runfessions already??? I can’t even handle it. Let’s head on over to Marcia’s Healthy Slice, so we can lay it all out there!

runfessions

I runfess….

That I am struggling with momming right now. These tweenage and teenage years are something else, and there’s just no being prepared. To deal, I am having to call on all my tricks, patience and creativity to keep it together and man, is it exhausting. I love my kid to the moon and back (or “3000”, if we need to quantify it and you get my nerdy reference), and I hope I’m doing right by him each and every day.

october runfessions

I runfess…

That I’m feeling heavy lately. I have mentioned that we don’t keep a scale in the house, but maybe I’ve just reached a plateau with my fitness and eating. This week, In made the mature decision to stop relying on a morning donut with my coffee and get back into proteins and better nutrition. Ironically, I hard boiled a dozen eggs, and they were quickly devoured by other folks in the house. At least my attempts to be healthier are spreading.

october runfessions

I runfess…

That I am so ready for the humidity to take a hike. We got spoiled with some really pretty running mornings: mid 60s with 50-60% humidity and it was glorious. This morning comes and it was right back in the 70s and the air was so thick you could chew it. Everything just felt more difficult and I can only hope that things are better for my next run.

october runfessions

I runfess…

That it feels like I’m starting over at 9Round. I worked so hard to get to 100, and the next milestone is the 200 Workout Club! Ack! Of course, I’m going to get there, but it’s just a little discouraging to know that I have to double what I just worked so tirelessly to complete. Will I do it? Heck, yes, but I can’t see the fire kicking in until around 150 or so.

october runfessions

I runfess…

That I am so excited for Halloween, but don’t feel exactly ready for it. The house is decorated. I have the setup for my trunk for our neighborhood Trunk Or Treat. Little man (and the rest of the family) have their costumes ready. We have plenty of candy (and non-candy) treats and I even wrote a fun post about Easy Halloween Costume Hacks. It still feels like something is missing.

october runfessions

And those are my October runfessions. Not so bad, and it definitely feels good to have all that out in the universe, so I can have some fun this weekend!

We are also joining in with Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness, so check out that link up and share your week in fitness!

What are your October runfessions?

What’s going on in your week of fitness?

14 Comments
POSTED IN: , ,

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

my guide to the best running movies of all time

Posted on October 23, 2019 by runswithpugs

I do love a good movie, and running movies are fast-becoming favorites on my list. There is something absolutely cinematic about the motivation and determination that goes along with the sport, and I have been moved to goosebumps, if not sobs, by a good running flick.

Want to know my top five? Grab your popcorn and keep reading!

running movies

5. Chariots Of Fire

Chariots of Fire is based on the true story of two British athletes, their journey to and triumphs at the 1924 Summer Olympics. This is a movie about personal sacrifice, religious devotion, overcoming prejudice and sportsmanship, all set on a track. Bonus: the soundtrack, including the main theme by Vangelis, is swoonworthy, empowering, and holds a place of honor on my own running playlist.

running movie

4. Run Fatboy Run

Next up is Run Fatboy Run: a comedic foray into marathon running, starring Simon Pegg and Hank Azaria. This hilarious and inspiring running movie follows Dennis Doyle, a man who has spent his life running away from every challenge he’s faced. In a last-ditch attempt to win back the mother of his son and women of his dreams from the cocky, arrogant Whit, he decides to run the London Marathon. Through his training, Dennis finds himself, a support system he never knew he had, and the strength to face his fears.

running movie

3. Race

To be honest, the cinematic retelling of the Jesse Owens story is an uncomfortable watch. The 1930s were an ugly time, not only for Germany, but for the United States and many other countries in the world. It’s gut-wrenching to see racism and prejudice playing out, even among the people and characters we might consider “heroes.” However, all it takes is one person to fly (or run) in the face of that ugliness to start the turning of the tide. Race is one of the great running movies that will get you fired up, and serve as a reminder to always stand up for what’s right.

running movies

2. McFarland, USA

I confess that McFarland USA brought me to sobs in a crowded a crowded movie theater. McFarland USA tells the true story of Coach Jim White, who built a cross country team at a high school in one of the most economically challenged cities in the country. The focus here is family, loyalty and making the best out of seemingly hopeless situations. It’s also so inspiring to see what these men are doing now to pay it forward.

running movies

1. The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young

I’m not sure how I heard about The Barkley Marathons, but this documentary is something I could watch on repeat. The entire story of this race, from its history to its implementation, is nothing short of fascinating. I am pretty obsessed with ultra runners (and anyone who pushes themselves beyond reasonable limits) and I truly can’t get enough of the tale of athletes who set out on a truly hellish race. Wrap your head around the fact that there are years with no finishers at all! Will you be there when Laz lights his unfiltered Camel at the yellow gate?

running movies

It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Thoughts with KookyRunner and Zenaida!

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!

Have you watched any of these great running movies?

What’s your favorite?

22 Comments
POSTED IN: ,

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

week #43: 100 workouts + overcoming

Posted on October 21, 2019 by runswithpugs

Well, I’m sure my title gives it away, but I hit those 100 workout in 9Round! Whoo-hoo!

Not saying that was the absolute highlight of the week, but there were some major hiccups, including some more seizure-like activity from our oldest pug, the loss of about two months worth of blog posts, and a pretty hectic event at the school.

But, if you know anything about me, it’s all about rising to the challenge and getting it done.

Sunday – rest

Crappy Sundays seem to be our new trend. Once again, the restful family day for which I was hoping turned into a bit of a stressful, cranky, awful day.

The brightest note was that little man found the most amazing macaroni and cheese recipe, and cooked us a delicious dinner.

He even garnished it with black pepper and green onions. These meals are part of his Cooking Merit Badge for Scouts, and he’s really doing a great job of taking ownership of these tasks.

Monday – 5.5 miles, running + 9Round #96

Monday started with a run. The weather has been much cooler, although still humid. It makes the miles just a little easier.

Up next was 9Round. I was pretty excited, because a new week means a new CHOW. This week was double crunches, and I managed 97 in three minutes. I’m never strong when it comes to abs, so I was pretty stoked.

The rest of my day was consumed with selling tickets for the upcoming all-school dance. It’s always fairly slow on the first day of sales, which made for a long few hours.

Tuesday – 9Round #97

Florida served up another gorgeous morning and I was happy to spend another morning at the school helping at the NFL Play60 event. The Jaguars Play60 squad came out with six training stations for 150 6th graders and parents helped lead the kids through the moves.

I was in charge of the relay activity and the kids through all manner of (hopefully) fun speed drills.

Only then did I head to 9Round for #97.

Around noon, I had a board meeting for an incredible charity with which I am involved this year: the Souperbowl V. It’s a soup-tasting event put on by the local high school hospitality program (and incredible chefs) with the mission of feeding food insecure students in our county. I was a guest for the first time last year and am honored to be a part of it for 2020.

Wednesday – 5.5 miles, running + 9Round #98

Things were a little quieter on Wednesday. We still got up to run.

And 9Round still happened. I confess that this week’s workouts seemed extra daunting. All the ab work involved twisting and medicine balls, which was brutal on my already sore core, and there were still plenty of burpees and planks. I think I was so excited to be done with my 100 that everything seemed that much more difficult. I even messed up my end of workout photo.

Thursday – 4.5 miles, walking + 9Round #99

M and I took a gorgeous 4.5 mile walk after the kids got off to school. It was so nice, and again, the cool breeze made everything so much nicer.

And then, it was time for my 99th 9Round! This one was almost impossible, with pike crunches, gorilla jumps, equalizers and mule kicks. It felt like I had to face a combination of everything I hate. But I got it done.

Then it was time for some fun. I had a hosted appointment at the Blo Blow Dry Bar to try out some of their hair and makeup services. The last time I had anything like this done was for my wedding and I loved having such a skilled “Style Boss” work her magic.

Before.

After.

Friday – 9Round #100

OMG I DID IT!!!! 100 workouts at 9Round!!!! It was a freaking hard session, too, jumps and one-armed burpees (which, I’ll have you know, are terrifying).

Earning that tank meant the world to me.

Mr PugRunner joined me for the fun, but then he had to head out to Orlando for his big annual conference.

For the rest of the weekend, little man and I were on our own. Friday was his big (first) middle school dance, so I had my day cleared to help out. We had a few big hiccups during setup, but the team rallied and we pulled off a super fun Wild West dance for the kids.

After karate, we watched some Halloween TV with leftover pizza, and got a good night’s sleep.

Saturday – rest

I had planned to run, but I woke up to rain, so skipped it. The rest of the day was just miserably drizzly, so we spent it with lots of errands. Little man even tried some new costume ideas.

That evening, I had a few friends over for chili and apple cider mimosas. We ate, drank, and laughed. It was a nice night and it was a great way to kick off the holiday party season.

Goal-getting

Well, my miles were low, but I got my 100 workouts! Next up? 200!

In fact, my biggest setback was with this blog. I’m not super technical, but it looks like an update didn’t work properly and I ended up losing some recent posts. I’m going to see if I have the motivation to recreate some of them, but maybe I just need to move forward. Ugh.

In addition to little man’s mac and cheese, we made this Buffalo Chicken Soup. Mr PugRunner didn’t love it, but little man was into it. I don’t know that it will make it into the regular rotation, though.

I m 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!

BDR Discount Code

How was your week in training?

Are you ready for the holiday entertaining season?

22 Comments

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

the return of the cupcake run!

Posted on October 17, 2019 by runswithpugs

The cupcake run is back! That’s right, Sweet by Holly presents the 6th Annual Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Cake Walk, benefitting Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida. This fun, family-friendly, frosting-filled event hits the St. Johns Town Center on April 4, 2020 and you’re not going to want to miss out!

cupcake run

Guys. It is just as awesome as it sounds. I had the pleasure of running the event in 2015 and loved every second of it. Not only was I surrounded by plenty of my favorite running people, but the idea of racing to that finish line cupcake was pretty motivating.

cupcake run

Here’s what you need to know:

Fun!

What could be more fun than cupcakes and running? Not much, in my world. The Sweet by Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Cake Walk is a blast all the way around. From the theming, to the signage, to the smiles on the faces of the race crew and volunteers, you’re in for a morning of good feelings.

Family-Friendly!

Yes, the Cupcake Run 5K is an official gun-timed 5K with overall and age group awards for our more competitive friends, but it’s also the perfect, family-friendly event. The course is comprised of flat loops through the St. Johns Town Center shopping area. Walkers and strollers are both welcome (but please line up towards the back). For our littlest friends who aren’t quite ready for 3.1 miles, the 1 Mile Cake Walk is the perfect option.

cupcake run
courtesy of Girls on the Run Northeast Florida

Frosting-Filled!

Do you love great race swag? The Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Cake Walk delivers! Participants receive a Sweet by Holly Cupcake at the finish, vouchers for two more free cupcakes and a frozen yogurt (use these when picking up your packet at Sweet by Holly – talk about pre-race carb-loading!), blingy medals for both Cupcake Run and Kids Cake Walkm technical race shirt for 5K participants (cotton t-shirt for Kids Cake Walk participants), custom bibs for early registrants, and FREE race photos!

Did I mention costume contests? Well, prizes are awarded for the following: Best Cupcake Costume, Most Icing (accessories), Best Family Ensemble, Best Team Costume, and Best Team Name! You have plenty of time to plan!

cupcake run
courtesy of Girls on the Run Northeast Florida

For a Good Cause!

When you join the Sweet by Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Cake Walk, you support Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida. This amazing non-profit inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum to creatively integrate running. Our kids deserve positive outlets full of support and enthusiasm and Girls on the Run provides exactly that.

cupcake run

Are you ready to register? Click here to join us for the Sweetest Race in Town!

Have you ever run for cupcakes?

*This is a sponsored post. I have partnered with Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida to promote the Sweet By Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Cake Walk. I have received compensation in the form of race registration for my own personal use. All opinions are my own.*

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
7 Comments
POSTED IN: , , ,

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