This time next week, I will (hopefully) be strutting (or hobbling) around a theme park, weighed down by some golden bling
eating all the things and taking all the selfies. Pictures or it didn’t happen, right?
It’s all come down to now.
Talk about pressure. I’ve been training for more than half a year. So many hours and miles and words dedicated to what amounts to five or six (or seven) hours. Not counting staging and corral time. Which is eternal.
I’m not sure how I’m feeling. I’m waking up incredibly early in the mornings and it seems like I am grinding my teeth while I sleep. Way to stay easy breezy, right? I need to get myself together.
Sunday – rest
After running 20 miles on Saturday, it seemed prudent to take a day (or two) off. But that didn’t mean I was off the hook from my alarm.
Kristin and I were meeting at the Jacksonville Bank Marathon to cheer on some of our wonderful friends and all of them (we had volunteered at the same race last year) . For one of them, it was a complete surprise. A bunch of us had gotten together to make some inspirational posters (sayings included “Humpty Dumpty had wall issues too” and “Your feet hurt so much because you are kicking a$$!”) and we were thrilled to show them off.
We arrived in time to watch a lot of the half marathoners coming in to the last bit of the race: a turn to the track, which looped to the finish line. Even better, we got to wave to a bunch of our friends. Then we took a bit of a break and headed into the stadium to hang out and wait at the finish line for our marathoners. Watching them come in was, once again, inspiring and awesome. So proud of these athletes.
I need to point out that the weather, again, was miserable. Last year, it was humid with a torrential downpour. This year started out cold and misty, and quickly changed to muggy and hot with a fully blazing sun. The athletes definitely suffered and it was hard to watch.
However, we had yet another reminder of why the running community is the best. Less than half a mile from the finish, a young man fell down. It seemed like he was cramping. A bike rider stopped immediately to assist, and had some difficulty getting him back on his feet. The runner’s legs just weren’t cooperating, and so the cyclist began supporting him to walk. A woman stopped her race to get under the runner’s other arm, and the three of them walked their way to the finish line. It was beautiful and a reminder of how amazing and selfless people can be.
Monday – rest
We met my parents for lunch at one of my favorite BBQ joints. Delicious.
Tuesday – rest
Mr PugRunner took the afternoon off work so we could all go see Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb.
I wasn’t sure if little man would be into it, considering he hadn’t seen the first two movies in the series, but apparently, inappropriate monkeys are hilarious regardless.
It was a little sad to see Robin Williams on the big screen in one of the last movies he made in his lifetime, and I teared up a bit towards the end in an exchange between Ben Stiller’s Larry Daley and Williams’ Teddy Roosevelt:
Larry Daley: I’m not sure what I’m doing tomorrow.
Teddy Roosevelt: How very exciting!
Amazing how a little twist on perspective can change things around.
We ended Tuesday with an epic sunset.
Wednesday – 3.1 miles
New Year’s Eve! It was a busy day.
First, a run.
We had a few errands to run and then we were off to an early New Year’s Eve party so the kids could have a faux countdown and drink sparkling cider and celebrate before actual midnight.
We hung out with our friends, and then made the trek to Nana and Papa Bear’s house for NYE Part II. We snacked on delicious appetizers and then lit some sparklers outside.
Little man was staying for a sleepover, so we scooted home before it got too late. I was exhausted and have to admit that I couldn’t make it to midnight. I had a few sips of champagne before I had to call it a night.
Thursday – rest
New Year’s Day is Mr PugRunner’s birthday. I let him sleep in a bit, since little man wasn’t home and we rarely get the opportunity. We went out to breakfast and then chatted with my parents to formulate a plan for the rest of the day.
Little man had been busy. He had participated in the community’s Polar Bear Plunge, jumping (or sliding) into the pool in 48F temperatures. Brave child. I don’t know that I would have had the gumption to do the same.
Not even for a hug from the Polar Bear himself.
We kind of lounged around the rest of the day and then met up for dinner at Bonefish Grill. After a lovely meal, it was back to the house for ice cream cake and presents.
Happy birthday, Mr PugRunner!
Friday – rest
We had lunch with a friend and her daughter and then visited the book store and walked around the outdoor mall a bit. New books in hand, we went home to finish working on little man’s Christmas present.
Much as I wanted to do the whole thing myself, I sat on my hands and offered assistance only as requested. He did an amazing job, and it is just so cool. Not ashamed to admit I’ve played with it a bit.
Saturday – 5.23 miles
This was a great morning. I got to meet up at 1st Place Sports with some of my fellow ZOOMA Florida Ambassadors for the last training run before ZOOMA Florida in Amelia Island on January 17. There were three groups of runners, going distance of ten miles, six miles and three miles, with pacers, as well as some great giveaways from Feetures! I am incredibly excited for this race in just under two weeks. It’s going to be so much fun!
Later that evening, we celebrated Nana and Papa Bear’s seventh wedding anniversary. We had a delicious Italian dinner and stayed up way too late in the lobby of their hotel, just chatting and enjoying. It was a lovely night and we wish them continued happiness.
The taper continues this week. I have a few planned runs, to keep my legs loose, but I guess we shall just see how it goes. I am going to pay special attention to my water intake as well as my nutrition this week. I have already made some hard boiled eggs for meals and snacks, and will be focusing on lean proteins and staying away from anything too sugary or fatty.
How did you celebrate the coming of 2015?
What are your best tips and tricks for getting through the taper?
Aaaahhhhh! It’s so close! I can’t wait for that selfie with your medal!
Sounds like you had a great week! Happy Birthday to Mr. Pugrunner too!
I don’t have much advice on the taper… being a mere half marathoner who tends to decide last minute to run races, I often don’t leave myself time to taper. But you’ve worked so hard, you’re going to be just fine!
Stacie recently posted…Thursdays Threads: Vacation Edition
Lots of selfies.
You are not a “mere half marathoner”! Half marathoners are hard as hell in their own right – don’t downplay that. And you’re right – I usually don’t have time to taper for a half, or I’m using the half as a training run and training runs don’t get taper, so I don’t think I’ve ever done it before.
I’m a little freaked out because I see people are still running 6, 7 and 8 miles this week,and I just don’t have it in me. Oh, well. I guess we’ll just see what happens.
I’m so excited for you I’m running my first postpartum half the day before you’ll be running your full. Ironically, my half is in Jacksonville, while you’ll be in Central FL. funny huh?
I’m kinda nervous about my race and taper week is going to be weird. Just keep up with your nutrition and fluids like you mentioned and you should be good to go. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Haley @ Running with Diapers recently posted…Mostly Silent Saturday
BDR??? I wanted to do that one so badly, but I am settling for the virtual 10K.
You’re going to be awesome, and the weather is going to be great. Have a wonderful race! I know it’s going to be a great comeback! <3
Yeah! Welcome to taper town and enjoy the calm before the race! : )
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…2015 GOALS
My husband told me, last night, that I need to be kept very, very, very busy this week. My anxiety has kicked it up to ridiculous levels. Too bad my anxiety can’t run the race, lol!
Girrrlll you GOT this!
You have one the work. If you’ve done the work, you’ve one everything you can possibly do. Even if some of the runs have been hard, well, more than I personally would like, running sucks haha!
One of my best friends ran the Disney marathon for her first marathon and had the most amazing experience! In fact, the worst part was that she was not 21 an when we all went to lunch after… she couldn’t order the beer she was crazing haha.
Good luck, you’re going to rock it!
By the way, I’m pinning that quote!
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.com recently posted…Wait…I Live Here?
Oooh, that is pretty bad. Usually, when I am done with a long run, the only things I want are chocolate milk and a bud light. After 26.2 miles, it would be pretty sad not to be able to have that.
It was a great quote. I got all teary and inspired. It made the entire movie, as far as I’m concerned.
I think I’ve done the work. I mean, sure, I’ve slacked off a bit here and there, but this isn’t my career and it isn’t the whole reason for my being, so I think that’s allowed. I just want to enjoy it so badly but my fear is all in the way. I wish I had the personality where I could let things happen without working myself into a frenzy about them, but this is me. Sigh.
Sounds like you kept yourself busy to escape the taper crazies 🙂 I think you’re going to smash this race this weekend – hope I get to run into you!!
Kristen @ The Smith Summary recently posted…2014 – Year In Review
I hope so, too! In our matching, sparkly visors LOL!
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 12/28 – 1/3
It sounds like you are primed and ready to take on the Goofy Challenge! My biggest advice would be to hydrate like crazy this week and increase your salt intake. It looks like it;s going to be a very hot race weekend. Have so much fun and take tons of selfies! Can’t wait to follow you and so many other runners this weekend!
Pam and Christine recently posted…Goofy is getting no respect
I am drinking water like there’s no tomorrow, and I even have little salt packets to bring with me to mix with my Gatorade. Cramps and I are neither strangers nor friends. 🙂
I was at mile 17.5 cheering for people at the Jacksonville Bank Marathon. We grabbed some donut holes for the runners, and noisemakers for the girls. I wanted to volunteer, but I wasn’t sure if I was going to be out of town for Christmas.
I am not doing many long runs this week either. I did 6.2 Saturday, and will probably get 2 more runs in this week (3.5 miles at the most for each run). This is the time to rest.
Angie recently posted…New Year
That was awesome! I’m sure the runners were so happy to have you there!
It is time to rest, but oh, it is so hard.
I can’t wait to hear about your race and see a pic of you w/ that medal on! The Lego is AWESOME! You know our family loves Legos! 🙂 My husband has been eyeballing that one.
jan recently posted…Adventures in Trail Running
Legos are totally awesome! And we had so much fun. I kind of want to take it all apart and rebuild it on my own, but that wouldn’t be right LOL!
Cannot wait to see a picture of you with that medal.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Marvelous Mizuno
I cannot wait to take said picture. And then take a nap.