• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

Our Tips To Fit In Fitness During Holiday Travel

The Thanksgiving Week Rundown

Black Friday Runfessions

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / a measure of progress

a measure of progress

July 2, 2015      46 Comments

I find that it’s hard, in the heat of the moment, to see progress along any kind of journey. Be it fitness or weight loss or anything where we start from Point A and move along a steady path, I think we remain too close to the matter at hand.

My head tells me that I’ve done good work. I have earned new PRs over the last three years. I have mastered new distances and conquered new challenges. I mean, had anyone suggested, a few years back, that I would voluntarily drag my body over 26.2 miles, I probably would have cracked a rib laughing at the absurdity of it all. But that’s exactly what I did in January of this year, and I know that I could do it again if the mood ever struck.

I am notorious for being hard on myself and not appreciating the strides I have made, rather stewing over the strides I think I should have made. However, when I was writing my recap of the third anniversary of our first race, I came across this picture, which made me realize something.

IMG_4290

Things have changed.

A lot.

Mr PugRunner has come a long way. He is stronger and faster. He no longer needs blood pressure medication and his cholesterol is now normal. I, too, am faster, and I have stopped hiding my legs with black capris regardless of the heat. On top of that, we have challenged ourselves, tested ourselves physically in ways I never thought we would, and found so many wonderful friends in a supportive community.

These are the measures of progress I tend to forget. In the quest for farther and faster, I admit to losing sight of all the bits and pieces along the way.

There is still work to be done. I have goals that have yet to be met and I know Mr PugRunner is looking at some redemption half marathons. We are works in progress and while we have so many miles to go, it’s motivating to see, in photos and stats, how far we have actually come.

We are halfway through 2015, and I’m thrilled with how the year is going. The next six months promise to be even better!

How do you measure your progress?

What are some of your goals for the rest of the year?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne@candycrazedrun says

    July 2, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    Wow, this is a very poignant post. You hit on something that is so spot on for me. Pausing to read about your family’s progress, I am so impressed by you all, from the outside, I am so inspired by you all! I can relate though to having a hard time seeing the forest through the trees or however that saying goes 🙂 Something I struggle with is not knowing what I want and having actual goes.
    Great food for thought for me!
    Anne@candycrazedrun recently posted…The Sacred Valley and Machu PicchuMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 12:57 pm

      Not seeing the forest for the trees is the exact sentiment, and it is something that plagues me often. Sometimes, we are just too close to the situation and have to step back to see all the great things going on.

      Thanks for reading my ramblings and for being such an incredible source of support 🙂

      Reply
  2. Ivanna says

    July 2, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    I want to get a 30 minute or less 5k and drop a few winter pounds. Also focus on fueling my body with mostly whole food.
    Ivanna recently posted…Join the “Try This Thursday” Link upMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 7:30 pm

      Those are awesome and manageble goals. I want that sub 30 5K, too! I am so close! Best of luck to you!

      Reply
  3. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    July 2, 2015 at 1:21 pm

    Congrats to you on all of the progress that you’ve made. Often times its difficult to measure progress through numbers (weight, pace that we run, etc). Its much more important to measure progress based on how we feel and how we think we look. Kudos to you for not feeling like you have to hide your legs under black capris anymore. You look great!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…My Goals for Saturday’s Firecracker 5kMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 7:49 pm

      Thank you!

      I agree, progress is so much more than the data and numbers and quatifiables.

      It took me a while to give up the capris. And I imagine my legs probably weren’t unsightly before, and there are still things I don’t love about them now, but they are strong and they have gotten me through ridiculous amounts of miles, so I’m pretty proud of them.

      Reply
  4. Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says

    July 2, 2015 at 1:23 pm

    Jennifer I love seeing the progress made, it is really inspiring. I have no doubt the rest of this year will bring you some awesomeness. I want to continue my year with a few more half marathons {another one in two weeks} and really fuel my body with clean food.
    Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry recently posted…Summer Skin Care and Puritans Pride GiveawayMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      <3

      I hope so. I am working hard and pushing for those next goals.

      Best of luck to you with the rest of your year and reaching your goals!

      Reply
  5. Stacie Seidman says

    July 2, 2015 at 1:25 pm

    What a great post! Congrats to you and your whole family on how far you’ve come!
    In terms of running, I’ve taken many steps back in the past year or so. But it hasn’t been a focus for me, and I’m okay with that. So currently I guess I haven’t made any progress. But it will come when I’m ready to get back to it.
    My current goal is to get back to running consistently and try to get my time back down to where it used to be. Nothing crazy, but I do miss being able to run a 9-9:15 mile! (Or that crazy time I ran a 5K in 26 and change?! Who was I?)
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…What’s Up WednesdayMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Thank you, Stacie.

      That’s great that you can prioritize and not get down when you haven’t made progress in one area. A 5k in 26 is flying! You’ll get there again, with a little work! No worries.

      Reply
  6. Bri says

    July 2, 2015 at 1:47 pm

    Love this. It’s important to pause and really appreciate how far you’ve come. Sometimes when we’re being hard on ourselves thinking we should be farther along we should just be proud instead of what we’ve accomplished already.
    Bri recently posted…6 things you should do to detox after a weekend at a summer music festivalMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 7:57 pm

      I am making every effort to be proud of where we are and what we have done. Because, to be honest, it’s pretty cool.

      Reply
  7. jan says

    July 2, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Wow, that is an amazing transformation, and you are also being such great fit role models for your son!
    jan recently posted…Is professional running pure?My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:00 pm

      <3 We are trying. I don't remember my family being particularly active. I did dance and horse back riding, but I was far from athletic and we didn't do things like run or even really bike ride. I hope that little man has fond memories of us racing together and taking time to train and work on our own health and fitness.

      Reply
  8. Marcia says

    July 2, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    Kudos to you and Mr. PR for awesome progress! I do the same thing. Either I don’t really notice my progress or in my head I minimize the accomplishment. aka “if I can do it, it must not be that hard.” I’m glad you are embracing your awesome!
    Marcia recently posted…Stuff I’m Bringing to EuropeMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      Thank you! Minimizing is a great way to describe it. And it needs to stop!

      Reply
  9. Mer @ScootaDoot says

    July 2, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    What a great and inspiring post. It’s so easy to lose the major progress when you’re just going day to day. But looking at those pictures and thinking about the changes that your entire family has made is so impressive. Way to go, Pug Runners!!!
    Mer @ScootaDoot recently posted…Video May Have Killed the Radio Star…My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      I don’t think we were ever really unhealthy per se, but we definitely weren’t as active as we are now. I love seeing where we started and where we are, and knowing that we have so much opportunity in front of us.

      Reply
  10. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    July 2, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    Amazing! Both of you! Progress can be very hard to see. I try not to do weekly weigh ins or anything like that because I find them to be discouraging. It helps to take progress pictures every month or so. Progress takes time, so you won’t see it right away. The same goes for race goals. You won’t PR at every race. You won’t be able to run 26.2 miles overnight. I try to think longer term to stay sane and encouraged 🙂
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…The 10 Best Running MemesMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:04 pm

      It is really hard to see. I finally threw out my scale a few years ago. It wasn’t helping anything and I will never allow myself to get back up to my original weight when I was younger – it’s just not part of who I am anymore. Other than that, I don’t really care ta ll about the numbers. They don’t define me.

      And I know I won’t PR every time. And that when I am in a low training season, I won’t be able to hit those extra miles. But it’s all a process, and I’m doing my best to enjoy it.

      Reply
  11. John (Daddy Runs a Lot) says

    July 2, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    You look like you’ve all made great progress 🙂

    It’s funny, I was just looking at some graphs of what I’ve been doing (it’s almost exactly 2.5 years, to the day, since I’ve “gotten serious” about my health . . . I’m 80-ish pounds lighter than I was, then). My blood pressure is SIGNIFICANTLY lower (I was never on medication, but my doctor threatened to put me on medication a time or two . . . it’s now, firmly, in the “normal” range, unless it’s late at night, or I’ve eaten a lot / had a lot to drink). The funny thing, though, is that I’m not that much faster . . . I must be doing something wrong. Though I’m hardly complaining.
    John (Daddy Runs a Lot) recently posted…Where I list the A,B,C’s of Daddy Runs a LotMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:06 pm

      Thanks, John. I think we have.

      You have have made awesome strides! It’s a great feeling knowing that you have been able to keep yourself away from regulating meds on your own power (Mr PugRunner is the same way as you – he will run a little higher if he consistently eats poorly over a few days or drinks a lot, but he knows what he needs to do to get himself under control).

      You’re doing nothing wrong. You can’t ignore all the wonderful progress you’ve made.

      Reply
  12. Erin Go says

    July 2, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    “I have stopped hiding my legs with black capris regardless of the heat. ” I started running in October and I have just recently found the confidence to wear shorts because of how my legs have become after all of this running. I thought I was the only one who hid her legs behind capris in the summer. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:07 pm

      Nope. You are certainly not alone. And don’t get me wrong. I love my black capris. I have many styles and pairs. But they are reserved for running in winter and lounging around the house.

      Congratulations on finding your confidence to show off those runner’s legs!

      Reply
  13. Frank@The Fat Runner says

    July 2, 2015 at 4:59 pm

    That is awesome progress for Mr. PugRunner for sure. More than anything else, those indicators are the true measure of health. I mean, no blood pressure medication?! Cheers! Your 5K times are awesome. More than the marathon, getting faster at the 5K distnce is harder. At least for me. We aim for what truly challenges us and in that respect, you have your work cut out for you at 5K.
    Frank@The Fat Runner recently posted…The Road to GoofyMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      I am really proud of him. He has worked so hard to get to where he is.

      I like the 5K better than the marathon, just because even when it sucks, it’s over pretty quickly. I’m working hard at it (actually, not right now. It’s July in Florida, so I’m just not worrying about it too much) and we will see what happens in a few months.

      Reply
  14. Rachel says

    July 2, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    Congratulations to both of you! A wonderful physical transformation but more important is how you feel and your health. Kudos!
    Rachel recently posted…June has been a really weird month.My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Thank you! I didn’t really notice much physically (Well, I noticed on Mr PugRunner, but not on me), until I saw these pictures. A lot has changed. A lot.

      Reply
  15. Kim Hatting says

    July 2, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    Awesome post!! Also, in addition to recognizing our own achievements, I almost find more excitement in watching others achieve their goals. Congrats to YOU!!
    Kim Hatting recently posted…Have Tutu–Will RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 2, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      Aw, that’s so sweet! Thank you! We are going to keep pushing to see what happens next!

      Reply
  16. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

    July 2, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    sometimes it’s really hard to actually appreciate how far you have come. great post! your family looks awesome and healthy!
    Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Tips for Your First Group RunMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 3, 2015 at 1:25 am

      Thank you! It’s really gratifying to see our progress and know that our efforts are paying off.
      runswithpugs recently posted…a measure of progressMy Profile

      Reply
  17. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    July 2, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    I love that you are all in this together. Such an amazing journey.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…AJC Peachtree Road Race GoalsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 3, 2015 at 1:26 am

      It’s been great. Who knew running would give us so much?
      runswithpugs recently posted…a measure of progressMy Profile

      Reply
  18. Carmy says

    July 2, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    Way to go Mr PugRunner! that’s almost 3 minutes shaved off!
    Carmy recently posted…TOL #25 A Lesson in PatienceMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 3, 2015 at 12:55 am

      It is! It’s so fantastic to see how all his hard work is paying off. Sometimes, you don’t realize it until you lay it all out there.

      Reply
  19. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    July 2, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    You might not see it, but I’ve been reading your blog for a while and it’s been fun to watch all of your and your family’s progress!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Miss IndependenceMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 3, 2015 at 1:24 am

      <3 Thank you, Wendy. We have been working hard, for sure.
      runswithpugs recently posted…a measure of progressMy Profile

      Reply
  20. April @ RunTheGreatWideSomewhere says

    July 2, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    We are ALL works in progress, aren’t we? I love that concept, thanks for putting it into words. You’ve both accomplished so much!!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 3, 2015 at 1:23 am

      Thank you. We are working to get better and stronger every single day.
      runswithpugs recently posted…a measure of progressMy Profile

      Reply
  21. jill conyers says

    July 3, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Don’t miss the along the way stuff! That’s where some of the best memories are made.

    Have a fab Friday Jenn!
    jill conyers recently posted…Comprehensive Physical FitnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 4, 2015 at 2:41 pm

      Something about “it’s the journey, not the destination”, right? The journey is pretty darn incredible.

      Have a great holiday weekend!
      runswithpugs recently posted…a measure of progressMy Profile

      Reply
  22. rachel says

    July 3, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    Love your progress and journey! I love how we can measure our progress in various ways. 🙂 Keep going… you are doing great!
    rachel recently posted…Summer FunMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 4, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      We are going and going and going and going! No turning back now, right?

      Reply
  23. Elena says

    July 3, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    Those bits and pieces are what I cling to because they are so easy to lose sight of when I am frustrated. You are doing fabulous!!
    Elena recently posted…A Day in the Life at Hilton Head HealthMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 4, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      Thank you! They are really the things we need to hold on to. Have a great weekend.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here
Save With Code RUNPUG

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • Our Tips To Fit In Fitness During Holiday Travel
  • The Thanksgiving Week Rundown
  • Black Friday Runfessions
  • Making The Most Of Your Turkey Trot
  • Are We On Vacation Yet?

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!