Stand back. After last week’s sad tally of miles, this week was monumental.
Are you ready?
Twenty-four point six.
And, yes. I’m still tired.
Shall we begin?
Sunday – 11 miles
I haven’t run double digit mileage since the Walt Disney World Marathon, and I confess, it’s a bit of a mental hurdle to get back in the habit of doing so. I was also feeling rather unmotivated since I didn’t have a partner. Funny how those weekly training runs with people are making it harder and harder for me to want to get out there on my own.
Frank, from The Fat Runner, offered to be my virtual run buddy for the occasion, as he had to do a solo ten, and I gratefully accepted. We agreed to hit the road at 5:30 AM.
We didn’t communicate much during our run – it was raining where he lived and he left his phone at home – and I started dragging a little in the middle. However, for me, the weather was perfect, and when I started considering giving up, I realize how ridiculous it would be to waste such an optimal (for here in summer) running morning.
The last few miles were lovely.
Unfortunately, my foot was not so happy with me when I was finished, so I sucked it up and made an ice bath to help get the blood pumping.
Bet you can’t tell who enjoys the ice bath most.
The rest of the day was pretty low-key, but I did help little man make a mint chocolate chip ice cream pie.
He was responsible for the sprinkle situation. It was delicious.
Monday – rest
Rain, rain, go away! It was a drizzly, dreary gray day. No one wanted to do anything productive, and so we went to the post office and the grocery store and read and played board games and watched some movies from the couch. I guess it’s good to recharge, but these are the kinds of days that absolutely drain me.
Tuesday – 2.53 miles
Group run morning. Storms were threatening, but there was no rain when my alarm went off at 4:50, so I decided to go for it. Of course, the minute I parked, I swore I saw some small flashes of lightning in the distance. Ugh.
All in all, we were only able to knock out 2.53 miles before those hints of lightning because slightly more real. Safety first.
Wednesday – rest
I had a date at the Apple store in the morning. Since I got my most iPhone, the camera has been malfunctioning in all kinds of spectacular ways. I went in some time in April, and they replaced the actual cameras in the phone, but the device must have been a lemon because it didn’t do the trick. I finally couldn’t stand it anymore and they very graciously replaced the entire thing. Yay for a working camera.
Afterwards, Mr PugRunner and I had an appointment at the bank to talk retirement plans. It’s as fascinating as it sounds.
For dinner, we hit a local place as part of a group run. I wasn’t in the mood for anymore activity but I was happy to meet some of the group members.
Thursday – 3 miles
With Tour De Pain coming up the next day, I really wanted to stretch my legs and was grateful that the weather was finally more pleasant. We had a great run.
With a great view.
After work, I had dinner plans with a dear friend who will be moving. It was bittersweet, but I was so happy that we had the chance to enjoy some time with her.
Friday – Tour De Pain 4 Mile Beach Run
Race Day One had arrived. I set up my outfits and packed my things for the next few days.
We then headed to little man’s school. It was time for him to meet his new teacher for the upcoming school year. She is new to our school, and I think they hit it off great. We are excited for an awesome year, even if it does seem like we are starting so early.
To help me burn some nervous energy, we took little man to see the Fantastic Four reboot. I don’t say this often, but it was awful. There was pretty much nothing redeeming about it, and we had to cover little man’s eyes a few times. Live and learn.
The weather had taken a downturn when we got out of the theater – horrible winds, torrential rain and crazy lightning! Mr PugRunner asked if I was still going to race, but the weather reports showed that it would pass, and so I got dressed and headed out to Jacksonville Beach for the 4 mile race on the sand.
I will post a full race report later this week, but I will say it was a great night!
I came straight home after the race, enjoyed some delicious honey chicken and rice, showered and went to bed.
Saturday – Tour De Pain 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Sizzler
At 7:00 AM, I was toeing the start line for the 5K portion of Tour De Pain. It was early and I was still tired, but hanging in.
I got home in time to have breakfast with the boys, before they headed out for their own adventures. Little man was going to do some Superhero Training at my mom’s neighborhood.
I left a little early for the last leg of the Tour De Pain. It was in a new location and I wanted to avoid any potential traffic and find close parking.
The heat finally caught up to us, and it was in the mid-90s, but feeling like 103. Ugh. I just went with the flow, and while my plans didn’t quite work out how I wanted, I had a very successful race. Stay tuned for details.
In the meantime, Mr PugRunner and little man were at the Jaguars scrimmage down the street. They had been selected to help carry the American flag on to the field before the match, which was a really cool honor. Afterwards, they settled down with friends and had the most amazing time. As evidenced by the texts I received.
I went home to wait for them, and almost fell asleep in my dinner.
I think we can call this week a total win, all the way around.
How was your week in training?
Do you ever race challenges like Tour De Pain? What do you like/dislike about them?
A total win for sure! I’m so with you: getting back to double digit runs is no picnic. Love that you had a virtual run buddy! Little man looks so proud of his pie. I hope he loves his new teacher. My kids go back next week. Sigh. It always makes me sad when a new school year starts. Summer flies.
Marcia recently posted…Marathon Training, Sinkholes and Wasps in the Attic
It’s definitely a tough hurdle to leap. It happened, but ugh. It was rough. Thanks to Frank for the accountability.
The pie was really good.
His new teacher is awesome. He is really excited about school and loves it, so we ride that wave all the way. Summer was short, but we will be out of school before the end of May so I guess it all balances out in the end.
Can I have some of that pie?! YUM!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Easy Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork Bowls (wheat/dairy/soy free)
We will have to make another one LOL!
That’s so awesome that you ran 11 miles this week! I can’t even remember the last time I ran double digits ha ha
I am sorry about your foot, I hope that doesn’t turn out to be an issue!
I so love that you met my mom this week, I just wish we had a running store when I still lived in St. Augustine!
Anne recently posted…It’s Been a While
Your mom is the cutest! I hope she loves her shoes, and that she comes back and visits us regularly!
The foot will be ok. It’s an aggravation, but as long as I stay on top of it, I will be fine.
Great job on your runs for the week. That icecream cake looks delicious. I bet that was so tasty after your long run.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…Peek in our Week
I may have polished it off after Tour De Pain this weekend. I am an ice cream addict. Not sorry LOL.
Way to go!!! So much mileage!! I am all kinds of jealous 😉 Little Man is too cute, look at him holding that pie like a BOSS! Can’t wait to read your race report!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…Pregnancy: Weeks 29 – 30 {+ Weekend Recap}
Well, you’re kind of busy making a human, so I imagine you need to take it a little easy on the miles. You’ll be back out there soon.
He is a total boss and he knows it. That kid never ceases to amaze me and make me smile.
I love the idea of running with someone virtually! What a great way to get yourself out the door 🙂
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Marathon Training Recap (week 3)
It was definitely motivating. I don’t think I would have managed without Frank’s encouragement, and for that, I am grateful.
How fun that you and Frank were able to be virtual running buddies on Sunday! What a great motivation!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon Training Log – Week 14
It was a huge help!
Instead of submerging my foot into ice, I roll it on a frozen water bottle and find it much more tolerable. Have you tried that?
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Freekeh, Roasted Eggplant, Tomato & Pasta Salad
Oh, yes. I’ve done the frozen water bottle, the golf ball, the calf stretches and rolling. I figured I would give this a whirl. The happiest one about the whole thing was the dog LOL!
Well done on the mileage and races this week!! Also that chocolate dessert looks delish 🙂
Bri recently posted…How to properly taper for a marathon in three weeks
It was quite delicious. Great for summer, although not at all healthy. I felt really good about the week.
Your son is just the cutest thing ever!!!
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: “Ray of Light” Ride with Madonna, P!nk, Foos, Gwen Stefani & More
Thank you!
I’ve never heard of tour de pain, I’ll have to look it up. I love that photo of your pug drinking your ice bath for your foot. Hope it feels better now. I’ve never had a virtual run buddy but that seems like a good way to stay motivated.
Mrs.BarBelle recently posted…Mr.BarBelle’s Mom Tells All
Yes, the pug drinking the water made my day. She’s ridiculous.
Tour De Pain is pretty intense. I’ll be writing more on it, but it’s a great challenge (at least, when it’s done – when you’re in the midst of it, it’s pretty much “OMG WHY????”)
Every time I run, I listen to music on my phone. For some reason that I don’t understand, I decided on this ocassion to take the iPod from my car (which never leaves my car) on this long run. Of course, focusing on trying to not leave my iPod at the house meant leaving the phone at the house.
I have concluded that this all happened simply because on this run it was important to bring my phone so of course I left it. LOL
Still, I rooted for you the whole way and I assure you, next time we will do even better. Congratuaaltions again on the Tour de Pain. You did awesome!
Frank@The Fat Runner recently posted…Galloway Tips: Dealing with the Heat
Of course! That makes perfect sense!
I was rooting for you, too! It’s a great way to make it happen!
Thanks for the kudos – it was a hard-fought series.
Congrats on a great week! I’m just getting back into the swing of things after Ironman Lake Placid 2 weeks ago. I’m in that, I can run far but don’t have to right now stage … and it’s nice to be here. Your kid is as edible as the cake!
Cristina @triathlonmami recently posted…Why I Went On A Road Trip And Why You Should Too
Thank you! IM Lake Placid is quite a feat! You should be taking your time off and resting!
He’s a cutie, that’s for sure.
Looks like you had an awesome week all right! Love waterfront runs the very best. Here’s to another good one…
Elle recently posted…Get Lean Gluten Free Cookbook Review
It’s easier when you have something pretty to look at.
Nice job getting your mileage back up there! And I agree with everyone above. That cake looks awesome :-).
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…Vegan Zucchini Apple Bread. Plus a Sun Warrior Giveaway
I think we will need to make another one soon!
Tour de Pain sounds like a fun race challenge. I’ve never done a multi-day/multi-event race, tho. I feel like I’d get injured or something. Great job!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Marathon training week 3: KIckstart My Heart
It’s not something I could do all the time, but once in a while, it’s fun to see what you can do.
I got tired just reading about those miles but am envious too. Wish I would run 11 miles. I see why you needed the rest – I would have been out for a week. LOL. Chocolate chip mint cake huh? Sounds yummy.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Plenti Yogurt To Eat
It’s definitely tough getting into those double digits, but yes. So freaking tired after! I usually need a day or two to bounce back. The ice cream pie helped a lot.
You had me at mint chocolate chip ice cream pie! HaHa!
It sounds like you had a great training week capped off by the sand race and Tour De Pain races.
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Race Day Interactions With Strangers
That seems to be a fan favorite!
Love your week in review full of great photos! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Life is Nutty
Thanks! I love taking and sharing photos!
Awesome week of training! I have also been having a mental block when it comes to long runs. I actually dread them, and have to run 16 miles this weekend ughhh. I like the idea of a virtual rnning partner! My mom and I run every day together, but if I ever move for some reason I’ve told her we will call each other and talk thru our headphones on runs lol
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 9
I dread them, too. I think when I had to do 16 it was ok, but 17 was a hard wall to surmount. I love that you run with your mom. I am just now starting to enjoy running with other people, but I am still incredibly self-conscious about it.
What an awesome running week! I would love to participate in the Tour De Pain. I wish they had one around here. But maybe in the fall when it’s a little cooler…
Little man and Mr Pugrunner look like they’re having the best time at the game!
As for my week in training… I ran 3 miles on Thursday. Hey once a week is better than nothing right? Ha!
Training with the ponies is going much better though. Little Duck even started some jumping!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Truthful Tuesday
It’s interesting to see what different regions have to offer as far as race selection and variety. I’m sure part of the challenge is gutting out a mile in the hellish heat of an August afternoon.
Yay for Little Duck!
Love your sky photos this week! Beautiful. Can’t wait to see the event recap – the Tour De Pain sounds very [tough, but] cool!
Elizabeth recently posted…Travel Tuesdays: North Dakota Days 1 & 2
It was definitely tough, but cool. I like getting myself into those challenges and seeing how I can hold up.
Wow, amazing, busy, awesome week. And apparently Little Man and I both feel the need for lots of sprinkles.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Periscope 101: How to Be a Rocking Viewer
Sprinkles are where it’s at.
Awesome week for mileage! Great shot of chocolate love 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…Very Berry Smoothie Bowl
Thanks, Jill!