I confess. With training and the pugs being under the weather, and things going on for the holidays, I have been miserably behind in my blogging. I hate having to play catch up, but I have at least three race reports and some trip reports to share, and I hope to get that all finished in the next few weeks.
Sunday – 1.5 miles
Much as I didn’t want to drag myself out of bed, I set the alarm and headed out for my scheduled 11 miles. Within the first half mile, it started drizzling. I am really not down with rain running, but I tried to stay tough. The drizzle gave way to a downpour, and even though I wanted to stick it out, the thunder started rumbling. I have to draw a line at thunder and lightning, so I called it quits, took a shower and got another hour of sleep. I was really disappointed in myself for not getting it done, but it wasn’t meant to be. My coaches said it was ok, but I needed to make it up the next weekend, which I resolved to do.
We met up with my in-laws for breakfast and said our goodbyes. It was sad to see them go, but they had to get back.
Mr PugRunner and his brother wanted to watch football, but before that, we all took little man to see The Peanuts Movie. It was surprisingly cute – a little longer than it needed to be, but sweet.
We had dinner out at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, and said our goodbyes. My brother-in-law would be leaving first thing on Monday morning.
Monday – body circuit, one hour
The workout was pretty tough – not only were the exercises difficult, but the humidity added another level of challenge.
I spent the rest of the day getting the house back on track after the weekend of visitors.
Tuesday – 3 miles, speedwork
It was going to be a busy day. First, I had three miles of speedwork. I had a little bit of a break since I didn’t have to run the bridge. I hated every second of the intervals while I was doing them, but afterwards, I felt fantastic.
I got cleaned up, sent little man off to school and got myself to work. It turned into a pretty busy day, which made the time fly, and soon enough I was home. I couldn’t wait for little man to get home. I had packed our bags and we were going to be making the drive to Orlando for a night at the Royal Pacific and a day at the Universal Studios theme parks!
He had no idea the surprise that was waiting for him, and he was so excited when we pulled into the Royal Pacific.
We had dinner at CityWalk, and called it a night. I was exhausted from the drive and we had to be up early to take advantage of early park hours.
Wednesday – rest
Little man and I had the best day! We got up early and spent the day riding and meeting characters and just having fun. We were very sorry to see it come to an end.
We managed to get home right in time for dinner, and then it was off to bed for all of us.
Thursday – 5 miles
The weather had finally made a significant turn. It was in the low 60s, with heavy, heavy fog. I couldn’t see three feet in front of me while I was running. Yikes. But it was so nice to finally not be dripping sweat in the first few miles. I ran two at home and then went down to the bayfront to join my group for three.
I was able to snap a few pictures while I was in recovery from my strides.
Mr PugRunner had plans with friends that evening, so little man and I had breakfast for dinner, made some popcorn and watched a movie. It was a really nice way to unwind.
Friday – rest
Class was cancelled for the day, but I still had a meeting and had to pick up a birthday gift and some other things. Little man’s school carnival was that night, and we spent a few hours there so he could play games and have a chance at throwing pies at his teacher (who is such a good sport). Afterwards, we grabbed dinner at our favorite Italian place, so I could get in a little carb loading.
Saturday – 11 miles (including St. Augustine 10K)
Earlier in the week, I started feeling anxious about this 11 miler, and decided that I was going to break it up: five miles really early in the morning, and then a 10K for the remaining six (point two). It was really the only way I could wrap my head around the distance. I used to be great at solo running, but since I’ve been doing more and more with groups, it’s getting harder and harder for me to suck it up. I need to work on that a bit.
I played around a lot with the logistics and finally decided to run the five at home, shower and change, and then carpool with friends to the race. It was going to be too early for me to comfortably run alone near the race site, and I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to want to run a little bit before and a little bit after the race.
Of course, this meant that my alarm went off at 3:45 in the morning. I completed the first five in the pitch black and utter silence of way early morning,
and then headed out to do it all over again.
We spent some time at the post-race celebration and then got back.
I was able to eat, shower, and take a nap, and then I took little man to a bowling birthday party, while Mr PugRunner got the house ready to have some friends over for dessert and drinks.
It was a long, exhausting day, but I loved every minute of it.
So the week went well. I am hitting the paces that my coaches have assigned, and I am feeling mostly ok. With two weeks to go, my nerves are getting out of control, and I hope that I can keep it all in check on Space Coast day. I think if I can stay calm, the rest will all start to fall into place.
I am also looking ahead to what comes beyond Space Coast and into 2016. There are some great races on my calendar, and I am trying to make plans for my next goal. I find it’s good to keep my mind occupied with what’s to come – it makes the present challenges a little less prominent in my brain.
How was your week in review?
Do you ever run before you race in order to hit your scheduled miles?
Great week. I started doing a lot of steady state cardio and switching that up with HIIT training. Great week though.
Ivanna recently posted…Plum Deluxe Tea Review
I love HIIT. I always feel so accomplished when it’s over.
I think we are on a similar schedule. My race is Dec 6 and in West Palm Fla.
Space Coast is on my bucket list.
Darlene recently posted…Monday Running Update
Space Coast is amazing! It was my first half and I hope to continue with it for many years to come.
What race are you doing? 12/6 is the Divas St. Augustine weekend, so that’s going to be pretty big up here.
He is at such a great age for Disney huh? I love when they still get so excited about the characters
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…10 Healthy Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
He is. He wanted to see and hang out with EVERYONE. I loved it. So cute.
I’d love to do Space Coast! I think you’re doing great. I don’t get nervous before a half anymore–I do enough long runs to know that I can always finish. Might not be a PR, but hey, sometimes it’s great just to run.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Book club review and linkup: My Life on the Road: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso
Oh, I know I can finish, but I’m just having this mental struggle because I train and work hard and I want to see the improvements. There are lots of races I run for fun or just because I want to be out there, but this one means just a little bit more to me.
You’re doing great! I’m impressed with how you manage to fit all the miles in, while still getting the runs in with your group, running races, taking day trips, etc.
So jealous of your proximity to Universal. I’m still DYING to get to Hogwarts. I bet Little Man was so excited when he figured out your surprise.
I’m super behind on blogging too. I have a race recap to write and some reviews to do. All in good time I guess.
As for my running of late… I did 2 treadmill miles (very slowly) on Wednesday, and survived my 5K on Saturday. Actually, considering how terrible I am at actually training lately, I was really happy with my 31:38 time.
Stacie Seidman recently posted…The case of the missing packages…
31:38 is great (coming from someone who has yet to crack 30:00).
You need to get to Hogwarts. It is just so amazing. Little man was over the moon about it. He loves staying in hotels, especially one where you get to take a boat to the theme parks! I’m glad we were able to do it.
Crazy how life manages to get in the way. Oh, well. It will all get done.
Great job on your training this week! It’s so frustrating when the weather doesn’t cooperate, ugh! I went to Universal for the first time a few years ago (to see the Harry Potter stuff) – so much fun! Your son looks like he enjoyed himself 🙂
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan for 11/15/15
I am the worst in the rain. But lightning is a definite game ender for me.
He had a blast. It’s so much fun there!
Great training week! Mine was too. Not as many miles but I got in all the scheduled workouts for the week. Boom!
jill conyers recently posted…Healthy Living Jumpstart 2016!
You are rocking it!
Oh my gooooodness the Royal Pacific view looks so pretty!
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #35
It was so lovely and so serene. I wish we had more time to explore and enjoy the property. The pool was gorgeous and there were some really good restaurants.
I would have stopped with thunder and lightening, too! That’s just dangerous. I’m glad you were able to make it up the next weekend, even if it meant getting up in the middle of the night! That’s dedication!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Soy Free Soy Sauce! {also gluten free!}
Sometimes I feel I should be just a wee bit more tough, but yeah, I have to draw the line at lightning. I’m glad I was able to make it up, too. It bothered me that I was behind schedule, but we are back on track!
sounds like a great week! I want to do Space Coast 2016- you need to remind me when it is time to sign up 🙂 Looking forward to seeing you for the Diva race!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Gators, Packers and Paris, oh My!
I will let you know when it opens!
I can’t wait to see you! So many great people are going to be running Diva this year!
Try not to be hard on yourself in terms of being behind with blogging. All of our schedules are super busy, especially during the holidays. Be sure to focus on what’s most important – you and your family. 🙂
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Facing Reality
You’re right, of course, and on some level I know that. But I also like to be on top of my to-do list. However, with life happening all around, something has to give.
Fabulous week! We were just in Universal last week as well. We love love loved Harry Potter. We also make a stop at the minion shop because who doesn’t love those cute little yellow dudes.
Becki S recently posted…Healthy For the Holidays Series Intro & a Home Work Out
Universal is the best! We love the Minions, too!