Can you believe that we are in December and almost to the end of the year? It’s unreal.
Yesterday, I raced my last run of the year. I think. I’m pretty sure. Ok, there’s one more I want to run, but I don’t know if it’s going to fit into the schedule. I guess it can be a game time decision and we will see.
Sunday – Space Coast Half Marathon, 13.1 miles
There is so much to say about this race, so many ups and downs, good moments and bad. Because that’s how races are. I finished and the end result was awesome, and I am now a Milky Way Challenge Finisher (I have run three of the five years of the Big Bang Series, and am on track to be a 5-Year Intergalactic Finisher). It’s a good feeling.
We arrived home around dinner time on Sunday and after a 3:15AM wake up call, bed never felt so good.
Monday – rest
It was kind of a relief to know that I didn’t have anything on the schedule. At all. I mean, there was all the normal clean up entailed after a trip away, but that was it. And it was so very much needed.
Tuesday – rest
Since I was still recovering, I skipped my normal Tuesday group run. It was a pleasure to sleep past 5:00 AM, and even 6:00. I could get used to this.
Wednesday – 2 miles, trail run
After I got little man to school, I had asked my parents if they wanted to join me for a little adventure. I have been looking forward to checking out a trail about 40 minutes from the house, but wanted to wait until after Space Coast, just in case I ended up tripping, falling or otherwise getting hurt.
I also thought it might be nice to stretch my legs on a little two miler.
It was worth the wait.
We just don’t have things like this anywhere near where I live and run. It was nice to incorporate something new and focus on the beauty around me (and the potential of snakes), rather than pace and pavement.
My parents appreciated the walk and the views as well.
We hurried home for lunch and then it was back on a normal schedule with soccer and karate.
Thursday – rest
I skipped the group run again. It felt off not going, but I also had to appreciate that my plantar fasciitis was no longer flaring and a few more days of serious rest would probably get me close to right again.
Friday – rest
I had thought about returning to body circuit today, but I figured one more day of nothing would be ok. I had been working really hard and recovery is honestly an important part of training.
Besides, I had a big day of volunteering at little man’s school: I had lunch with him, helped the class with their spelling tests and then got to read some great holiday stories for them (it was really sweet that the kids kept asking me to read more).
When little man got off the bus that afternoon, we got him changed and then headed up to Everbank Field. The Junior Jags were throwing their annual holiday party and we were ready to rock.
It was a cute celebration with lots of different craft stations and things to do.
Little man got to make a frame for his cheerleader photo
and decorate a giant cookies.
While we were waiting on line for his balloon animal, some of the Jags players came out and started to mingle, so I let him take my phone for a selfie with Tyson Alualu (Tyson helped).
We had a really nice evening together.
Afterwards, we joined Mr PugRunner at a neighbor’s ugly sweater party. We didn’t stay too late, but we had fun chatting and hanging out.
Saturday – Gingerbread Man Fun Run, 1 mile
We registered little man for the one mile Gingerbread Man Dash Fun Run because it was later in the morning (9:00AM), but it turned out that his teacher was running in it, so we got there a little early so he could cheer her on. He also got to cheer on (and give medals to) another teacher, some classmates, and one of his karate instructors!
And then it was his turn. He did great!
After our late Friday night, we were all interested in doing nothing more than going home, getting back into pjs and watching movies, especially since the weather was so dreary and rainy. We had one more stop to make: the Health & Fitness Boutique so I could pick up my packet for the Divas Half Marathon & 5K St. Augustine. I don’t have any pictures, because it was so congested and crowded that I could barely get my bib and bag, let alone any great selfies.
(I did, however, get some info for the upcoming Daytona Half and 5K, in which little man took particular interest. We had a long talk about him trying a 5K again, and he said he wants to challenge himself, so we will revisit in the new year and see if he is still on board. I love that he wants to be involved in something that his dad and I love so much.)
We spent the rest of the day doing exactly nothing, which was just what the doctor ordered.
How was your week in training?
Do you have any more races or challenges before the end of the year?
Looks like you enjoyed your recovery week! The trail looks so beautiful. I never considered that there would be snakes on the trails where you live…ick! I’ve seen a few here, but they’re harmless. Just creepy…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…A Whole Bunch of Nothing
We have so many snakes, I can’t even handle it: rat snakes, water snakes, cottomouths, pygmy rattlers, corn snakes, king snakes, black racers… it freaks me out so much.
Congrats again on Space Coast! That’s a series I’d love to run someday. Wow your little man is flying in that pic! Love how passionate he is about racing!
Marcia recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Party Edition
It was a fantastic photo of him. A few yards earlier, he was dragging his feet. He goes through phases, all over the course of a mile LOL. He’ll get there.
Congratulations on your half race! I was hoping to see the ugly sweater pics 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Ratatouille Soup-Meatless Monday
Well, I kind of got out of wearing an ugly sweater because we were at another event that required less ugly attire. There were some fabulous ones at the party, though. I’m only a little sad I missed out.
Congrats on the half!! So awesome that the little man wants to try another 5k!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Pistachio Pear Honey Yogurt {lactose, gluten & soy free} + GIVEAWAY
Thank you! I’m really excited for him!
Potential snakes?!?! Brave! Haha. I saw my first snake in the wild on a trail run a few months ago and shrieked!
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #37
I would have shrieked and then passed out.
this is what post race training should be! looks like a fabulous week and lots of holiday fun thrown in. Love that little man enjoys running and hope he goes for the 5K again!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Weekend Fitness Fun (& Workout Recap)
It is HARD taking time off. However, the relief in my foot makes it all worth it.
I love that he wants to try again, too. I hope he sees how much fun we all have and wants to be a part of it.
i’d freak if i saw a snake running. there is definitely potential for them on the trails around here but i try not and think about it, lol. nice week!!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Chelsea Collective Fun
It’s all I could think about. That, and alligators. Because there were signs near all the bodies of water about the alligators. Yikes.
Congrats on finishing yet another half! I know what you mean about thinking that you’re done for the year. There’s so many great races out there, its so hard to say no sometimes.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2015: My Year of Running
I do have a hard time saying no. And I just want to squeeze in a whole bunch more races before the new year. However, the races will be there next year, and I am content with my performance this year, so I can feel good about that.
Nice job on running another half and treating yourself right afterwards. There are few half marathons here that I’d like to make a habit of running, so I’m always looking for new races. Cool that you’ve run 3 out of 5!
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Three party weekend
I love this series. There are several races that I try to do every year (because I like them and because it’s a great measure of how I’ve grown and progressed), but it odes make it really hard to pull in new races, too.
Don’t you just love recovery weeks? I make sure I take full advantage 🙂 Little man has pretty good running form, go him!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Cross-training, Star Wars cakes and Ugly Sweaters
LOL! Yes, and no! I felt so lost, but I loved the extra sleep. He does have good form, when he gets going. We have to work on pacing and consistency, next.
Congrats on the half marathon!! I think it is so cool that little man loves running so much!! 🙂
Natalie recently posted…5 Awesome Hostess Gifts For The Holidays
No more races this year for me. Congrats on the half! All the rest in your week sounds heavenly.
jill conyers recently posted…Goals 2016
Awesome week. Great years on 3 years in a row.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…5 tips for Runners to Eat Right This Holiday Season
Congrats on the race! And looks like you know how to recover with flair! hahaha
Sharita recently posted…Class Review: The Dailey Method DC Barre Studio
the night after a race/waking up early is the best sleep there is! Way to go with the race!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Big Chill 5K Race Recap
I think letting your body recharge is always a great plan after a big race. I can’t wait to read all of your recaps!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Truthful Tuesday
Congrats on your Space Coast finish! Also, I love how much your son has taken to running! Congrats to hime on his race!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Thermoball Jacket from The North Face Review & Giveaway