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

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • TikTok

Runs With Pugs

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

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

The Latest

5 Tips For Building Mental Toughness On Long Runs

Setting Goals For National Physical Fitness & Sports Month

Celebrate Good Times!

You are here: Home / Weekly Rundown / week 26: happy 4th of july

week 26: happy 4th of july

July 5, 2020      29 Comments

Usually, 4th of July is a fun holiday, full of friends and fireworks and celebration. It’s honestly a highlight of summer, and we do look forward to it, whether we stay home and catch the local fireworks or travel to try something new.

This year, there is a bit of a solemnity to the day. For one thing, the pall of COVID-19 falls over the celebration, ensuring a need (for me, personally) to stay outside and socially distant). For another, the recent protests, tensions, and unrest leave me sad for the state of our country.

My hope is that this Independence Day can be a rebirth. That we can see our flaws, admit our shortcomings, learn, grow, and be good to each other. It’s my 4th of July wish.

Sunday – Couch to 5K Week 9 Day 3 (4.29 miles, total)

Finally, it was time for my last session of Couch to 5K. Ridiculously, I was nervous, but it had to done.

grauduating couch to 5k

Monday – 3.66 miles, walking

I was all about getting in a nice walk on Monday. Mr PugRunner was back at work and little man had to get back on his schedule.

4th of July

Tuesday – 3.11 miles, running + 1.22 miles, walking

Tuesday was supposed to be a crazy busy day, but somehow, my whole schedule got changed around. I did my very first standalone 5K, and earned my Starlight Bridge 5K medal and shirt for my efforts!

4th of July

The boys went out on the water for the day, and so I worked on cleaning and organizing at home.

Wednesday – 3.91 miles, walking

After my walk,

4th of july

I picked up Dunkin and went to a friend’s house for a socially distanced coffee date. Little man and her daughter sat in another part of the yard and chatted as well, which was great for them. We talked about school options, our community, running, and everything in between. The interaction was so good and so needed.

Thursday – 3 miles, running + 1.76 miles, walking

With the heat and humidity as awful as it is, I made the executive decision to drop from straight running to 4/1 intervals. It’s still way more than I ever used to do, but it just wasn’t worth feeling sick or pushing too hard when there’s just no getting away from the summer.

It’s also worth noting this is the first time I ran with a buddy since November. I was nervous and embarrassed, but it ended up being absolutely fine.

4th of july

Then it was time for some pool time with a friend and her kids. We spent a nice morning chatting from six feet apart while the kids swam.

That night, I sat in on a Zoom watercolor class with the St. Augustine Moms contributors. It was a lovely way to spend an hour.

independence day

Friday –  3.82 miles, walking

I was super excited because Hamilton was streaming on Disney+ and I had my whole day planned around this momentous event.

First, a nice walk.

4th of july

Then it was into the kitchen to make our themed meal. I planned Sausage (Made In The Room Where It Happens), Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette, Colonial Corn Pudding, and Hamilton’s favorite cream puffs. And wine. All the wine.

4th of July

I fancied it up with our wedding china and crystal, and then sang (quietly-is) for the next two and a half hours. Even though I’ve seen the show and often listen to the music, watching it on screen really inspired me. We have to do better.

Saturday – 3.11 miles, running + 1.53 miles, walking

Normally, on 4th of July, I’m up early, heading off to a patriotic 5K in the broiling summer heat. Not so today. I did put on my red, white, and blue and took my runfie with a flag.

4th of july

I started too late and practically melted, but I laid out another 5K with 4/1 intervals. I’m satisfied with that.

In the evening, we grilled out, enjoyed some 4th of July cocktails, and lit a few sparklers.

4ht of july

Goal-getting

So, on the running front, I’m just going to chill at the 5K mark for a week or two, to settle in. Once I feel really comfortable, I’ll start adding to it. I miss going out for six or seven miles at a time, but that’s a future goal.

My partner and I DID cross 120 miles for our Best Damn Race Virtual Florida Challenge, and earned our Daytona Beach digital badge! Whoo hoo!

I am also working on something called Hadrian’s Wall Challenge with Conqueror Events. I’ve completed 38.5 of the 90 required miles, and having a blast doing so. Of course, I love the bling.

I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is weekly-run-down-final-300x300.jpg

How was your week in training?

Do you have any plans for the 4th of July weekend?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deborah Brooks says

    July 6, 2020 at 12:50 am

    Looks like a busy and productive week for you. Glad you got to ave some running with a friend. It makes all the difference doesn’t it?! Love the patriotic outfit. Things did feel very different this year didn’t they? Just finished my Hadrian’s wall challenge it was a fun one. Thanks for linking and have a great week

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Huge difference!

      I am about 57% through the challenge. I didn’t want to rush it, but it’s going swimmingly.

      Reply
  2. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    July 6, 2020 at 9:09 am

    Yay for finishing couch to 5k! It sounds like you have been able to do some fun things lately despite everything going on. Love your 4th of July cocktail!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      We try to make our own fun when we can!

      Reply
  3. Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says

    July 6, 2020 at 12:31 pm

    I love hearing about all of these 5k’s going down! I’ve been using 4:1 intervals in the heat or if I’m just having a bad day and it’s a really handy tool to have in the tool box.
    Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Sweats: Highs and LowsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      Honestly, it’s so much more running than I’ve ever done. I used to do 1:30/:30, and so this is huge for me.

      I love that concept of a tool box. You might have given me a great idea for my next post 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kimberly Hatting says

    July 6, 2020 at 5:33 pm

    I LOVE your 4th of July wish 😉 I keep hoping for kindness (with a little bit of compromise) among all the strong-willed fighters…and it’s just not happening. UGH. Our Fourth was low-key, too. At least we had a race to go to and then bday celebrating with the oldest on Sunday.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:31 pm

      Is it so hard to work together for a common goal? I know the het world isn’t going to be EXACTLY how I want it, but I’m ok with getting closer. I feel so alone in that. I love that you had a real live race. We have one this upcoming weekend, and I don’t think I can bring myself to go. Happy birthday to your oldest!

      Reply
  5. Wendy says

    July 6, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    I wish things would get better in the US as well but I think you know the one thing that has to change for anything to happen…

    Looks like you had a fun 4th!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      I know what it is. Waiting for it…

      Reply
  6. Michelle D. says

    July 6, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    Love to see you laying down those 5Ks!

    Nicely done with your Hamilton-themed dinner!

    I need to check out that Hadrian Wall Challenge.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:30 pm

      The Conqueror Challenges are pretty fabulous. And the medals are gorgeous. I do anything for a good medal, but I also like how easy it is to record the distance and stay on track with everything.

      Hamilton was fun. I enjoy getting to cook on theme.

      Reply
  7. Liz Dexter says

    July 7, 2020 at 5:46 am

    Great work and well done getting to and staying at the 5k mark. I’d totally walk/run if I had your weather, and did so most of our hot summer last year.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      It’s just so brutal out. Even today, it sort of felt cool? But then it most certainly was not. We were a mess by the end of it.

      Reply
  8. Marcia says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:34 am

    Congrats on completing C25k! Your comeback has been amazing. What a fun way to enjoy Hamilton. I agree the 4th was very different and super low key this year. I hope we can only go up from where we are right now.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      I want to say that up is really the only way we CAN go, but then I look around and maybe not. Ugh.

      Thank you for the kind words. It’s been a fight, for sure.

      Reply
  9. Darlene S. Cardillo says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:46 am

    That’s so great that you are running with a friend. Some normalcy.

    I think intervals are fine. I walk a lot during my 3 miles runs these days. Just too lazy to wear a watch and set intervals.

    I loved Hamilton the 2nd time. I watched it alone. I hope to watch it again with the hubby.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 7, 2020 at 2:26 pm

      It was a really good feeling 🙂

      I love the intervals. I know that it helps me push myself a bit more if I have something pre=set.

      I plan to watch Hamilton every day. Each time I see something new.

      Reply
  10. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    July 7, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    We watched Hamilton too (no themed dinner, though) — for the very first time.

    Sounds like a really lovely & social week!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 8, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      I hope you loved it!
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 26 (2020): regressions, setbacks + back to square oneMy Profile

      Reply
  11. Laurie says

    July 7, 2020 at 4:00 pm

    Way to go for “graduating” from C25K! That must be satisfying. I can’t even imagine running in the summer heat. That patriotic cocktail looks yummy! Hubby and I got take-out sushi to celebrate the 4th. It’s a far cry from what we usually do but it was fun.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 8, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      It was a yummy drink. I was trying to be a little more festive.

      It was satisfying to finish.

      Reply
  12. Kim G says

    July 7, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    I agree that the 4th of July felt very off this year due to all the reasons you listed.

    I didn’t watch Hamilton yet but it’s on my to-do list for this week!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 8, 2020 at 3:23 pm

      I hope you love it!
      runswithpugs recently posted…week 26 (2020): regressions, setbacks + back to square oneMy Profile

      Reply
  13. Cari says

    July 8, 2020 at 1:25 am

    Hamilton!
    When our paths cross in person we’re going to do as much theater geeking as we are running.
    Smart decision on the intervals. Heat is just unhealthy.
    I love the idea of a rebirth. There was a lot of chatter in my industry about reframing July 4

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 8, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      That would be AMAZING. I’ve been going to the theater since I was 3 or 4. I love it and miss being able to just catch a matinee.

      There are a lot of beautiful aspects of this country. We just need to give them power and voice.

      Reply
  14. Zenaida Arroyo says

    July 8, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    Love the glasses you wore on the 4th!

    I have yet to watch Hamilton. I know, I know. I better do it. The meals looks so delicious. I am hungry right now too. 🙂

    I do hope things are better soon. We need it to get better in order to move forward.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      July 9, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      We really need it to be better. Obviously, pandemics do what they want, but we need to get a handle on this.

      Reply
  15. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    July 11, 2020 at 12:56 am

    That’s some serious bling! No wonder you love it! 🙂

    I love that you’re running again and feeling so good. Doesn’t it feel great to be back out with the occasional friend even if we have to stay 6-10 feet apart?

    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 a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

Let’s Connect!

Follow on Bloglovin


Partners

Click here for FREE SHIPPING
Save With Code RUNSWITHPUGS

Pugs Run 50 States

Search Posts

Recent Posts

  • 5 Tips For Building Mental Toughness On Long Runs
  • Setting Goals For National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
  • Celebrate Good Times!
  • 5 Training Tips For Running Moms
  • The Politics Of Running

Currently Reading

Jennifer's books

The Other Mrs.
The Skylark's Secret
Holly
Queen of Shadows
Archer's Voice
Heir of Fire
The Assassin's Blade
Lore Olympus: Volume One
By Any Other Name
Out There Screaming
Crown of Midnight
Throne of Glass
How to Kill Men and Get Away with It
Verity
Wrong Place Wrong Time
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World
The Girl in the Leaves
The Pale-Faced Lie
Yellowface


Jennifer PugRunner's favorite books »

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 © 2025 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!