Can you believe we are marching on into March?! We are coming up on the one year anniversary of our country grinding to a halt due to the pandemic, and I just can’t believe we’ve made it to this point. I am choosing to take some deep breaths, and keep my head down for the next leg of this journey and whatever is to come next.
Sunday – 4.02 walking + Balance Challenge Day 21
We woke up, ready for a fabulous Sunday!
A came home from his weekend camping trip with incredible news: he and two of his Troopmates had been nominated for Order of the Arrow, which was something he really hoped to achieve. There are some tasks he has to complete before he is accepted to the program, but we are all so happy for him.
Monday – 4.06 miles, speedwork/walking + Balance Challenge Day 22
Back to the bridge! I was debating between two locations this Monday, but the bridge won. I’m glad I made the decision, because I ended up seeing a small pool of dolphins in the marina on my way, which was just so special.
I also had the chance to try out some of the new Nuun Energy (in Watermelon Burst), and it’s quite fabulous. I loved the flavor, the fizz, and the kick of caffeine.
Tuesday – 5.01 miles, running + .89 miles, walking + Balance Challenge Day 23
While J finds her groove again, I run three miles on my own and pick her up for the last two. It’s a technique that’s working for us, and hopefully, she will be back for the full distance, soon.
A also had Cooking Club this afternoon, so we stood back while he made dinner: savory and sweet crepes. He had turkey with bacon and avocado for dinner and nutella with strawberries for dessert. Yum.
Wednesday – 4.47 miles, walking + Balance Challenge Day 24
I felt a little bit of a twinge in my hips and lower back this morning, so after my walk, I spent some time stretching it all out. It’s so important to stay flexible.
Thursday – 5.01 miles, running + .86 miles, walking + Balance Challenge Day 25
Another good run. The temps have definitely shifted, so it’s getting warmer and more humid. I will miss the winter.
There was also the great news that I am back on Team RoadID for a second year.
I love the added level of safety that RoadID brings to me, as a female runner, and I am thrilled to share that Luna will be joining me as in spreading the love. She wears a DogID with her name and our contact info, and will soon be sporting a new Rock Solid Collar ID. Want to save on your own RoadID? Hit the VIP sale with up to 50% off until midnight tonight, or use my code RUNSWITHPUGS for 25% off during non-sale times!
Friday – 2.88 miles, walking + 2.8 miles, hiking + Balance Challenge Day 26
I started the day with a few quick miles to warm myself up. Sometimes, I need to get the leg moving to have a more comfortable day.
Then I packed a drink and a snack and took myself to the GTM Research Reserve to get my hike on. It wasn’t my first choice, but it was close to home, and popular enough that I wouldn’t be all alone. I haven’t been since A’s 3rd grade field trip, and I absolutely loved the trail system and views. It was so good to be back out in nature.
Meanwhile, the boys went to the nearby driving range.
That evening was Food Truck Friday, which was wonderful as usual.
Saturday – 10.01 miles, running + 1.08 miles, walking + Balance Challenge Day 27
Saturday was probably our most “normal” day in a year. It started with a 10 mile run.
Then we watched A’s friend play her first soccer game of the season. Things are just starting to warm up around here, but the weather was perfect. From there, we celebrated a birthday dinner with the same friend at an outdoor restaurant, before having cake and an outdoor movie in their backyard. It couldn’t have been more lovely.
Goal-getting
I am wrapping up February with 143.5 running/walking miles, and another challenge complete!
The Balance Challenge is complete, and I feel so much stronger on my right side. This means, for March, I am going to create my own challenge. This will be incorporating strength training into my daily workouts. I want to re-join a local gym, but I think I want to try to get myself started to prove I’m committed before I spend the money. Wish me luck.
I finished seven books this month, and tried to focus on authors of color for Black History Month. With International Women’s Day next week, my next books will come from female authors, and I’m excited for that, as well.
Getting back to my hiking was so restorative. I loved being outside, taking in all the beauty of the estuary and marsh at the GTM Research Reserve. The welcome center and facilities were all closed, but I got plenty of enrichment on my own.
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
How was your week in training?
Any big plans for March?
Kim G says
That Watermelon Burst Nuun sounds yummy! I used to drink Nuun a few years ago but it started to mess with my tummy, but I’m thinking I should give it a try again.
Even though February is a short month, it seemed so long to me, especially this last week!
runswithpugs says
It’s so good! Nuun is one of the only things that doesn’t upset my stomach. I need the fizziness. Flat liquids just don’t sit right.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Its kind of funny that you are saying you will miss winter when everyone else is itching for it to be over! Great job with your workouts this week! That’s awesome that you are feeling so much stronger after your challenge.
runswithpugs says
We are so backwards here! But the height of our summers can be just as intense and treacherous as the height of your winters, so it makes sense.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says
I really like starting a run on my own and then meeting up with friends. It’s kind of the best of both worlds because I can start with “me” time and then move on to “social” time. I hope that J recovers soon.
runswithpugs says
I agree. It is sometimes hard to coordinate the meetup, and I always mess up the time or the distance, but who cares when its’ among friends, right?
Deborah Brooks says
wow look at you back at the double digit runs! Great job this week. Will have to try that watermelon nuun sounds good. Thanks for linking up and have a great week ahead
runswithpugs says
Really yummy! Hope you had a great weekend as well!
Wendy says
Your hike looks lovely! I’m so happy it’s warming up–I can’t wait for the trails to be clear of snow!
Wow, 7 books this month! I did read a lot as well. Looking forward to hearing about your books. And congrats to your son on his nomination to the Order of the Arrow! Eagle Scout here we come!
runswithpugs says
He should be advancing to Star Scout at the end of the month, and from there, it’s not too much longer. He has his Eagle Project selected, so it will soon be time to get cracking on that. I can’t believe it!
Jenny says
Yum! That Nuun energy drink looks good- I’ll have to try it.
Yes, getting hot and humid here as well- unlike the rest of the country, I’m not looking forward to summer!
Sounds like you had a great week and spent some nice time outside. And feel free to send A over to cook dinner for me anytime! : )
runswithpugs says
I love the Nuun Energy. So yummy. There’s a great sale going on right now, too! Save 25% with teamnuunlovesyou.
He could totally work towards being a chef. He’s fairly creative and very talented in the kitchen. Even his techniques are pretty solid.
Darlene S Cardillo says
Good for you on being so disciplined on your workouts and runs.
Congrats on a great month.
Love dolphins but I didn’t see any this trip. I’ll be back on the other coast in 2 months.
Love that tree picture. Trails are the best. I almost didn’t hike today but glad I forced myself to go. Worth t!!
runswithpugs says
I really do love being out on the trails, and I was in love with this tree. I could have stayed there, hanging out, all day!
I love seeing the dolphins and manatees. It’s just so amazing to be that close to such amazing creatures.
Kimberly Hatting says
Great week! Congrats to your son; that’s a big achievement on the way to Eagle. Well, I’m not going to miss Winter LOL I know it’s still going to be cold here, and probably winter-like (at times) for the next 4-6 weeks, but I’m glad to be moving forward 😉
runswithpugs says
Our winters are so very different, so I understand why you are happy to see it go!
Thank you. We are so proud of him, especially because of how hard the past year has been.
Marcia says
I remember the original watermelon flavor Nuun and I’m glad they brought it back, maybe even better! Congrats to A on Order of the Arrow. That’s a wonderful accomplishment. I did notice it getting warmer but relative to where I come from, I welcome it with open arms! Hooray for 10 miles!
runswithpugs says
I love the watermelon in the Sport and in the Energy. Grape is another flavor I really like.
We are super excited for him.
Zenaida Arroyo says
Congrats on running 10 miles!!! You rock!! Wow, you read 7 books this month? I have 8 from the library but have no idea when I will finish them since a few a quite long. A few weeks ago I lost my RoadID and have been meaning to get another one. I still have that code you gave me from when I won your giveaway. I just wrote a note to myself so I won’t forget.
runswithpugs says
I admit that I read very quickly, and if I like the book, it goes by fast.
Oooh! I hope you are able to order one soon!
Coco says
I keep looking back on what we were hearing and thinking a year ago …. Wow on those crepes! Both sound fantastic. You are doing great with your running!
runswithpugs says
Seriously. Everything was like mostly fine, and then suddenly it wasn’t. Ugh.
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
Congrats to A on being nominated for Order of the Arrow. You must be so proud!
Good job on all those running/walking miles. Look how far you’ve come!
runswithpugs says
We are very prorud. Hoping we can get him in to do his Ordeal this weekend.
It’s been quite the crazy journey!
Chocolaterunsjudy says
Seeing dolphins is always special! They just make you smile, right?
Great job on your running, walking & hiking. I look forward to hiking when the snow is gone. Where you went looks lovely.
Let A know those crepes look — and sound! – amazing! Crepes are time consuming too.
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Warmer days are ahead!: 2/22 – 28 WRD
runswithpugs says
I wish I could have jumped in with them!
He made the crepe batter earlier in the day so it wasn’t too bad that afternoon. He did a great job, though.
Jessie says
10 miles! Way to go!
A pool of dolphins- how cool is that. You make me want to move to Florida!
runswithpugs says
We see lots of dolphins and cool sea creatures: manatees and sea turtles, but also sharks and alligators. Boo.
Renée @runlaugheatpie says
LOVE that you got back out on a hike! looks amazing!
so do you think that Nuun will get you drinking more water??? I’m trying to get Ron to drink more water with our High5 tabs (Nuun is too expensive and hard to get here sadly). Yesterday he managed to put a tab in a bottle and then left it in the kitchen :D. Today he filled a new bottle with a new tab and it made it a little bit closer to his workspace. Tiny steps I guess.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says
The weather looks wonderful there! I’ve had several friends escaping Ohio lately going to Florida. Watermelon Nuun does sounds good. Great job on all of the activities and miles in February!
Michelle D. says
Awesome week!
I haven’t had Nuun in years but I think I want to check out that Watermelon flavor. – maybe it will help me to increase my water intake.
Big congrats to A on his nomination! So exciting 🙂