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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / week 60: tales from the struggle bus

week 60: tales from the struggle bus

February 20, 2022      22 Comments

Readers, I am riding that struggle bus. Hard. For the past week, I’ve been off my game. I’m fine. Really, I am. But I’m also not 100% at my best, which causes a bit of a spiral into self-loathing. I don’t like it here, and I need to dig my way out.

Sunday – 1.72 miles, walking + core challenge day 7

Happy Galentine’s Day! My knee was really bothering me, but Meghan and I went for a walk anyway.

On our return, we set up for a few friends to have waffles, fauxtatas, and mimosas.

It was just such a relief to have that time with some people that I adore. And it was nice to snag this photo of me with A in decent outfits.

In the evening, we switched to comfy clothes, and watched the Superbowl. Sort of. I haven’t been invested in football for a while, but I rocked out to the halftime show.

Monday – 2.5 miles, walking + core challenge day 8

Happy Valentine’s Day! Meghan and I went to one of my favorite breakfast spots, and then we said our see ya’ laters.

I took a midday walk, which is very out of character, but the weather was good so it worked.

Also, my core challenge changed from crunches, leg lifts, pushups and planks to coffin sits ups, leg lifts, pushups and planks. It was nice to have something different.

Since it was Monday, we didn’t celebrate too grandly. Instead, we exchanged some small gifts, and one big gift for A (you all are going to be so surprised!) and had heart-shaped Chicago pizzas for dinner. It was nice.

Tuesday – 2.81 miles, walking + core challenge day 9

J and her pupper joined me for a slow walk. She is still recovering, and the pup was a nice way to get some air but also get some fitness.

Yes, Luna helped me plank.

Something was starting to bloom and by evening, my sinuses were on fire. Ugh. I hate allergies.

Wednesday – 3.11 miles, walking + core challenge day 10

Once I got home from my walk, I felt super gross all day (not to worry – all tests negative), and just didn’t want to do anything or go anywhere. I pumped myself up with allergy meds and just tried to sleep through it. Blah.

Thursday – 3.37 miles, walking + core challenge day 11

I actually bailed on meeting J, and slept in. By the time I finally dragged myself from bed, my sinuses had emptied (although my voice was gone). It felt good to move, so I did.

A had an appointment with his orthodontist, and then he made us dinner. I shared on Instagram that he is now responsible for family dinner one night a week. He is doing great with that. The point of this is to show him what goes into making a healthy, balanced meal for multiple people when you’re on a schedule. A is a great kid, and a good cook, but this is giving him a deeper look at what it takes to be a deeper part of the family team.

We also got the news that we need a new car. Our older SUV has had some A/C problems, which has been fine through the winter, but is a deal breaker going into Florida summer. At this point, we are better off replacing it than starting the slide into pricy repairs, so Mr PugRunner and I decided to opt for a reliable sedan. In the back of my mind, we will have a new driver in the house in two years, so my thought is to get the fuel-efficient, lower insurance vehicle now, and then we can take our time to pick something we like when A gets his license.

Friday – 3.4 miles, walking + core challenge day 12

That smile was fairly genuine. I’m still not ready to run, but my walks are feeling better.

Mr PugRunner headed off to the dealerships. He has two vehicles in mind and both were fine with me. Car shopping is my least favorite thing to do, and he loves to haggle and negotiate. Yuck. And this will end up being his primary vehicle for right now, so whatever he wants is fine.

That evening, A headed off to camp, and I sat at home at celebrated National Drink Wine Day and watched Promising Young Woman. It’s a hard (and triggering) watch, but I think it is important for both men and women to see.

Saturday – 4.09 miles, walking + core challenge day 13

J and I were back in action. We even saw an otter in the pond! No pics, but I was so happy.

Mr PugRunner wheeled and sealed and came home with our new vehicle. He actually got us a great deal.

And then we had a little dinner date at a new to us place. It was yummy with great drinks.

Goal-getting + Thoughts

This week, I will make decisions about the Gate River Run in two weeks. I was very excited, but I don’t know if it’s a smart move. We will see.

I am also going to take some time to work on content and networking. Content is usually not a problem, but networking is. I’ll get there.

Here’s a Luna photo, just because today is National Love Your Pets Day. How could you not love that face.

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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? Did you watch the Superbowl? Love or hate the halftime show? How do you make hard choices about races?

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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    February 20, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    I’m sorry you’re on the struggle bus 🙁 I’m glad you were able to do so much walking this week.

    I’m with you on the car shopping – just my least favorite thing. We need to add an additional car and the hunt has not been fun. Congrats to your husband for landing a good deal!

    I hope the week ahead is good to you!

    Reply
  2. Wendy says

    February 20, 2022 at 7:02 pm

    Sorry that things are so tough right now. I do feel that I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster lately. But I blame that on winter. I’m pretty good until mid-February and then I’m ready for spring.

    Just keep moving. That’s the important thing. And snuggling with Luna. I swear, the pups just keep us going, don’t they?

    Reply
  3. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    February 20, 2022 at 7:07 pm

    I’m sorry the allergies were getting the best of you this week. How long is the race? You just ran a half so you’re pretty trained.

    I’ve been lucky with goal races. No DNS so far but I’ve definitely had a few close brushes. Ask yourself if running the race will set you back on running goals? Could it lead to an injury? Is there another race soon? All food for thought.

    Love the photo of you & Luna!

    I had a Toyota I actually loved when we lived in TX. We had AC problems with it & despite trying a few times the dealer couldn’t fix it. That’s how I got my present Honda almost 22 years ago.
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Moving on up: 2/14 – 20 WRDMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:55 pm

      It’s a 15K with two big bridges. I am still on the fence. I’d rather not screw anything up.

      We have a Honda, too, and I love it. However, another big SUV just didn’t make sense, especially with A coming up on driving age. This was a good price, is reliable and will make a great starter car for A. Done, done, and done.

      Reply
  4. Jessie says

    February 20, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    Oh, Luna! What a sweet face. Hopefully she continues to help lift your spirits. I appreciate your honesty here, we all experience it. The allergies don’t help, I’m sure!

    Very cool that your son is in charge of meal planning and cooking! What a great thing to learn.

    I am totally with you on car shopping. I could not care less. I don’t even like driving, so I just don’t get excited about picking out a car….Dustin can do that all on his own 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:56 pm

      I love fun cars, but this was not a fun car purchase. I’m also an absolute toddler for the process of the purchase. Why must it take 12000 years????

      Reply
  5. Jenny says

    February 20, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    Sorry it was such a hard week- the allergies on top of the knee issue sound really unpleasant. I like your celebration of Galentine’s Day though! I did watch the Super Bowl but unlike you didn’t see much of the halftime show. It’s not that I hate it- it’s just not my thing.
    I hope you start to feel more like yourself this week!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:56 pm

      Allergies stink! I’m glad they have cleared out, but ugh.

      Reply
  6. Deborah Brooks says

    February 20, 2022 at 8:24 pm

    Sorry to read you had another tough week. Great job fitting in so many fun social opportunities. Looks like you have a great support system

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:57 pm

      I do, and for that I’m lucky.

      Reply
  7. Kimberly Hatting says

    February 21, 2022 at 1:11 am

    I’m not a car shopper, either, nor do I really care than much about what I drive. I leave all those details up to the hubby…he definitely has more knowledge and negotiating skills. Hoping things go better for you this week 😉

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:53 pm

      I do like cars, but this wasn’t a purchase we wanted to make, so path of least resistance. Meh.

      I’m usually better in the dealership, but I honestly couldn’t deal with the process this weekend. K knew what he wanted, so I told him to go and get it. Fortunately, he got a decent deal, so all is well.

      Reply
  8. Kim G says

    February 21, 2022 at 7:50 pm

    I love that photo of Luna – so cute! You had such a great set up for your Galentine’s get-together. I’m a sucker for mimosas 🙂

    Sorry that you had such a hard week and I hope this upcoming week will be better!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:50 pm

      I love mimosas, too! They are so yummy and go with everything breakfast!

      I’m biased but she’s pretty darn adorable. :O)

      Reply
  9. Marcia says

    February 22, 2022 at 4:27 pm

    Aww that face is precious! I watched the SB for the commercials (didn’t see any I thought were amazing, what?) I enjoyed the halftime show, thought it was good but not great. Listen to your body and if it’s telling you to rest, give it what it needs. No self-loathing! xo

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2022 at 8:48 pm

      Isn’t she the cutest? I did dance quite a bit but that was definitely the music I went to the clubs with back in the day.

      Reply
  10. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    February 23, 2022 at 9:34 pm

    Awww, Luna has such a sweet face! I hope this week is going better than last week.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 25, 2022 at 12:52 am

      Isn’t she so pretty?

      Reply
  11. Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says

    February 24, 2022 at 1:21 am

    Car shopping is not my thing either. My husband loves it. My new car is still on order and I’m starting to think I won’t see it until June! That’s a long time to wait for me. Congrats on your new car! Your Valentine party looks really pretty. You are such a great planner! I hope you are having a better week 🙂

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 25, 2022 at 12:00 am

      Oh, gosh! That’s a REALLY long time!

      Reply
  12. Shathiso says

    February 24, 2022 at 3:45 pm

    My sister has just gotten two dogs (Jack Russell Terriers) and she has named them Luna and Lex! Sorry to hear you’re on the struggle bus, I’ve been on and off that bus all year and it’s not fun. It may also be those post-race blues that can stay a while. But whatever it is give yourself grace and you’ll be feeling yourself soon. Plus you look amazing in those red shorts (Friday)!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 24, 2022 at 11:59 pm

      You are the sweetest! Thank you! I love Luna and Lex. That’s so cute!

      Reply

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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!

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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.
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