So this week brought with it something brand new: a road trip! With the pugs! Ack! We never used to travel with the dogs because Bentley was such a wild card, and Delilah hated the car so very much, but we finally decided to give it a try. How did it go? Read on!
Sunday
- Cardio: 4.18 miles, walking
I remember this starting as a run and devolving into a walk. I just wasn’t feeling it.
It was a low key day. The weather had been off and nobody felt like doing much. The boys went out for errands, and I took myself out for a bit, too.
Monday
- Cardio: 5.77 miles, running + walking
Hello, sandy beach! I craved the salt air and was happy that the beach was wide, flat and hard-packed.
We started packing for our trip. Was I starting to get nervous? YES! Mr PugRunner picked up anxiety and anti-nausea meds for the pugs, and I kept my fingers crossed that they would be in good moods.
After I dropped A at karate, I did some returns and exchanges. My body has been super weird lately, so things aren’t fitting as expected. It’s annoying and sometimes a little depressing. I guess that’s what happens with time and age and gravity.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 6.93 miles, running + walking
It’s just getting hotter and more humid every day. I was missing my running buddy and really had to force myself to continue.
That evening, we had a big Scouts meeting to chat about summer camp and some upcoming things. I love volunteering with Scouts, but leading meetings is not my favorite. Mr PugRunner took us out for ice cream after, which was nice: it was National Chocolate Ice Cream Day.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 4.76 miles, walking
Up and at ’em. It was departure day, so I wanted to make sure my legs got a big stretch before sitting in the car.
We couldn’t get in the vacation rental until four, so we took our time loading up the car and getting ready. Finally, it was time to hit the road!
Our house was perfection. It was a lovely bungalow in a quiet neighborhood, about a mile out of historic Mount Dora. The pugs loved having their own room, a huge, fenced yard, and a long corridor to run through the house (it looks tiny but it was long!)
We felt comfortable leaving them for dinner and then we explored the downtown area on foot. The town is just so lovely: it’s small and walkable and on the edge of lake. Everything is local (no Starbucks or chains), and it’s spotlessly clean and so friendly.
Thursday
- Cardio: 4.6 miles, running + walking
Here’s what you need to know about Mount Dora. There are HILLS. So many hills. At 184 feet, it’s the highest part of Florida. I did what I could.
I met the boys for breakfast, and then drove them to their adventure: the Cat Boat tours. These were two-person, motorized catamarans, and their group would go for a two hour tour of the canal and lake system.
I opted to go to the nearby Hidden Waters Preserve to hike one of the local sinkholes.
It was hot and even with bug spray, I got eaten up. I had time to go shower at the house before I snagged the guys. We walked to lunch and then chilled out for the rest of the day, before a delicious dinner with live music, while watching the sun set.
Friday
- Cardio: 4.02 miles, walking
A wanted to go fishing, so we all got up early. The guy went to the pier, and I got in my walk, making sure to swing by them a few times on my way. I even got some trail time.
The weather threatened to be hideous, so we opted for some indoor things, including the Apopka Wildlife Drive (an 11 mile car ride through sea wetlands, where you can see hundreds of alligators and birds, and all kinds of other local wildlife). It’s also totally free, and offers an audio tour about the area as well as the conservation efforts to preserve it.
After lunch, we checked out the Modernism Museum. Timing was spot on: the thunderstorm hit as soon as we paid our admission. This was a gorgeous space, featuring the designs of the Memphis Group. Of special note: seven of the pieces belonged to David Bowie, so even A was a little interested.
And then Meghan came over! We have been missing each other forever, but Mount Dora is closer to where she lives so yay!
We had a yummy dinner and drinks together, which was so needed. And the rain cleared up which was even nicer.
We dropped Meghan back at her car, and then got ready for Round 2 of our evening: a ghost tour! It was super cool! There were some really neat stories, and our tour guide was engaging and amazing.
Saturday
- Cardio: 3.35 miles. running + walking
Usually, Saturday is for long runs, but with a late Friday night, an awful bug bite on the back of my leg, and a need to pack up the VRBO for the trip home, I opted too push it off until Sunday.
After one last walk around town, I met Mr PugRunner for breakfast. We grabbed takeout for A back at the house.
I also got to wear these gorgeous new Goodr’s (Pride And No Prejudice), which Meghan gave me for my birthday (thank you!)
We worked as a team to load the car, medicated the pugs, and head out. It was hard to say goodbye, but it was also great to get home!
Goal-getting + Thoughts
It was so good to get that change of scenery. And the pugs were really rockstars. They didn’t love the car ride, butt they were so good in the house, and they didn’t even bark that much. I wouldn’t trust them in a hotel room or condo (they have a lot of opinions that must be shared), but for a rental house? Yes!
It was also nice to explore a new town on foot. I could adventure that way all day long. It’s just incredible.
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 fun vacations? Do you stick together or break apart on family vacations?
Sounds like a fun getaway! I’ve always wanted to run the Mt Dora half in December. I hear that they really decorate the town for Christmas. It’s so close to Christmas, tho, that I’m not sure I could do it, logistically. But it’s always in the back of my mind. It looks like the cutest area!
I am considering doing it, but the hills…. Maybe the 5K. Or maybe Ill just go for it LOL! If you decide to take it on, let me know!
Always fun to get away to a new spot for a few days. I’ve never heard of Mt Dora. Way to fit in fitness daily while on vacation
It’s super small and low-key. I’ve been wanting to visit for a while and I’m glad it happened.
Sounds like you had a great time. I have wanted to Mt Dora. Glad you were able to escape. And had fun.
It’s incredible. Small, but perfect and charming.
Same with Bandit: house yes, hotelno (and we’ve tried him on both). Jealous that you got that fenced in backyard! They’re hard to come by. Although I admit we never leave dogs alone on vacation, even in a rental.
So glad y’all had such a great time (minus the bug bites).
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They are crated, and we were able too come back every few hours. I’d like to do it more. My first pugs traveled everywhere, but we really cut back because Bentley was so reactive and hard to manage. The puppies are much easier to handle.
It was wonderful.
So glad that you were able to get away and enjoy a new city for a few days!
It was so needed.
Wow, that sounds fun! Glad the pugs turned out to be good travelers. I’m never been to Mt. Dora, but it looks so nice. I would love to go and hike around, just like you did.
There were plenty of other hikes available, but I didn’t want to go alone. Too many reptiles lol.
Looks like a fun trip! I love visiting little quaint town like that…so much charm 😉
oodles of charm!
Sounds like a great week and a fantastic getaway!
Scooby doesn’t love the car – it stresses him out – but he’s a pretty good house guest.
It was just what we needed.
By the end of the trip, the pugs seemed fine in the car. They both have vet appointments next month, so we will see if it sticks.
Looks like such a fun getaway! I’m so glad you were able to take this road trip – and how fun that you were able to bring the pugs along!
It was so nice.
Glad you enjoyed a fun getaway and hooray for the Pugs being so good with the travel. That helps so much! A is looking so grown up!
He is so very grown.
It sounds like you had a wonderful little getaway packed full of fun! Way to get your walks and runs in, too!
Sounds like a fantastic getaway! I’ve never been to Mount Dora but I hear good things about it from friends who have! Glad everything played out nicely for you and with the doggies.
This is the tough time of year for training- at least if you’re not a summer person like me! I can’t wait for September so we get back to our cooler weather haha.
I don’t love summer, but it’s here, so…