What a wild week! I’ve been staying pretty chill because I didn’t want to jinx anything, but this was the week of my last Mother’s Day/birthday present! It was so special and exciting!
Sunday
- Cardio: 4.59 miles, walking
It was time to start the week. I slept in (we all did) and treated myself to a nice, long walk. The weather isn’t getting any cooler, so I did the best I could.
And then there was nothing new to report. I did some cleaning and caught up on some work.
Monday
- Cardio: 5 miles, running + 1.75 miles, walking
Yes, it was Monday, but it didn’t really feel like a Monday because the holiday was on Tuesday. I did my run on my own.
And then I went to snag my race packet for the Celebration 5k. I love having a theme.
Tuesday
- Cardio: Celebration 5K
Happy 4th of July! J, C, and I took on the local 4th of July 5K, in spite of the hideous heat and humidity. I always think it’s going to be a good idea, and then it ends up being miserable. But we had fun anyway. Race report to come on Wednesday!
We all had breakfast at the little Cuban place across the street, and then parted ways for the time being. Fourth of July was going to be at our house and I was excited to get cooking! It’s pretty monumental because I haven’t done a themed party since the winter holidays, when Mr. PugRunner was feeling so badly. It felt excellent to be back.
Wednesday
- Cardio – 4.77 miles, walking
This was of a dull day. I did a nice walk.
I packed. And Mr PugRunner and I headed out to do a few things before our upcoming trip.
Thursday
- Cardio – 1 mile, walking
I got in my requisite mile to maintain my streak, and then we loaded up the car for a 7AM departure. Oof, that was early. Our destination? Wild Florida! We had a date to pet and feed some capybaras! I could barely contain myself.
We arrived a little early, and got to spend some time exploring the park. It was spotlessly clean, with tons of very friendly staff. They had everything from birds to alligators, to raccoons, to lemurs. One of the things I loved was seeing staff pass out lunch to the raccoons and coatimundis: they put things like cut up veggies and hard boiled eggs in brown paper bags, then set them in the enclosures for the animals to seek and open. It was a nice bit of enrichment that I thought was a nice touch.
Yes, I’ve seen baby sloths, but never quite as sweet as this.
Finally, it was time of our capy date. Our staff guides brought us into the enclosure, passed out some lettuce, and let us feed and pet three of the four capybaras. The fourth one wasn’t interested: she hung out in her little soaking pool, minding her business.
I could have stayed all day. They made the cutest squeaks, and let us give them all the love and scritches. Sigh.
When it was time to say goodbye, we hit the road and headed to our hotel: Margaritaville. We’ve stayed here before and it’s really an incredible place, with cute rooms and theming, as well as fabulous amenities.
After checkin, we did a little time at the pool, and then got ready for dinner. About 10 years ago, we had this incredible meal at La Luce (Italian cuisine), followed by the most incredible homemade butterscotch pudding dessert. For some reason, I’ve been craving that pudding, and we had to get it. When I told the server how long it’s been, and that we came almost specifically for that, she comped my dessert! The rest of the meal was fabulous, too.
Friday
Cardio: 4.71 miles, walking
Yes, I exercise on vacation. Yes, I got lost. There are worse places to get lost, though, so no big deal.
We all met for breakfast and then headed to the pool. By lunch time, the clouds were rolling in, so we had to create a plan B: lunch at the outdoor mall across the street, followed by Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. I didn’t really want to go to a movie on our vacation, but A wasn’t interested in the Titanic exhibit or Optical Illusion Museum, so we had to make it work.
Both lunch and the movie were great. By the time we wrapped up, the weather was better. We took a little walk around the pool to see the vibe and if we wanted to stay, but then ended up having appetizer and drinks in the lounge, with the nightly live music.
Saturday
- Cardio: 5.25 miles, running + walking
All good things must come to an end. I scooted out early for a little run around the property. I didn’t get out this time.
Originally, the plan was to ban gout at the pool for a while before leaving, but there was a nasty storm rolling in. By the time we finished breakfast, the sky was almost black. A was willing to chance it, but we promised we would come back another time, and made our way home to the pugs.
It’s always sad to see a vacation go, and this was no exception.
Thoughts + Goals
It felt so incredible to be out and about, exploring something new and fun. I’ve definitely felt some stagnation lately, and it brought me such hope and positivity to get away and do something fun and incredible.
I kept up with my fitness, but still got to focus on spending time with the people I love. All wins in my opinions.
I’m going to put this week down as an epic win.
How was your week? Ever pet a capybara? When is your next adventure?
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
Wow that sounds like a great trip—and amazing experience. I hadn’t heard of that animal before.
I love the shoes you wore for the 4th!
They are my current obsession. I love them.
Thanks! They are from the Brooks Disco collection.
Sounds like a wonderful trip! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a capybara, but they sure are cute! So fun.
They are so sweet.
I’ve heard of Margaritaville but have not stayed there. So glad that the husband is feeling better he looks good too. A weekend away can do wonders!
It’s a chain, and I have stayed at the one locally (literally just a hotel on the beach), and this one (huge resort with pools, bars, restaurants, and actual rental homes). The service and cleanliness is wonderful and we have always had a good time.
Oh my goodness the sloths! I’m glad you were happy with the cleanliness and care of the animals 🙂 That’s amazing. And capybaras! I assume there will be at TikTok forthcoming, hehe 🙂
I am working on my videos now!
So nice that you could get away and that things went well.
Love your 4th outfit. It’s fun to get in the spirit with a race.
My next adventure is a race with friends in the Finger Lake in Sept.
You are going to have so much fun! Atlanta is next for me.
I’ve never heard of a capybara! They do look very cute and lovable. So Wild Florida is in Orlando? I’ve never been there. The whole trip sounds great. Rain is just part of summer in Florida- going to a movie sounds fun! It’ll still be a memorable part of the trip. Oh and congrats on your race! I love the patriotic outfit.
They have drive through safaris and airboat tours, as well as animal encounters. It’s in Kissimmee, so maybe 30 minutes outside Orlando. Too fun.
The movie was good. I wanted to try something different, but I was outvoted. Boo.
Now that’s a new animal to me! So cute 😉 I love your 4th of July running outfit!!
Aren’t they adorable???
What a fun vacation/birthday get-a-way! Also, your Independence Day celebration sounded lovely. I love the red, white, and blue desserts!
I can’t believe how tall A is getting!
He came back from Philmont like 5″ taller! It’s insane!
He came back from Philmont like 5″ taller! It’s insane!
Many thoughts… First, tell me about those cherries you made for fourth of July? What are they dipped in? They look delicious.
Second, when did A get so tall?! He’s all grown up!
Third, I didn’t know Capybara were so big! That looks like the best day ever.
Sounds like a fabulous trip!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads: July 4th Edition
1. They were soaked in a mixture of fireball and vanilla vodka (should have been whipped cream vodka but they didn’t have any. Boo). Then I drained them. Dried them. Dipped in melted white chocolate and then blue sugar, and chilled. They were lovely.
2. I. Don’t. Know. It’s madness.
3. They are the world’s largest rodent. They are so cute.
So many people ran a 4th of July race – good for you! And the rest of the week sounds amazing. The sloths are so cute! I am glad you had such a good time.
It’s fun to run on holidays! I love it!
I’m glad you had such an incredible time. It really sounds like the perfect vacation to me, if a little too short. I’ve been known to get epically lost on the run on vacation occasionally . . . once had to ask a policeman in Miami for directions.
As far as I know, there are no planned adventures in the near future. Or far future.
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…In the Groove: 7/3 – 9 WRD
what an amazing week! capybaras!!!!! ah so jealous!!!! and excuse me is your child now taller than Mr PugRunner??? good grief!! I am so so glad you got to end your week with a little trip – it just all sounds so awesome. And can’t forget a fun race on the 4th of July (we have some races here too that are normally just horrific with the weather due to the season and we still would go back for more – what a bunch of nutters runners are!!) and a themed party at yours! Nice!
Capybaras are so interesting! I expected them to be smaller. What a great gift for you! We went to see Indiana Jones last night. It was pretty good – but long!
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted…Weekly workouts – holiday week