• 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

Time To Take A Breath

Friday The 13th: Unlucky Running Edition

Our Top Tips For Summer Racing + Running

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Running Our Way Through An Amazing Bandtober

Running Our Way Through An Amazing Bandtober

October 8, 2023      13 Comments

For those of you in the know, we are entering “Bandtober,” that magical time of year dedicated to marching band competitions. While these are typical Saturday affairs, there is a ton of travel, time, and logistics that go into a contest, and as unapologetic band parents, we are just all along for the ride. Things kick off on Saturday, and then it’s an entire month of marching music. Does our fitness journey stop? No, it does not! Let’s do it!

Sunday

  • Cardio: 3.56 miles, walking

After a late night with friends, I did NOT want to get up. No way, no how. But I knew if I wasted the whole day in bed, I would regret it, so I made myself manage a few miles. It was a good thing.

For the rest of the day, we picked on leftovers, watched football, and just chilled out. This would be our last calm weekend until November 6, and we wanted to make the most of it.

Monday

  • Cardio: Couch to 5K Week 2 Day 1 (2 sessions), 6.53 miles, running + walking
  • Strength: Arms (Back Focus) + Abs, 50 minutes

It wasn’t quite as cool as last week, but that was ok. J and I did our miles and felt pretty good about the whole thing.

I quickly changed so I could get to the gym. The newest workout session loaded in the app was a bit different from last week, which I loved to see. In fact, the only thing I didn’t love was the overhead chest press. I feel so strong until I try to do those. Ugh.

Regardless, I pushed through.

Monday was a mess with work, so I canceled my evening plans so I could get everything done by deadline.

Tuesday

  • Cardio: 3.04 miles, walking + Stairmaster, 10 minutes
  • Strength: Legs + Abs, 50 minutes

It’s easier to just head to the gym before I do my walk, since it’s less crowded, and again, I was please to have new moves on the app. I also decided to try my legs at the stair master, since leg day never feels super difficult to me. That was something else! After the accident, I am really cautious on stairs, so maybe this is the first step in overcoming that little fear.

The night was taken up by a committee meeting, which went a little longer than planned, but that’s ok.

Wednesday

  • Cardio: Couch to 5K Week 2 Day 2, 6.22 miles, running + walking
  • Strength: Arms (Back Focus) + Abs, 50 minutes

The smoke from the Canadian wildfires was back, making it a tougher run. Everything was pretty hazy, and the air quality was absolutely poor. We did what we could.

I also pushed through at the gym. I think this was my favorite arm workout so far, with some pushes and pulls, and more dumbbell work.

Then I got to treat myself to a new laptop! After five years, it was definitely time. This post comes to you directly from my new computer! Yay! We also took A’s clarinet in for a little tweak before wind ensemble season. He wanted to go himself, but Bandtober rehearsals and practice keep him away from things that need to be done during the day. He was thrilled with the result.

Thursday

  • Cardio: 3.26 miles, walking + Stair Master, 15 minutes
  • Strength: Legs + Abs, 50 minutes

Last gym day of the week! I enjoyed today as well, even though I had to go to the “big boy” part of the gym to use the incline board for crunches. Fortunately, I didn’t fall or get stuck. I also bumped up my Stair Master time by five minutes. Yay! I wrapped it all up with a walk. Perfect.

Friday

  • Cardio: Couch to 5K Week 2 Day 3
  • Strength: Trainer Check In Arms + Abs, 50 minutes

Today was going to be A DAY.

First, the fitness. Obviously. So we started with a run.

My meeting with the trainer went well. I actually didn’t expect to do a workout, but apparently, Meeting #2 is a trainer guided workout. Sigh. He did give good encouragement and great tips. I’ll see him again next week for a full trainer session. I’m scared.

Then I had to focus. I had some things to do around the house, pick up my race packet, and get over to the school to help serve dinner to the band. This is their last home game for the year (so early!), so it’s bittersweet.

Finally, we just enjoyed the band doing their stand tunes and having fun.

Before bed, I laid out my flat runner.

Saturday

  • Cardio: Pink Up The Pace 5k

It was so nice to have a race again, especially one for such an important cause.

I got done, and booked it home. A had to report to school at 9AM for practice, and we all had to meet back there at 2PM to start volunteering for the big show. We had 14 bands competing, and it was truly an epic day. What an honor to host such incredible talent at the first comp of Bandtober!

Of course, it was a brutally long day, and we were all just so happy to call it a night.

Thoughts + Goals

Another busy week, yes? It’s not going to calm down for quite a while. I don’t mind, as you know. Being busy makes me happy.

We have a few dinners and holiday events coming up, which are always fun. And of course, lots of crazy band travel. I’ll break that down as we get into it. There will always be time for my rain streak (all I need is one purposeful mile a day).

And on a proud mom and special Bandtober note, A was selected to be part of the county’s honor band. I don’t have all the details, but essentially, he was selected as one of the best clarinet players in the county, and will perform in an ensemble comprised of students from the seven high schools here. We had nine students chosen for regular band, and two for jazz. Absolutely amazing.

Have you been through Bandtober?

What’s going on for you this month?

How is training going?

Weekly Rundown

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

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Liz Dexter says

    October 8, 2023 at 9:02 am

    Bandtober sounds intense but amazing. My youth wind band was in the National Festival of Music for Youth finals one year in the 80s and we got to play in the Festival Hall in London (I was a 3rd clarinet so basically going oom-to the tuba’s pah!!). I’ll never forget that. Sounds like you’re having a good time at the gym, I’m glad that’s going well. I need to get a programme to get my fitness back once I’ve got rid of the end of my post-Covid blahs.

    Reply
  2. Wendy says

    October 8, 2023 at 11:16 am

    Nice job juggling everything! What a busy week. And congrats to your son for being selected for honors band!

    How exciting that you’re working with a trainer! I’m sure seeing the results will make you excited for your sessions. And congrats on your 5k!
    Wendy recently posted…Big WeekendMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Melissa says

    October 8, 2023 at 11:43 am

    I’ve never heard of Bandtober! Sounds intense but great job juggling everything at once. You got in some great workouts!

    Reply
  4. Deborah Brooks says

    October 8, 2023 at 1:10 pm

    I am betting that working with a trainer will be a huge help for you. Nice job on an active week during a busy time!

    Reply
  5. Jenny says

    October 8, 2023 at 1:26 pm

    Sounds like a great week- you’re being consistent with your strength training! Oh and we both got on the stair climber this week- it sounds like you enjoyed it more than I did.
    Congrats to A! And, Bandtober sounds intense. Like I said before, our band doesn’t do marching competitions and I’m not mad about that! Good luck juggling everything- I hope it’s a fun month.

    Reply
  6. Darlene S Cardillo says

    October 8, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    I should have a trainer at the gym but I just wing it.

    Happy to see you racing… that is an important cause.

    Congrats on fitting it all in.

    Reply
  7. Coco says

    October 8, 2023 at 3:55 pm

    It’s great that you enjoy Bandtober so much because it does just about take over your life!

    Congrats on the race!

    Reply
  8. Debbie says

    October 8, 2023 at 4:37 pm

    Congrats to A for making the all-county band! Our sons ran cross country and wrestled so I helped out with plenty of carb loading parties the night before races; and as the team mom of the wrestling team for six years straight, I organized plenty of coaches/refs lunches for the all-day tournaments.

    Reply
  9. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    October 8, 2023 at 8:15 pm

    Congrats to A! I was in the honor wind ensemble a few times — it was fun!

    You’re crushing the gym. I actually do miss having a trainer.

    And you’re doing a great job juggling everything. Congrats on your race, too.
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Soothing waters: 10/2 – 10/8 WRDMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Kimberly Hatting says

    October 9, 2023 at 3:10 am

    Glad the strength training is going well! My son played alto sax, so I’ve done the Bandtober gig (though it’s been a few years now).

    Reply
  11. Stacie Seidman says

    October 10, 2023 at 12:18 am

    Good for you for getting it all in each day!
    And congrats to A, that’s so wonderful!

    Reply
  12. Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says

    October 11, 2023 at 2:28 am

    Wow, such an amazing accomplishmen for A to be part of the honors band! I do miss band 🙁 My son will be dropping band completely in the spring at college because there are just so many other classes he wants to take. I don’t blame him! College has so much to offer.
    Enjoy your busy week!!
    Lisa @ TechChick Adventures recently posted…Chicago Marathon 2023 – race recapMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Jessie says

    October 12, 2023 at 1:24 pm

    That 5k looks so great! Well done. You packed a lot into this week. I’m impressed with your new gym/strength dedication!

    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

  • Time To Take A Breath
  • Friday The 13th: Unlucky Running Edition
  • Our Top Tips For Summer Racing + Running
  • It’s Crunch Time!
  • Ultimate Coffee Date: Let’s Enjoy June Coffee

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!