My title says it all: this week was full of Races, Road Trips, and Recovery, not in any particular order. It was a good week, for sure, but I can’t believe it’s still January! How is that possible?
Sunday
- Cardio: 3.22 miles, walking
Mr PugRunner and I started a Brunch A Month concept, and today was the day to get started! First, I walked. It was cold as anything (I actually had a sweatshirt on over this outfit).
And then we went out for some hues rancheros and breakfast burritos! Perfect.
The boys spent the rest of the day running errands: A needs new formal clothes for dances and band, so that was their goal for the day.
Monday
- Cardio: 6.02 miles, running + 1 mile, walking
- Strength: Shoulders, Chest, and Abs, 50 minutes
Oh, Monday. I headed out for my morning run and managed five miles without walking, one mile of intervals, and one of walking. I followed it up with some time at the gym, working that upper body.
The bad news came early this week: our washing machine of 17 years is broken, and deemed unfixable per the warranty company, I’m grateful for its long life, but it’s annoying when the offered replacement doesn’t match, and we’ll have to redo the laundry room. It will work out fine, but we’ll be taking out the current pedestals, painting, and building a counter and shelves to make the difference in appliances less noticeable. I’m sure the dryer isn’t far behind, so it shouldn’t be long.
That evening, we cheered things up by attending a band fundraiser at Top Golf. There were about 70 parents and students, and we had a blast!
Tuesday
- Cardio: 1.41 miles, walking
Florida has manatees, and this time of year, those sweet babies head for warmer water in the system of natural springs in the middle of the state. There, the water is a constant 72ºF, and some of parks fill up with hundreds of these sweet marine mammals. My mom wanted to see them, so I volunteered to take her to Blue Spring State Park.
We were on the road at 6:45, for the 90 minute drive, and ended up one of the first ones in the park. While the record number of manatees was over 900 (the Friday before), we were privileged to see a count of 636. They were amazing, and we spent several hours just observing them.
Afterwards, we had lunch, and then I spent the evening leading a meeting. Not my favorite, but it was a good day.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 6.01 miles, running + 2.18 miles, walking
- Strength: Legs + Abs, 60 minutes
As you can see, things warmed up. A lot. It wasn’t my favorite.
I worked for a bit before heading to the gym. For some reason, I struggled with legs today. There are some new moves on my daily app, which present a bit of a challenge. It’s good for me, but I also don’t don’t love feeling strong.
Thursday
- Cardio: 3.75 miles, walking
- Strength: Shoulders, Chest + Abs, 50 minutes
Still warm. Still humid. And I’m still not loving it.
I had several errands to run, and it just ended up being a long day. I did get a great deal of work done, but I was also super tired.
Friday
- Cardio: 1.01 miles running + 6.95 miles, walking
TGIF. My legs and my feet were super tired and achy, so I opted to just run a mile, and then walk.
I also opted to skip the gym. Usually I go four days a week, but my heart wasn’t in it, so I spent time on other things. This was me leaning into recovery.
That evening, we divided and conquered: Mr PugRunner went to a friend’s military promotion, while A and I went to an event for one of my clients. And then I put out my race kit for the next day, and headed to bed.
Saturday
- Cardio: Little BIG Run 5K
Happy race day! I was up and out early for my first race of the season, the Little BIG Run 5K.
Of course, there will be a full race report this week, but it was a great day, and I came home feeling so strong!
Thoughts + Goals
Friends, I’m feeling good. My running and training is all moving in the right direction. I feel strong and like I’m making progress. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way, and I am riding the wave.
Tomorrow, I’ll be seeing Meghan for some theme park fun, and then we’ll be off to New Orleans! Exciting times!
How was your week? Have you ever seen the manatees? Any travel plans?
Weekly Rundown
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
I just love manatees! A few years ago, we were on AMI and as I was paddling my SUP on the canal, several manatees swam underneath me! My son was with me, and he captured all the excitement. Then we saw a few of them nuzzling–they must have been mating. It was so cool to see them up close like that.
Congrats on your race!! I’m sure it felt great to line up!
I love that. It’s so amazing to see them in person.
The race was great. I was so happy with how everything went.
So fun to get your brunch a month started! That is such a fun thing to look forward to each month. Sounds like your runs are going well too. 17 years is a long lifespan for a washing machine! I feel like the newer ones just don’t last long anymore. Top Golf is such a fun place! Glad you listened to your body on Friday and opted for some recovery!
Can’t wait to read about your race!!
Such a long lifespan. I’m not mad about it… just mad we can’t get a matching dryer right now LOL.
Yay on the great race!
I love that you do Florida things like seeing the baby manatees — and a monthly brunch is a great idea!
When in Rome, right?
Brunch is the best.
Sounds like the cooler temps are helping your running. Making progress feels good doesn’t it! Hope your race went well
Progress feels amazing.
It was a great race, even though it was stupidly hot. I made it work!
I love manatees… I hope to see them again some day.
So happy to hear that your race went well.
I brunch every Sat with my running friends… love it!
There is always time for brunch.
Isn’t it wonderful when you have that feeling of being strong and that things are going well!!? I get such great vibes from your posts recently. Seems like a good choice to rest the day before the race!
How annoying about the laundry room. It’s always nice to have things freshened up at home, but much nicer if you were actually planning to do it.
It really is a great feeling!
Plot twist: the washing machine was supposed to come Saturday, but they changed it to… TOMORROW!
I walked in from a road trip and immediately had to segue to painting. not cool.
Wow, these are exciting times for you! Congrats on the race- I’m looking forward to the recap.
Yes, it got warm, OR I would say “hot” here as well, and humid. Yuck, but it’s supposed to cool down again tonight.
I’ve never gone to see the manatees- that must have been so, so fun. And I can’t wait to hear all about New Orleans. Have a great time!
You aren’t too far from them, I don’t think! It’s absolutely worth the drive!
I’m guessing your race went well, congrats! Great job staying consistent with your strength work!
It was amazing! I’m so happy!
I’m glad you’re feeling strong and had a good week! The weather has been playing with all of us this past week, it seems! I have never seen manatees but I’ve always found them to be so beautiful! Sounds like a really cool experience!
They are absolutely majestic! I’m so glad we got to see them!