Friends, I don’t even know where to begin. It’s been two weeks, and I hate to let posting go that long, but these two weeks have been a lot. I’ll start with the fact that we are all well, if not a little tired. But things could be a lot worse, so I’ll take the downtime and a nap and move on. I hope you’re ready for all the photos!
Sunday
- Cardio: 4.41 miles, walking
Mr. PugRunner had some things to do, so I planned my day around a nice walk and hanging out with A. It was perfect.
Monday
- Cardio: 4.70 miles, running
All in for a sunrise run. It was beautiful.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 5.62 miles, running
Happy October! I had a run and an evening meeting.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 4.74 miles, walking
Another beautiful morning.
I spent the day packing and running last minute errands. It was almost time to leave on our trip! We ended up having to rush Luna to the vet because she cut her pad, but they got her glued up and on the road to recovery in no time.
Thursday
- Cardio: 4.94 miles, running
Last run in Florida!
I had a lot to get ready, but we also had a reschedule for an artsy fundraiser at the school. J could no longer join me, but I knew some people there, and we “enhanced” vintage paintings to become spooky ones. It was so fun.
Friday
- Cardio: 1 mile, walking
We started our day at 2AM in order to get to the airport to begin our adventure. The airport was empty and we moved through our flights smoothly.
Thanks to the time change, it was only 10AM when we landed in ABQ… we had the whole day ahead of us!
We got to Mr PugRunner’s aunt’s house, said our hellos, enjoyed a little brunch, got situated, and then we were off to the Sandias Tramway.
Honestly, this was my least anticipated part of the trip: we had to wait in line to take a tramway to the peak of the Sandias Mountain. I’m more of a hiker than a rider, so I wished we were able to do more walking around. I was outvoted.
The views were pretty and expansive, but I prefer a more hands on experience, where you are among the trees and on the trail. Next time, we will approach it differently. We got dinner at the top, and then made our way back down at sunset.
Saturday
- Cardio: 1 mile, walking
We had a 3AM wakeup call so we could get to the first morning of the Balloon Fiesta! I was so excited, but also so upset. When I opened my phone that morning, all the news was talking about Hurricane Milton and its path to Florida. I told Mr PugRunner we needed to fly home Monday instead of Tuesday and after he looked at some of the reports, he agreed and got on the phone with the airline. Ugh.
We took a park and ride to the balloon grounds and got the lay of the land. Unfortunately, it was super windy, so the organizers had to do some pivoting as it wasn’t safe to send off the Dawn Patrol or have the morning glow. Instead, we had a flyover, and after sunrise, we were treated to the magic.
Y’all. I cried like a baby.
Once everyone was safely up who could get up (the wind and heat prevented some balloons from launching), we got some fry bread and went back to the house. We all needed a nap before embarking on part two of our day: Old Town.
Of course, we had lunch first.
While there was no humidity, it was really hot, so we ducked in and out of shops while we wandered.
On our way home, we swung by this mural and bar I wanted to see. Conveniently, they were about a block apart.
And then it was time to turn in for our race tomorrow.
It was also HoCo back home. I hated to miss it but the kids had a great time!
Sunday
- Cardio: The Great Balloon Chase 5K
Happy race morning! I was so excited to race in New Mexico! A full report is coming, but it was such an incredible experience. It’s like nothing I’ve done before, in so many ways!
We enjoyed the vibe of the venue, and then went out for breakfast. I am addicted to the breakfast burritos.
We went back to the house, showered, did laundry, and then got ready for the rest of the day. The whole family went to lunch – it was another yummy meal. I can’t believe we had Mexican food for almost every meal we had in the area. It was the best.
We said goodbye to Aunt E and headed back to the Balloon Fiesta. We had some time to check out the shops and vendors, and Mr PugRunner made friends with a Canes fan at the bar patio. As the day went on, the weather deteriorated. We were hoping to see the evening glow, where all the balloons inflate and then glow in the darkness, but the wind had other plans. Bummer. We still had fun, and left before the fireworks to get wine and snacks at the house.
Monday
- Cardio: 1 mile, airport walking
Ironically, our departure day was the day we got to sleep the longest. Sigh.
We packed it up and headed to the airport. I wanted to cry – the whole route was full of balloons and I didn’t want to leave.
The day was super stressful. We arrived early enough to have a decent breakfast (of course we got breakfast burritos), and then I walked a mile while we waited for our now delayed flight to DFW. It was a packed flight, and everyone sounded super sick (coughing, sneezing, snotting). I ended up buying a pack of masks because I couldn’t handle it. When our flight arrived, they informed us there was a maintenance issue and we had to wait even longer.
Of course, we missed our connecting flight to JAX, but American rebooked us on the next flight out, which at least meant we had time to have lunch. That flight was much less crowded and you could tell that everyone was worried about getting home and either prepping or evacuating for Milton.
We landed at 9:30, got fuel and some cases of water at a gas station outside the airport and then headed home. It was good to be back, but we also had a lot of work to do.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 5.33 miles, running
It was time to get to work. I got up early to run – I needed the anxiety relief. My plan was to get home, pick up the pugs, drive A to school, and then help with the stocking of supplies.
When I went to leave the house, I tried to grab a drink from the outside fridge, only to find out it was warm inside. We had a power flicker while we were gone, and it looked like the GFI blew. I had to let Mr PugRunner know that we needed to add milk, butter, eggs, chicken, and ice cream to our list of essentials. Boo.
I was about halfway through my miles when Mr PugRunner called me to say let me know he was leaving, and to share a story. Apparently, he was driving out and saw our neighbor sprinting down the street with a leash in his hand. It seems that Leonidas was ready to go home, slipped his lead, and ran back to our house. They found him sitting at our front door, safe and sound.
We got everyone calmed down, and the day proceeded. That evening, I found that the INSIDE fridge shorted out when the bags of water Mr PugRunner put in the freezer leaked. So we had to move all the new food back out to the garage fridge while it reset. I wanted to cry. Fortunately, we didn’t lose anything this time and now both fridges are working again.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 2.80 miles, walking
Wednesday was the time to finalize prep. I scooted out between the rain clouds to get in some movement before we had to lock it down.
We took the kids out for one last lunch (just in case everything go shut down for a few days), and even scored a box of free layered doughnuts because the store owner wanted to empty out stock and go home. Score!
The weather absolutely deteriorated throughout the day, but Milton had shifted far enough south that we never got more than tropical storm level winds and rain. It came with all the flooding in certain areas, but our lake stayed low and all our drainage held.
Also of note, the fridge situation was finally corrected and all our perishables were saved.
Thursday
- Cardio: 4.15 miles, walking
I woke up early, expecting no power, but I was wrong. We never lost power, and a walk through the neighborhood showed that we got SO lucky. Usually, we lose tree limbs, and a chunk of our old fence (which is being rebuilt section by section), but there was really very little damage. We had wind for the rest of the day, but Milton moved out to sea.
Friday
- Cardio: 6.25 miles, running
First up? It was in the 60s when I left the house. Secondly? I got to see J again! Add in a gorgeous sunrise and we are cooking with gas.
After the run, I got my nails done. My last set got absolutely destroyed with packing, hurricane prep, and all the other things, so this was the self-care I needed. I took the photos in two different lighting situations, which leads to my hands looking very different.
Mr PugRunner reminded me that we have now known each other for 20 years, so we decided to support our downtown economy with a date night. We also brought A and his girlfriend so they could get out in the air and enjoy a date night of their own. The area did flood and things were super quiet, especially on a Friday night, but we will build back. We always do.
Saturday
- Cardio: 4.13 miles, walking
Another gorgeous day. I slept in a little (it’s easier when you’re not racing the sun and the heat), and took the pugs for a nice walk before heading out on my own. They do enjoy this weather.
Since our weekend was now open due to the cancellation of our marching competition, we opted to head to Jax Beach for their version of Oktoberfest. Might as well.
Thoughts + Goals
I still haven’t processed the whirlwind of the last few weeks. I think I need one more day of sleep, and that will do me a world of good.
On a fun note, I was welcomed back to my second year of Alter Ego Running! Yay! These are such great hats and I love the events and challenges the brand offers to ambassadors and non-ambassadors alike. I hope to be more involved this year.
I am also 100% back in the gym this week. Mr PugRunner has been getting home super late in the mornings, which has lessened my ability to go. Much as it pains me, I’m taking control of my own destiny, and just plan to get up at 4:30 and hit the gym floor before I run or walk. It sucks, but I have to get it done.
And that’s what we’ve got!
Have you been to a hot air balloon festival? What about Oktoberfest? Ever have to scramble to change travel plans due to impending weather?
Weekly Rundown
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
Debbie says
What a couple of weeks you’ve had, Jenn! I’m happy to hear that you had no damage from the hurricane or associated tornados and that life can resume to normal.
How fun that you were able to attend the hot air balloon festival – bummer that the wind was acting up, though. Congrats on adding another state to your race list!
Debbie recently posted…Weekly RunDown: October 6 – 12 / Two Autumns are Better than One
runswithpugs says
I just need a few days to breathe lol!
Coco says
The balloon festival looks amazing! Sorry you had to cut your trip short but it sounds like it was the right decision. Glad the only issues at home were with the refrigerators — and fixed quickly!
runswithpugs says
Ultimately, it was the right call, even though it was super stressful in the moment. And yes, we are so grateful that the fridge was the only thing we really had to contend with.
Liz Dexter says
Glad you were OK first of all. I love Albuquerque, I had a boyfriend there in the 90s and spent a couple of weeks there over two years, really loved the place. I could go back as he relocated to Boston!!
runswithpugs says
It was a wonderful experience. I am excited to go back to see some of the things we missed.
Deborah Brooks says
Wow Albuquerque looks amazing and those balloons so beautiful. Sorry you had to cut your trip short but I would have done the same. So glad that you all escaped the storm without damage. A crazy few weeks indeed!
runswithpugs says
I guess we will just have to go back!
Jenny says
That balloon festival sounds incredible (can’t wait for the race recap) but it’s a shame you had to worry about Milton in the middle of it. Glad you’re all okay, and getting back to normal.
I’m envious- we haven’t seen mornings in the 60s yet here. It’s in the forecast for this week, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
runswithpugs says
We are supposed to have two mornings in the 50s! This is magical and I cannot wait!
Kimberly Hatting says
Busy times & crazy weather! I’m glad Milton wasn’t as severe as anticipated, but still I can’t imagine the stress in all that. The balloon fest looks so fun; what a great trip (even with the early departure).
runswithpugs says
I would turn around and go back right now.
Next up? Western Carolina. Maybe. I am simultaneously excited and dreading it.
Wendy says
I’m so glad that your impact from Milton was minimal. This has been a really frightening couple of weeks down there. I sure hope we’ve seen all we need to see from these storms!
Your trip to ABQ looks so fun! I’d love to see those balloons. Growing up in the country, we would often see hot air balloons fly over our house–sometimes landing in an empty field nearby. it was always so cool!
runswithpugs says
There is one more Invest in the Atlantic, and I am keeping a very angry eye on it.
We have one hot air balloon that will take off near us and land in our community field, and we have a hot air balloon “festival” in our area, but that is comprised of like six tethered balloons. This was 600! And I loved the juxtaposition of the struggle to get them inflated and launched against the beauty of them just floating in the sky.
Susanne says
What an action packed few weeks you’ve had! I thought about you and Jenny when I followed the news about Milton. So glad you’ve been ok but i can feel the anxiety in your post!
Your balloon and tramway adventure trip sounds great! I would also prefer walking. The tramway looks super scary to me!
I hope you get some good and calm times ahead.
runswithpugs says
The tramway was TERRIFYING. I am claustrophobic and absolutely loathe being in tight quarters with people (see also, crowded planes), and it was the WORST. Then throw in one of the strongest storms to ever exist, and I was just about done. A lot of wine was consumed, and I’m not sorry about it.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures says
I’m so happy to hear that your town was OK with the storms. So scary. That balloon festival looks amazing! I went on a hot air balloon ride many years ago. They lowered the balloon down to a grove of walnut trees and we picked one off of the tree! I’ll never forget that.
A and his girlfriend look great. So handsome and a beautiful couple!!
runswithpugs says
They are so cute! I love how they always coordinate!
Balloon rides are so cool! We didn’t have time to do one – I’ve only been up in a tethered balloon, so going for an actual flight would be unreal!
Melissa says
I’m so glad that you weren’t too impacted by Milton. All the footage of the storms is looking so scary!
And yay for a fun trip! What a small world- my sister-in-law went out to the balloon festival too! The photos look incredible.
runswithpugs says
It was so scary for the affected area. I hate hurricanes.
Oh how fun! I hope she had a great time!
Karen says
Had a few shingles peel back on the roof from Milton and a 5 hour power outage Thursday morning but that’s all for me.
That spookified vintage painting event looks fun!
Jessie Benson says
WOW! What a fun trip! I have never been there and it looks like so much fun- and the food- yum!! You packed in a lot these past two weeks. What fun! And so glad you’re all safe from the weather.
runswithpugs says
It was a really great time!
Jessie says
Ha, I just reread my comment and I said FUN way too many times, ha! But really, what fab photos. Love it.
runswithpugs says
LOL!