Taking This Show On The Road

That’s right: we are taking this show on the road for our first trip of 2025! It’s always an exciting time when we get to travel, and I’m excited to see what Biloxi, MS has to offer! Of course, I disconnected a bit, so now you’ve got two weeks of recaps to read! I hope you enjoy!

Sunday

• Cardio: 3.79 miles, walking

After a VERY late night, I was glad to sleep in and get some extra rest. For some reason, these colder days and nights make it so difficult to get out of bed.

Of course, there was bad news, too. Our main vehicle died while Mr PugRunner was out on some errands. Timing could not have been worse. After several attempts, we had to leave it in a store parking lot, to deal with it on Monday.

Monday

• Cardio: 5.72 miles, running + .47 miles, walking

Spoiler alert. There wasn’t much time at the gym this week. Instead, I poured my heart into my runs and walks.

We had to navigate the car situation, and fortunately, it turned out to be just a battery replacement. Whew.

While I know it was a frustrating day with the car, it all ended well and we are back in business.

Tuesday

• Cardio: 6.02 miles, running

It’s just so bitter and raw out and every day has been an absolute mission to get up and moving. But up and moving we get.

For most of the day, I didn’t feel great. It’s just a combination of cold and anxiety. I hate feeling unsettled, but that’s just how things seem to be these days.

Wednesday

• Cardio: 4.02 miles, walking

The way I ignored my alarm on Wednesday. I just couldn’t. Could not do it. But finally, I dragged myself up and out of the house. Let’s also give a little nod to National Hat Day. Love these hats? You can score your own at Alter Ego Running and save 10% with code RUNSWITHPUGS.

Thursday

Cardio:

Friday

• Cardio: 1 mile, walking

Happy travel day! We got up early and loaded up the car for our seven hour drive! I even took the dogs for a walk to hit my streak goal!

Mr PugRunner drove until lunch and I took over for the last half. Honestly, it wasn’t terrible. We arrive around 3PM and decided to park the car at Margaritaville, then walk over to Golden Nugget to pick up our race packet.

Done.

By that point it was time to check in – we had a huge room with a gorgeous view of the bay. Winning!

Then it was time to celebrate! We headed to The Lost Key for an appetizer and drinks. The margarita flights were only $20 and that sounded like a wonderful idea!

I needed it badly, because as we were enjoying, our Ring notifications went off. I turned on the video to see three, suited up firefighters outside our front door. The way my soul left my body! Neither A nor the pugs were home, so that was a relief. I also didn’t think my parents were there, but lo and behold, my mom was trying to make dinner and her lamb got a little too smoky. It triggered the fire alarm, and she didn’t know how to deactivate it.

Thanks to the firefighters who answered the call, checked it all out and deemed it safe. I do believe my poor mom ordered takeout the rest of the time she was there.

Then it was off to our dinner reservation at the Beau Rivage, which is the most beautiful hotel and casino on the little Biloxi strip. It was a good night! Mr PugRunner even won a little at the roulette table!

Saturday

• Cardio: Casino Bridge Run 5K

Happy race morning!

I was a hurting unit, but we got up and got out for the race! You can read the full recap here.

When the wind became too much to bear, we headed back to our room. Our plan was to enjoy breakfast, and then go on a scavenger hunt of the murals in downtown Biloxi. I was so thrilled with the dog on my latte at the Blue Dog.

And the public art was beautiful. We saw most of the pieces before I was too tired to continue.

I petitioned for a nap, and then we moved towards our dinner plans. We had reservations at Jia in the Beau Rivage for noodles and sushi. From there, we mixed things up to check out the Hard Rock Casino next door. It wasn’t as nice as the Beau, but we got dessert at the HRC and called it a night.

Sunday

• Cardio: 4.37 miles, walking

Mr PugRunner was happy to sleep while I took on the bridge for the second day in a row. It was sunny, but super cold and WINDY! I almost called it all off, but I wanted to see the beach on the other side! Mission accomplished! And thank goodness I had the tailwind pushing me back to the hotel.

Brunch was next up and we were all in for coffee flights and Bloody Mary experiences!

We tried to visit the lighthouse and the beach again, but it was just uncomfortably cold, so we checked out some of other other casinos before dinner. They were all different, but I was pleased to see there was one smoke-free venue. We didn’t stay out long – obviously daytime gambling has much different vibes than nighttime. l

For dinner, we went back to the Beau Rivage and had appetizers and drinks at our now-favorite restaurant. Everything was so incredible!

We finally had to call it a night so we could hit the road early in the morning.

Monday

• Cardio: 1 mile, walking

I got in a quick mile before we loaded up the car, grabbed breakfast and hit the road. It was a long drive home, but we made great time, and we were so glad to be back with A and the pugs.

Tuesday

• Cardio: 4.79 miles, running + .36 miles, walking

And we were right back at it. I started the day with a run and I was so happy to see J again! We were under a freeze warning, so we had to bundle up and wait for the sun.

I had a meeting and then the rest of the day was spent just trying to catch up. Re-entry is hard.

Wednesday

• Cardio: 3.37 miles, walking

I was terrible at taking photos this week. It’s just too cold and none of my outfits have been super cute, because I’m wearing all the layers I own. I slept in, and I got in a freezing cold walk.

That evening, we braved the cold again to go to a Yelp Wellness Event. It was pretty fun to check out some of the vendors, and then we got pizza.

• Cardio: 6.91 miles, running + walking

Thursday

Once again, we went out on the later side, to take advantage of the sun. It doesn’t make everything better, but it does help cut the chill.

I also got my nails done! Black hearts for the win!

It felt good to have a little bit of self care on these bitter days.

Friday

• Cardio: 3.92 miles, running + walking

This morning was a bit of a mess. Mr PugRunner had to take the SUV in for a recall, so I was in charge of school drop off, and then meeting up with J. From there, I had some dog walking duties. In fact, I feel like I spent the entire day walking dogs. It’s not the worst thing, but it was a lot.

I was super happy to spend the rest of the day on the couch.

Saturday

• Cardio:

Once again, I tried to avoid the worst of the cold by sleeping in. I don’t love the later morning cardio, but what can you do?

I spent most of the day working and taking care of my to do list.

In the evening, we went to a VIP Event for a new music venue in Jacksonville. It was a much later night than we are used to, but it was fun to try something new.

Thoughts + Goals

I know that was a lot, but it’s been a busy two weeks. And honestly, I needed a break from the world.

Things are moving forward. I didn’t get in as much running as I would have liked, but we’ve been busy and it’s cold. Would you believe our Christmas tree is still standing? I need to do something about that.

Next weekend, we travel to the Best Damn Race in Safety Harbor, and I am excited to see everyone. It’s going to be a good time.

Also, I’m back on the Jogology team for 2025 and we are hosting a fun giveaway for a pair of socks! Check it out on Instagram!

In Case You Missed It

• How To Set Realistic Running Expectations
• Celebrate National Hat Day With Alter Ego Running
• Making My Winter Race Plans
• The Mental Benefits Of January Running
• Race Report: Casino Bridge Run
• Five Running Books On My TBR List

How was your week in training? Have you ever been to Biloxi? Do you like gambling in casinos? Would you do a public art scavenger hunt?

Weekly Rundown

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