My winter hibernation was bound to happen. There are times when I just get too incredibly overwhelmed and I hermit off by myself. I don’t go out, I procrastinate, I stop checking in on social media, and I generally allow myself a period of hiding. It’s not always because of negative things, but overstimulation is real and some days I just need a break.
Sunday
- Cardio: 6 miles, walking
Honestly, the week didn’t start off too badly. The weather was nice, and I had gotten a decent night of sleep.
We just did the normal errands and Sunday hanging out. Nothing too strenuous.
Monday
- Cardio: 6.3 miles, running + .55 miles, walking
The weather shifted on Monday, and the cold came in. On the one hand, it’s much nicer for running, but on the other, it’s harder to get out of the house and motivated in the morning. Friends, I am trying. Really, I am.
I think I was also on edge because I was waiting for a call back about an interview. Spoiler alert: it’s been ten days and nothing. What is going on with these “urgently hiring” companies?
Tuesday
- Cardio: 4.81 miles, running + walking
The edginess continued into Tuesday morning. I went out and tried to make the best of it.
I turned things around quickly so I could get to a client meeting, which went beautifully, and I booked my first Rover job! And in the evening, A had his pre-MPA concert. Both his wind ensemble and the symphonic band sounded incredible, and I know they’re going to do so well at MPA next week.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 5.04 miles, walking
My sinuses were out of control with the storms coming through, but I sucked it up and got myself outside.
Lots of running around today. I had a date with my parents’ cats… they were out of town so I checked in on the little guys.
Thursday
- Cardio: 5.79 miles, walking + running
I was cold, lonely, and just not feeling great about myself. The weather change played havoc on my sinuses and my motivation was absolutely in the toilet. Yuck.
I was very glad to be done and out to meet some new clients. After that, my energy was just about done for the day. I had a ton to do but wanted to do exactly zero of it, so that was fun.
Friday
- Cardio: 6.2 miles, running + 1.79 miles, walking
J was finally able to come run/walking again after being away for a bit! I headed out a little before meeting her to get some extra miles in. Yay for catching the sunrise, even if it was cold!
Mr PugRunner and I went back out to get some more branding photos and video for him. I took advantage of the time to get a few coffee shots on my own.
It was awesome to add in extra miles when I did some dog walking for my friend’s pup. He’s a super active guy and insists on some outdoor time. I’m so happy to oblige. By the time I was finished, my energy was pretty done for the day, and my headache crept back in, so I did the bare minimum and went to bed.
Saturday
- Cardio: 5.75 miles, walking
I really did want to sleep in, but I was finally feeling better and my migraine was gone, so I figured I should rise and shine. I walked the pugs, walked myself, and after breakfast, I headed out to two different dog walking gigs. Obviously, they were wonderful.
Since my migraine was finally gone, the rest of the day was pretty dedicated to catching up on all the work I’ve been neglecting. No fun, but it had to happen.
Thoughts + Goals
The last few weeks had me a little down because I wasn’t getting a lot of traction in my job hunt. As someone who is derailed by rejection, this really hurt. But the market is way different and times are changing, and I’ve realized that if the right corporate position comes along, then it will work out. Otherwise, I need to just go and do for me, without waiting for someone to decide if I’m the right fit.
That being said, I’m really happy with how my pet sitting business is working out. I received one scammy request, which was a bummer, but then I booked four official gigs, including dog walking, drop in visits for dogs AND cats, and overnight stays, with additional requests pending. Of course, I absolutely love spending time with the animals, so it’s all working out nicely.
In the meantime, my schedule is pretty overloaded again, which is never fun. For some reason, I struggle transitioning with things, so I’m a little backed up. I’ll get ahead of it, soon. I promise.
In Case You Missed It
- Tales Of Love And Running
- How To Fall Back In Love With Running
- The Attack Of Running FOMO
- Five Reasons To Add Strength Training To Your Running
Do you ever just step out of life and hibernate a little? How is your training?
Weekly Rundown
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
This is a tough time of year for sure! I bet getting out with the dogs you are walking helps a lot and takes your mind off things. Hang in there Jenn!
Oh my gosh! I love it so much! I just had the sweetest client today, and we had such a lovely walk.
The weather has made things tough. I was so happy to be in Florida for a week where to me 40 would be a heat wave.
My job has been keeping me awake at night. I wish I could just let things go.
At least we are healthy. I can run. The positives outweigh the negatives.
Yup. I remind myself of the positives every day, but sometimes I do get down. I’m sorry your job keeps you up. We should be able to enjoy a healthy work life balance. And I’m glad you had that heat wave, while I’m sitting here under a blanket, debating if I should put the heat on lol.
Job hunting in this era is ridiculous — I’ve heard so many stories of companies ghosting people after rounds of interviews — that’s so rude!
I’d hire you on Rover in an instant!
Coco recently posted…Just Keep Going
Or not even responding to resumes! It’s nuts!
I would love to sit for Scooby!
You don’t look like you are hibernating I love that you get out daily for walks and runs. I bet your pet sittting skills are top notch that really takes off. Hope this week goes better for you
So far, from what I’m gathering from my meet and greets, it’s really hard to find a good sitter, and people are very comfortable with me. I hate that they feel like they can’t find reliable help for their pets, but I’m glad I can fill a need.
It didn’t get cold down here- but my son (who’s in Waco) said the windchill temps were below zero! It was the coldest weather he’s ever experienced in his life. The cold does make it really hard. i know you weren’t feeling well, but it sounds like you had a pretty good week. You’re not just sitting around waiting for people to get back to you- you’re creating your own jobs and that’s pretty cool.
We also had a pre-MPA concert this week! Our MPA isn’t for a few more weeks though. Fun time of year for the kids!
For a little while, I was sitting around, but there’s no point in that. If the right opportunity comes, it will work out. I hope.
I know your MPA will be fabulous too! We are going to IGNITE in St. Pete in April, and we just booked our hotel room for BOA Grand Nats in Indy in November. It’s going to be one heck of a senior year!
Your pet-sitting and dog-walking gigs sound like perfect fits for you. I hope that continues to go well. I know how tough job hunting can be (and I’m about to embark on it again because my new job, for almost four months, has not been a good fit). Hang in there and give yourself some grace. Chin up 😉
Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear that! I hope you find something great quickly! <3
I’m definitely feeling the winter blahs here too. It’s so hard when you can’t get outside at all amd enjoy nature or get any Vitamin D! Congrats on the pet sitting – sounds like business is going well!
I am lucky to be able to get outside all the time, but it’s still been rough. I just don’t love this year so far.
Hugs to you!
I’m sorry you feel down and overwhelmed. I can totally relate to the feeling of being rejected when looking for jobs. It’s awful. And everything is so bad now on the job market. Super cool about a pet sitting business though, that’s perfect for you.
But your beautiful pugs! And your mother’s cats! They all are so cute.
So good that you get all your running and walking done despite the overwhelm. Take care of yourself, hope you’ll feel better soon.
The market is TERRIBLE! It’s super discouraging. I’ve been looking for something a little more consistent than freelance, but I just don’t even have the patience to deal with the waiting game and messing around. Pet sitting is awesome. I love getting to go for walks with the little guys and so it work out just fine! My mom’s cats are adorable, if not a little finicky!
Best of luck on the job hunting. I hope something comes around for you soon! I was not aware that Rover existed – looks like a great site to find help (and you are great helper to hire!).
I bet your son’s band will be amazing at MPA. Sounds like they are having a great year!
I mean, if I can keep the sitting jobs and walking jobs coming, that’s just fine by me!
I think they will be amazing. I hate that I might not be able to see them, but they are always incredible.
I saw your note that you are taking care of two wire haired vizslas!! I hope you can share pictures as I LOVE the wire haired. We were looking at possibly getting one for our next family member, but I think we’re going to end up with smooth coated again (both are just fine by me!)
Congrats on the new gig!