I’m not going to lie. I honestly enjoy a bit of chaos. For some reason, being busy makes me feel more productive. Sometimes I do need a break and hermit away for a bit to regroup, but then I’m right back into the thick of it.
Sunday
- Cardio: 5.35 miles, walking
One of the nice things about pet sitting is that I get to sleep in a little. Since I shape my day around what the pets need, that means that sometimes I don’t get to go out until later in the morning.
It’s been a good, sort of forced recovery. I’m sure it helped me get better.
Monday
- Cardio: 5.23 miles, running + .98 miles, walking
I started the day with an easy run and some little dog walks.
It was my last day with my clients, but they had a late flight. They had been super delayed heading out to their destination (like a day delayed), so I was nervous that the same would happen on the return. Fortunately, they finally took off, and I was home by 9PM. It was amazing to be back in my own bed, and I’m pretty happy not to have any more overnights this year.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 5.57 miles, running + 1.59 miles, walking
It feels really good to be out running again. The crud absolutely knocked me down and I took my time with my return due to a little lingering cough. It’s not in my chest, exactly, but I do struggle with some drainage and overall grossness. Might as well not rush things.
Mr PugRunner and I went to pick up Thanksgiving breakfast from a newer coffee shop. Wed had breakfast while we were waiting, and it was a nice treat. The grits bowl with cheese and crispy bacon was so good I almost cried.
We also went to see Wicked: For Good, but that was a bit of a disaster. Mr PugRunner ordered tickets to the wrong theater, so he had to exchange us. However, the time we needed wasn’t in the regular theater… it was a new screen where the side walls of the theater also showed footage. I was able to watch about 15 minutes of it before I got nauseous. Not exactly how I envisioned it. I couldn’t even eat my popcorn. š
Wednesday
- Cardio: 6.40 miles, walking
I started the day with a nice, big walk, followed by some client walks. Honestly, I love walking dogs so very much.
After the morning work was done, we all headed out for breakfast and then to get new phones for the three of us. It’s been a while since we upgraded, and so it made sense for a holiday gift for us. My phone has been in dire straits for a few years, so it was even more exciting (even though mine had to be specially ordered and I’m still waiting).
The rest of the day was spent in the kitchen. I made stuffing, apple pie, mashed potatoes, and a macaroni and cheese. Then I set out my flat runner and it was off to bed.
Thursday
- Cardio: Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic 5K
Of course it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a Turkey Trot! I took myself out to the largest one, which starts at 6:50AM. No need for it to get in the way of the rest of the day. It was a good run, and I’ll give the full recap on Wednesday.
And then it was home. I was pretty proud that I did most of the actual cooking and prep work done in the days leading up to the holiday, so it wasn’t a lot of work on the actual day. My parents and A’s girlfriend came over, and we played games and really had a lovely day.
Friday
- Cardio: 5.29 miles, walking
And it’s cold again. Really cold. Which makes things so much nicer for being outside.
I was pretty busy with clients, so I absolutely opted out of Black Friday (again). Maybe one day I’ll get out there. In between walks, I worked, watched some TV, ate leftovers, and napped.
Saturday
- Cardio: 6.59 miles, walking
The weekend started with a big three dog walk day. And I also got in some miles for myself. Not so bad.
In between jobs, I tried to focus on catching up with work before the new week begins, but I honestly defaulted to a little nap. All the fresh air is amazing but it wears me out, too.
Thoughts + Goals
I’ve been a little off-kilter the last few weeks, and I’m not loving it. The travel and crud knocked me back a few pegs, and catching up is never easy. However. I am getting back into it as best I can. While cleaning for Thanksgiving, I ruthlessly purged my side of the office (which has been used as a catch all for everyone), and even embarked on cleaning out the closet under the stairs. All of this has made me feel incredibly motivated and productive, so there’s that.
And I drew a line and closed my books for December. I have a few walks and drop ins, but no overnights and nothing major. It will be nice to have a bit of a break. (Ok, I took one more quick drop in client, but now I’m done).
I wish I had a better handle on next week, but I’ve got some clients, a lunch, a dentist appointment, and someone has to be at the house to received a very important package for which we don’t have a precise delivery date. Annoying, but I will get through it.
In Case You Missed It
- Recovering From A Whirlwind Week
- Beyond The Highlight Reel: Ā Why Giving Yourself Grace This Holiday Season Is Essential (+ 2026 Tuesday Topics)
- Your Best Piece Of Gear Isn’t Running Shoes: It’s Gratitude
- Sharing Our Thanksgiving Runfessions
How was your week in training? Anyone else have the crud? What are your Thanksgiving 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’m really impressed with your Thanksgiving spread–that turkey dip is adorable. I would have hated to mess it up!
I had heard that Wicked was best viewed on the biggest screen you could find, so I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy it! It is a little disorienting at first, I will agree! But I love that feeling of being immersed in the movie.
It sounds like taking some time off is a good idea! Now you can fully enjoy the holidays.
We dug right into that turkey. I can’t make real charcuterie because of some dietary needs of some family members, so this was a nice blend of veggies with just a little salami and cheese.
I have never been able to handle things like the planetarium or the IMax or anything immersive. I just want to sit and watch the screen in front of me without bells and whistles. I was pretty crushed to not get to watch a lot of it. Mr PugRunner wants to take me again to try it on a regular screen but the wow factor is over, so I think I will just wait for it to stream. Big bummer.
I’m glad that you are scheduled for a bit of down time from your doggy business for the holidays. I’m sure it will be packed with all sorts of other stuff! You made a beautiful spread for Thanksgiving. That Turkey is adorable! I will be going to see Wicked on Weds. I think it will be just a regular screen. Bummer you got nauseous from your viewing!
3 pugs? So cute!!
Ha! The one pug is a statue in the back!
I support the regular screen all the way!
Keeping busy makes me feel more productive too. Looks like a really nice Thanksgiving! I finished all of my shopping on line-have not done Black Friday in person in 10 years! Congrats on fitting in the turkey trot Have a great week ahead
Who needs Black Friday, says I!
Your Thanksgiving table looks beautiful as does your turkey charcuterie! I love the word “thankful” placed at each plate.
Good for you for mostly closing your calendar for the rest of the year! I plan to take some time off as well – that’s the nice thing about owning your own business, right?
We had “thankful, “grateful” and “blessed.” I got them a few years ago and I thought they were cute. Maybe I can find something cute for Christmas.
We are really looking forward to a family vacation!
And yes, it’s nice to own your own business, but I always worry that if I turn people down they will stop using me. I have to get over that!
I hear you on worrying that clients will stop using you if you turn them down a time or two, especially since you’re relatively new in this business. It’s a real concern, but I’m sure your clients love you and they’ll want to use you whenever you’re available.
You’re right, and I’m working on that boundary. I have some light months, and will start promoting in the new year, so hopefully it gets easier.
I love your Thanksgiving spread! Everything looks so beautiful. Sounds like you guys had a great day. And yes- it got cold here on Friday, down to 53 degrees! But it only lasted a day (boo- I want more cool weather!)
Nice job on getting out for that Turkey Trot! I’m looking forward to the race recap.
Glad you’re getting a little break now- it will be nice to focus on holiday prep.
The recap won’t be super exciting. I was alone and pretty zoned out for the race.
I was also super happy with the table and all the food. I haven’t put quite so much into the decor these last few years, so I’m glad I was able to manage that.
Your Thanksgiving table looks so delicious, especially the colourful plate to the right! Despite being sick and more, I think it looks like you are getting some good walking and running done, and then the turkey trot as well.
Everything came out great this year. I was pretty thrilled about that.
Glad you are taking some time off. I do wish I had a job without strict hours – 8 am – 4pm EVERYDAY!
Congrats on our race. It is so fun to run on Thanksgiving and that so many others feel the same.
It is amazing how you had time to cook too.
My hubby’s family did take out – I brought wine. No stress.
It can be great sometimes, but also there are challenges. Sometimes, a regular paycheck is nice, too!
I would love to cater Thanksgiving… but everyone is so set in their ways that it just never happens.
Sounds like a busy week, but you had a great Thanksgiving in there as well. Itās fun turkey-trotting before the big day beginsā¦I look forward to it everywhere!
I enjoyed the trot for sure!
Oooh your Thanksgiving food looks so good! We did Turkey Trotting here with the whole family, which was a lot of fun. Congrats on the race! And yay for taking time off – I think you need it!
I think I need it, too. Your girl is tired!