I know… it’s not cool to be excited for Mondays, but honestly, I don’t mind them. Mondays symbolize a bright, shiny start to a week. They are full of potential and I love that. And in that spirit… thank God it’s Monday! Let’s dive into the week!
Sunday
- Cardio: 2.25 miles, walking
I started the day with a quick walk, enjoying the quiet and the deer.
Today’s trip was to Helen, known as a little German town in the heart of Georgia. We arrived around 1PM and decided to try the Georgia Mountain Coaster. The line ended up being over two hours long, but we were committed and had so much fun!
Immediately after, we got lunch at a German restaurant, and then split up to explore. While the town is beautiful with all its holiday lights, it’s incredibly crowded (even more so than St. Augustine for Nights of Lights) and a little more touristy than I would prefer. I’m glad we saw it, but we all agreed this was a one and done for us.
Monday
- Cardio: 2.42 miles, walking
It was our last full day in Georgia, and brrrr! It was cold!
After a walk, we made the drive to Dahlonega, a more Hallmark style town. We didn’t plan on a strenuous day… just wandering around and exploring. The kids headed off on their own adventures, and we got hot cocoa and chatted. It was a lovely day.
Since we were heading out in the morning, we came back to the house early, got takeout for dinner, watched the sun set and got packed up and ready to go.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 1.19 miles, walking
Again, freezing. Literally. I bundled up for just a quick, sunrise mile before getting behind the wheel for the six to seven hour drive back home.
We collected the pugs, unpacked, and called it a night. Road trip travel days are tough and exhausting and we were all glad to call it a night. But not before we celebrated Leonidas’ fourth birthday!
Wednesday
- Cardio: 4.67 miles, walking
It was good to be back to a routine. I met up with J and we were able to have a nice chat and walk, even thought it was still quite freezing.
When I got home, Mr PugRunner let me know Leonidas wasn’t doing so well. He was super lethargic and having a tough time getting around. Fortunately, we got an appointment at his vet and the official diagnosis came back as “he overdid it” with his dogsitter. Poor baby. He was clingy, but in good spirits, so we spent our New Year’s Eve at home, watching the Miami Hurricanes win the Cotton Bowl, and keeping him comfortable.
Thursday
- Cardio: 3.65 miles, running
Happy birthday to Mr PugRunner!
Our first priority was to check on sweet Leonidas, who seemed a little worse. He was hunched over, had a hard time going to the bathroom and was having trouble with all four legs. Ugh. Yes, he was eating and drinking but he was absolutely not himself. Mr PugRunner sat with him while I took a quick run.
And then I locked in to hold him all day. Literally, the poor thing just wanted to sleep in my lap. We canceled our dinner reservations, and just loved on him as much as we could.
Friday
- Cardio: 5.84 miles, running
The pugs were both snoozing hard when I got up, so I snuck out for a quick run before the vet opened. Mr PugRunner reported that we snagged a 9AM appointment, so I was back in plenty of time to help out with the visit.
Another exam, xrays and bloodwork revealed that the most likely issue is a tweaked back. He didn’t have any blockages, stones, or foreign objects. Nothing was broken. And his bloodwork and labs all came back normal. He got a laser treatment and some better pain meds, and he is home on strict crate rest for at least a week. We are so relieved that it wasn’t anything more serious.
On that positive note, I packed up for an overnight with some of my regular clients. I am so happy to see them, but i’ll be glad to be back with my buddy tomorrow.
Saturday
- Cardio: 4.68 miles, walking
Rise and shine! First, I walked one of my clients, and then I walked myself.
And then it was home to see my boys and the pugs, and to start doing some deep cleaning. I don’t know why, but I am feeling the call.
Thoughts + Goals
It was really, really great to get away and enjoy a break with the family. I was so grateful we got the chance to do it, and I hope we have the opportunity again soon.
New Year felt sort of anticlimactic. The Miami win was huge, but it’s hard when you have an injured/sick pup, and I hate that we started 2026 on a low note. I hope we can improve on that quickly.
In the new year, I’ve committed to a few things: gym, I’m looking at you. I also broke my nightly ice cream habit. In an effort to get more protein but still have a necessary sweet treat, I want to try making protein pudding. All the wellness people swear by it, and I really hope they’re not lying about its virtues.
In Case You Missed It
- Running Through Christmas Week
- Let’s Ring In 2026
- 2025 By The Numbers
- January Coffee Date: New Year, Fresh Start
How was your week in training? How was your new year? How do you feel about Mondays?
Weekly Rundown
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
Happy New Year, Jenn! I’m sorry to hear about Leonidas–hopefully a little crate rest and he’ll be back to his old self. It’s so hard when our pups aren’t themselves, and it’s not like they can tell us what’s wrong!
He is hating crate rest. The meds are making him feel like he’s king of the world, and it’s very challenging to keep him calm. Good times.
I was about to say how cute your pup was in his birthday hat-hope he is feeling better! It’s like a sick baby when you don’t know what’s wrong with them! I’ve never been to that part of Georgia-I’m sure it was nice to get away for a quick trip. Happy new year Jenn
He’s doing so much better. we are so relieved.
Usually we go a little farther north into the mountains, but staying on the lake was nice. I wouldn’t do it during the summer… too many superstitions and bad vibes surrounding Lake Lanier. I’d rather keep a respectful distance.
Poor Leonidas, I hope he takes a turn for the better with rest and new meds. It’s so hard when they’re poorly. We have had a slightly crappy start to the year as Mr Liz has got a Cold, I am keeping away to try not to get it, but I’m not holding out much hope! We have actual snow and ice here at the moment, not a huge amount but enough to make the pavements slippery, so I’ve been going to the gym a lot to try to boost my immune system (also good to see my gym buddies again after a few weeks out since I got Covid in November!).
Not Covid again! Ugh! I’m so sorry. I hope you stay well! And be careful with the ice!
Your poor pup! I hope he feels better soon. I don’t love Mondays, but I do love new starts!
New starts are the best!
Oh poor Leo!!! Yes, I know very well how a sick fur baby can take over your whole life. I’m glad there’s nothing seriously wrong with him- I hope he feels better soon! Poor little guy.
We also had some insanely cold weather down here- three nights in a row down to the 40s (LOW 40s!) and that never happens. We’re getting back to more normal January weather now.
I love the photos from Leos birthday, ha! He does look a little cranky- I wonder if his back was hurting him then?
Happy New Year!
He’s doing so much better and I am so grateful. I was thisclose to taking him to the emergency vet. But back pain can really get you down, so I know he was hurting. He was definitely not right when we came home and that accounts for the grumpy face. He passed out immediately, and we didn’t notice the mobility issues til the next day. I’m just glad he’s ok!
Oh no, I’m so sorry about Leonidas! Good news that bloodwork etc was good.. I hope he’ll feel better soon. What exactly did they think he overdid with the dogsitter?
I agree about Mondays! They’re like a new fresh start and I like it!
So he loves the sitter and plays HARD over there. But after x-rays, it does look like he just tweaked his back, and he could have done that here just as easily as there: jumping off the couch, sliding on tile or wood floor, wrestling with his sister. It happens to them just like it can happen to us. He’s just not as active when he’s here because we aren’t nearly as fun.
I love Mondays. Not Tuesdays. Those are the worst.
First off, happy belated fourth birthday to Leonidas, but I am so sorry to hear that he hasn’t been feeling well. I hope rest has him back to his bouncy little self quickly!
Your trip to Georgia sounds wonderful and I’m so glad your family had so much fun!
Happy New Year, Jenn!
We had a really nice time. It was a bummer to come home to an ailing pup, but he’s feeling so much better.
Oh, so sorry for Leo’s tough weekend (and everyone else’s, too). I hope he’s feeling better soon! I actually embrace Mondays! They give us a great opportunity to recharge and jumpstart the week 😉
He’s acting just fine now. The challenge is keeping him still! That boy was born to jump!
Not a huge fans of Mondays but I get the whole new week, new chances thing. Tomorrow I have therapy at 8:30am so NOT looking forward to that!
your trip sounds great – fun and chill! I love the balance!
Poot pug baby Leonidas. Pugs just kill me, they are so…unique! one of my friends has a pug that he brings to parkrun. the fact that that dog can RUN 5kM is already amazing, but then he’s very clingy and jumpy sometimes for no reason. sweet boy had to be taken out to the countryside for NYE because he hears fireworks and immediately pees on the floor (witnessed that a couple years ago). Hope Leo is better real soon!
I’m ready to start going to back to the gym soon. I do miss it but I also feel a bit overwhelmed and that maybe it’s too much? I don’t ‘know.
Leonidas could probably run 5 miles if we let him! Both the pugs are FAST and “athletic.” Not the fluffy kind. It makes me so sad that he can’t run and play right now.
Hit the gym when you’re ready. It will be there when the time is right!
Love to you!