Working Through Winter

I don’t know about you but this has been the longest two weeks I can remember. And once again, we’re in a season of heaviness, and sadness, and horrific things happening all around. There just aren’t words.

Sunday

• Cardio: 4.44 miles, walking

I started the week taking my new shoes for a spin. While I wish Brooks would bring in some bolder colors, but I’m always down for pink.

Monday

• Cardio: 7 miles, running
• Strength: Upper body + Deep standing core

Back at it with a really great morning run! And then I had to suck it up and march back into the gym. Yuck. I worked through some chest and shoulder moves, in addition to some deep, standing core circuits. Apparently, those are really good for women of a certain age. Who knows?

Tuesday

• Cardio: 6.11 miles, running + .8 miles walking
• Strength: Lower body + Deep standing core

Another great run on a gorgeous morning. I wish it was colder, but what can you do. After breakfast, it was off to the gym again for leg presses and curls, goblet squats, calf raises, and a circuit of deep core moves, like dead bugs, halos, and wood choppers.

I walked my regular client, and then came home to make protein pudding with pistachio instant pudding and vanilla protein shakes. Ice cream is my addiction, so I’m trying to swap it out plus get more protein. This wasn’t awful. I added some chocolate chips and whipped cream, and I think it will serve, as long as I can keep mixing up the flavors.

Wednesday

• Cardio: 7.24 miles, walking

I was really relieved to have a down day. Truth be told, I was a little sore from DOMS, and so it was nice to have a break. Not to mention, I had another day of dog walking, so I logged plenty of miles.

It was also nice to be able to release sweet Leonidas. His crate rest limitations were finally over! Of course, he celebrated by hopping right back up on the back of the couch.

Mr PugRunner wanted a bowl with sheet pan roasted veggies and shrimp, so I put this together with soe of our favorites. I love roasted mushroom and asparagus, so much!

Thursday

• Cardio: 6.41 miles, running

The day started with a lovely, sunrise run. Fog has been out of control lately, but it does make for pretty views.

I ran errands, got my nails done, picked up some groceries, and made nachos in preparation for the Fiesta Bowl, where the Miami Hurricanes managed to claim victory over Ole Miss. It was an insane game that went way too late, and I was so exhausted. But the Canes are going to the 2026 National Championship so that’s amazing!

Friday

• Cardio: 6.51 miles, walking

I was a hurting unit after the game, so I decided to just enjoy a nice, long walk. J joined me for a bit, and it was good to stretch my legs.

When I got home, I debated doing something productive, like going to the gym, when a client called, needed some sitting services for her new puppy. I pretty much dropped everything to spend a few hours with a brand new nugget.

And in the evening, we had dinner with friends, which was lovely, and much neded.

Saturday

• Cardio: 3.77 miles, walking

I was super excited for another day of puppy sitting, so I made sure to get up extra early for a sunrise walk before the fun.

Puppies are so busy but so fun, and I think we both had a blast. I wish I could share pictures because this client is truly the cutest, fluffiest little muppet you’ve ever seen.

Did you know that January 10 is National Vision Board Day? Check out tips for throwing your very own vision board party here. I’ll be having some friends over next week to make our 2026 boards!

The bad news is that Mr PugRunner came down with something isn’t feeling well. He’s on quarantine in the guest room, and the srest of us are just trying to stay well.

Thoughts + Goals

It was really great to get back to the gym, even though I still hate it so very much.

And we are so glad to have Leonidas back to full health. It was really hard keeping him calm and crated, and we are relieved he’s feeling better.

I am looking forward to a little bit more of a quiet week to catch up on things and recuperate from this particular week.

In Case You Missed It

• Thank God It’s Monday
• My Word For 2026: Embracing ADVENTURE
• Lace Up + Lean In: How to Welcome New Runners (and Keep Them Running!) This New Year
• Don’t Hang Up The Shoes Yet: 5 Ways To Beat National Quitters Day + Keep The Momentum
• Friends + Future Plans: How to Host the Ultimate Vision Board Party!

How was your week in training? Any illnesses hitting your household? How is winter treating you?

Weekly Rundown

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