Friends, my heart hurts. On Monday, we drove away from Orlando, leaving our one and only to start his college journey. I was so ready, but so not ready all at once. And while I wouldn’t say I’m depressed, I’m definitely sad and a little down in the dumps this week.
We’ve got two weeks to cover, since I was in no shape to write last week, so let’s dive in.
Sunday 8/9
- Cardio: 2.62 miles, walking
And so we kicked off two weeks of chaos. I started strong with dog walks, and a walk for myself.
We went to see the new Spiderman movie at 9:15AM. It was phenomenal, although I did tear up a bit at several points.
And then we invited my parents over for a bit. I had to make chocolate chip banana muffins to freeze for A to take with him, so they were welcome to hang out. He and his girlfriend love them, and they make great snacks or breakfast on the go.
Monday 8/10
- Cardio: 4.55 miles, running
- Strength: upper body + core, 45 minutes
Oh look who’s back at the gym! This girl! That’s right; after my morning run and dog walks, I marched myself to the gym and got to work. Yay me!
This was a high anxiety day for me. I had a ton of things on the to-do list, and my deadlines were coming up fast. I hate feeling overwhelmed, so I worked hard to keep it all in check.
Tuesday 8/11
- Cardio : 5.15 miles, running
- Strength: upper body + core, 45 minutes
A morning run and a morning gym session. Today we had some more work on the cable machines, and dead bugs. I hate it all.
That evening was a very special night: we had A’s Eagle Court Of Honor. He does NOT like big events where he is the center of attention, so he put together a very simple ceremony, with a huge focus on dinner and cake afterwards. The troops attended, as well as my parents and some friends, and even another Eagle who he was in Cubs with. It was such a wonderful night.
Wednesday 8/12
- Cardio: 3.51 miles, walking
I was absolutely exhausted after the festivities of last night. But we are still so proud.
The only photo I have of today’s walk is this picture of a donut. Mr PugRunner picked me up before I was finished to take me out to breakfast. He wanted to make sure I was doing ok. To be honest: I was not. But the donut helped.
Thursday 8/13
- Cardio: 4 miles, running
I was a little mopey and dejected but I hauled myself out of bed and out the door. Ugh.
But a better day was ahead. A and I headed out for some last minute shopping. And I had the privilege of taking him to vote for the very first time. That was super cool and I was really proud of him for carving out the time before he left.
We might have been shopping for cleaning supplies and extra snacks, but don’t think I didn’t notice all the spooky season items. I really need a life size skeleton, and I bought a few of these painting kits so I can do a little craft night. I LOVE Halloween.
Friday 8/14
- Cardio: 3.03 miles, running
I had to get out and stretch my legs before the journey ahead. After I got back from my run, Mr PugRunner and I drove to pick up our rental van and then it was home to load up.
I needed all the coffee.
A had a last snuggle with the pugs. I love that he bought them an automatic treat dispenser so he can stay in touch with them. They are thrilled to have treats shot out at them from time to time.
We arrived at our destination just in time for lunch, and took a moment to check in to the hotel and grab something to eat. Our plans were to pick up A’s student ID but an awful rainstorm changed our plans.
Instead, we napped and then went out for a quiet dinner and drinks. Things were moving super fast.
Saturday 8/15
- 4.21 miles, walking
I slept on and off, and got myself out for a big walk.
When I got back to the hotel room, I ate breakfast, and discovered that I had a raging case of hives! It was my first time ever getting them and it was terrifying! And itchy! Mr PugRunner grabbed me some meds and met us at move in. Things went fairly smoothly and we got A situated in his new place. I was impressed by the welcome spread, and the attentiveness to things that were wrong.
There were several shopping runs for food and last minute items, and then we left A and his roommates for the night. We wanted to take them to dinner but they were pretty exhausted and wanted some time to themselves. We agreed that we would do it the next night.
Sunday 8/16
- Cardio: 3.09 miles, walking
Of course, I was eager for the day to begin, so off I went. I’m so grateful that when I’m sad or stressed, I can move my body and work through some of those feelings.
Our plan was lunch with my friend Meghan, another trip to the store, and then help A with some shelf building and final organizing. We would then meet the roommates for dinner. Somehow, the only photos I got were of A in his new room!
Dinner was really great and it was so nice to hsare the time with the kids before they embark on their year!
Monday 8/17
- Cardio:
Obviously, this was the worst day ever. I tried to run through it. Obviously, that wasn’t the answer.
We had breakfast with A, and then went with him to pick up his student ID. And then it was time to say goodbye for real. Uggggghhhhh. It broke my heart.
We had a long drive home, as we had to also tack on the trek to drop off the van. I managed to hold it together through the trip, and through lunch, but we were all pretty down in the dumps when we got back to our very empty house. Sigh.
Tuesday 8/18
- Cardio: 5.19 miles, running
And the show goes on. I took the pugs for a little walk before it got too hot and then took myself for a run.
And I broke into spooky season with my little ghost dog coffee glass. I also started cleaning out cabinets. After all, we had new pots to welcome into the house. A took our old ones.
Wednesday 8/19
- Cardio: 6.15 miles, walking
- Strength: Upper body + core, 45 minutes
Things were starting to feel a littel more normal. Not perfect, but definitely not as raw. I walked wtih J and then put in some work at the gym. I’m proud of myself that I managed to get in another day.
It was a mostly quiet day, and we had dinner with some old friends. It’s so strange how things just keep moving forward.
Thursday 8/20
- Cardio: 4.88 miles, running + walking
I was out of the house all day today. It started with an early morning run, and it didn’t stop all day.
I had three dog walks and a nail appointment.
And I even swung by the dojo to do some filming. I was gone from 9:30AM to almost 7:30PM and was more than ready for dinner and bed.
Friday 8/21
- Cardio: 5.16 miles, running + walking
I started the day with a decent run, even though I got up a little late. I’ve noticed that it’s getting darker in the mornings, and I have mixed feelings about that.
I had two dog walks and then a quick drop in on upcoming clients to get a rundown on some medications. We had terrible storms again, and I just want to snuggle up under blankets and do nothing.
Saturday 8/22
- Cardio: 4.01 miles, walking
It was a super early morning: I had a date with my sweet bulldog clients. I’ll be spending the weekend with them, and we always start early. I’m rpoud of myself for making it one full week.
It was a very lowkey and quiet day. I probably needed the break.
Thoughts + Goals
So where am I?
Well. I’m here. I’m hanging on. Things are different. Not the most awful ever, but definitely different. I’m keeping busy with work and plans, and I hope that time will make things a little less raw.
I’ve got a September race on the calendar. And an October one, too. I’ve been managing the gym, even if I’m not loving it. And I’m incredibly motivated to purge and clean and organize.
As I’ve mentioned, I’m also extremely motivated to travel here, there, and everywhere. I can’t wait to get started.
In Case You Missed It
On the blog this week:
- Back To School… For Everyone Else
- Sleep, Recovery + Menopause: Why Your Body Needs More Than It Used To
- 5 Things To Focus On Before Fall Training
- Looking Back At An Unforgettable Summer
- Is It Too Hot To Run Outside: How To Read The Dew Point To Beat The Heat
- 5 Quick & Healthy Meals For Busy Athletes
How was your week in 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!
Lots of love and strength to you. I don’t know how my best friend and my cousins coped at this time as they have twins and both went at the same time!! You can do it and you’ll be able to keep in touch loads. Strength to you! And I went back to the gym today after three weeks – I’ve had a weird illness and have had to cut my food right back to basics then introduce things one by one and have had no energy. But we’re all doing OK now, right?
TWINS! No way! That’s too much to say goodbye to!
I’m not super sentimental but this wos rough.
I hope you’re feeling better and that you can get to the bottom of what’s going on! That’s scary, especially without asnwers.
Awww, Jenn, been there done that, and even though I know you know that you did a great job raising him to be a strong, independent man, he’s still your baby! I woke up this morning feeling melancholy about missing my boys–I think the impending fall always brings on those feelings. Your son is going to do great! And if you need to see him, at least he’s not too far away! I used to drive up to Madison (2 hours) to see my boy for lunch, lol! And a run of course… Hang in there my friend.
Today, he texted us how much he spent on meal prep for himself and his girlfriend for the week ($38.50), took pics of the breakfast egg muffins he made, and told us that he got his chicken tenders at Walmart and he was doing rice, chicken, and cucumber salad for them for the rest of the week. And I’m like “WHO ARE YOU, YOU BUDGET-FRIENDLY DOMESTIC KING?” It’s just so crazy.
I’m excited for him. He starts class tomorrow and I hope he likes it.
Aww I remember all the feels as if it was yesterday. It’s really tough at first but it gets easier. How far away is he from you? Fall break will be h ere before you know it! Funny, about the muffins-I actually used to bake banana bread for my kids and fedex it to Indiana! Hang in there you got this
They are obsessed with these muffins. They also love my empanadas so I’m making a batch of those to take down when we visit in a few weeks. He’s just under two hours away, which really isn’t terrible at all. And he’s been calling us almost every day, which makes it bearable.
And we don’t have fall break! And since he’s in apartment housing, things don’t shut down over winter or summer, so he won’t be home the entirety of the longer breaks. He wants to keep working. Sigh.
I remember my empty nest sadness and promise it gets better. This is a big transition, especially since you and A are so close.
It sounds like you kept busy this week — love your manicure!
It’s a huge transition. My husband called him an independent mama’s boy, and I love that so much. He’s super independent and I hope this is a great experience for him. And for all of us. The pugs are struggling.
Yep, I feel all of this in my soul. It’s SO HARD!!! But, you’re doing exactly the right thing, which is moving forward and keeping busy. Soon this will be the new normal, and I know I keep saying it, but it’s fun having a college kid!
GREAT job on keeping up with your runs and walks, and those gym visits! You’re entering into a new and fun phase of life- i like how you’re embracing it.
One thing about me is I will stuff those feelings down and mask them with new hobbies, and plenty of activities! So healthy!
Oh wow, what an emotional time for you. It must be so special to leave your child to college. I can imagine how running and keeping active and busy helps to manage the feelings. And all the upcoming travel should help too?
You’re doing so well keeping up the running and walking and I’m glad to see you back in the gym! Yay you!
I’m not glad to see me back in the gym lol. but I’m doing it anyway.
it’s definitely emotional. And I miss him. But he’s happy so I hope it continues to go well.
Hugs. They do grow up. And he didn’t go that far away. I have friends with kids in Ca and Tx.
It’s amazing how you fit it all in. I wish I had your mojo to run or walk everyday.
Looking forward to your travel and race recaps.
My mom loves to remind me how she had to go all the way home to Northern NJ from Miami Florida when I left for college lol. But that was different! I’m good with the distance.
I just don’t sleep. And my brain needs to stay busy. Now that all the packing is done, i’ve started brutally purging things in the house. It’s taking up all my time!