hope + the cupcake run

Posted on April 8, 2020 by runswithpugs

Who would have guessed that hope might come in the form of cupcakes? The Sweet by Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 mile Kids Cake Walk Fun Run benefiting Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 19, and I find myself seeing a light at the end of this tunnel.

cupcake run

So many races and events have been canceled over the last month. Of course, it’s understandable. So many people are sticking to the Safer At Home mandates, and gathering in groups, large or small, is absolutely inadvisable right now. But that doesn’t mean it’s not sad and disappointing.

Being homebound can be exhausting. There’s just not much to look forward to. That lack of anticipation makes the hours, days and weeks drag by. It doesn’t weaken my resolve or change what my family is doing to slow the spread, but it’s exhausting and draining all the same.

Since I wasn’t signed up for many races anyway (thanks, leg!), I’ve only watched the cancellations from the sidelines. My big focus was my comeback race on April 4, The Cupcake Run 5K and Cake Walk Fun Run, but that, too, joined the ranks of no-go events.

GOTRNEFL cupcake run

However, on Monday, a little ray of sunshine broke through the clouds. The Cupcake Run has a new date, later in the year, and with that comes hope.

I don’t know how long the social distancing and self-isolating will last. Obviously, the goal is health and safety, and both those things are top priority. But it’s so nice to have something on the horizon. It’s nice to have something to look forward to. I love getting to put something on the calendar.

Of course, it’s also wonderful to support Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida, a non-profit that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. And there will be gorgeous medals, and cupcakes from Sweet By Holly!

comeback

I don’t know about you, but to me, this looks like hope.

(If you have already registered for the race, you are all set for the new date. Are you unable to make the new date? A virtual option is available and you will be able to pick up your swag at a time and date TBA. If you would like to register for the new date, you may do so here.)

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Organic Runner Mom each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!

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*This is a sponsored post. I have partnered with Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida to promote the Sweet By Holly Cupcake Run 5K and 1 Mile Cake Walk.I have received compensation in the form of race registration for my own personal use. All opinions are my own.*

Have you seen events and races start to be rescheduled?

What is giving you hope these days?

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it’s a bling thing

Posted on April 7, 2020 by runswithpugs

The truth is, I run for bling. You might say it’s a bling thing. There are times I choose (or reject) a race event completely based on the medal, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

BLING THING

Why the Bling Thing Obsession?

The reason for my bling thing obsession probably has to do with the fact that I was never athletic. I was overweight, uncoordinated and lacked a killer instinct. Now, I earned trophies and ribbons for equestrian skills (I was a fairly decent jumper back in the day) and for my dazzling skills with dramatic poetry interpretation on my high school Speech & Debate Team, but that was about it.

When I found running, seven years ago, the idea that I could actually earn a medal for training hard and crossing a finish line was a huge motivator. Maybe it’s silly, but I loved getting to have a piece of every race to take home with me and hang on the wall.

bling thing

Bling On Display

As a result, every medal I have ever earned hangs in our loft (Mr PugRunner has some hanging as well). Each race I have run has a story and I love reminiscing over each event. These medals remind me of miles I’ve run, friends with whom I’ve traveled, cities I’ve visited, and so much more. From 5K to marathon, relay to race challenge, every medal has a place on my display rack.

bling thing

Extra Motivation

Now, more than ever, that bling on display serves as a motivator. When I pass by, I am reminded of what my body could do before I broke my leg, and it serves as a motivator for me to do my PT and workouts. We all have our proverbial carrots, and I cannot wait to cross my first, post-injury (post COVID-19) to prove that I can do it again.

bling thing

My Favorite Medal Holder

All our medal holders are from York Sign Shop. I happened to come across their site several years ago and just really liked the look of their product. The quality is on point, as well. I’m about due for another one, and I think I’m going to go with something like this to help display my “bling thing” earnings.

bling thing
courtesy of York Sign Shop

It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Topics with KookyRunner and Zenaida!

Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!

Do you have a bling thing?

What do you do with your medals?

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week 14 (20): loss of joy

Posted on April 5, 2020 by runswithpugs

I think you all know I’m a pretty positive person, but this week, I just felt this awful loss of joy. It was heavy and consuming, and I just didn’t know what to do.

Sunday – 3 mile walk + Day 5 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

A bright spot to combat that loss of joy? The Sparkle Athletic Team Sparkle Virtual Run. Every weekend, the ladies at Team Sparkle offer a fun theme, and folks can commit to a distance, dress up in their favorite sparkle gear, and just share in the experience. This week? Mermaids.

loss of joy

It made me happy.

I also loved that the boys made a delicious dinner. They are amazing in the kitchen.

loss of joy
  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Toe Touches: 60 seconds
  • Flutter Kicks: 60 seconds

Monday – 2.4 mile walk + Day 6 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

Mr PugRunner joined me for my walk in the morning. It’s been fairly cool in the morning, so that makes things more pleasant.

loss of joy

Monday marked Day 1 of Distance Learning. Little man’s school makes extensive use of an app on the regular, so moving over to full time digital education wasn’t a huge leap. There were some hiccups along the way, but we navigated those and just went with the flow.

  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Superman: 60 seconds
  • Scissor Kicks: 60 seconds

Tuesday – 2.6 mile walk + Day 7 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

The temperatures dipped into the 40s on Tuesday and I was FREEZING for our walk (I thought I would warm up, but not so much). Oh, well.

Little man had another decent day of “school” and then he started his virtual karate classes. He is supposed to test for his black belt in July, so we are happy that he can at least practice some of his forms and skills.

  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Superman: 60 seconds
  • Toe Touches: 60 seconds

I was also motivated to sign up for the Run The Edge Un-Canceled Project. It’s a free, four-week virtual race series, where participants can sign up for a weekly virtual distance for accountability and motivation. I need all the help I can get.

Wednesday – 2.55 mile walk + Day 8 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

On Wednesdays, all of little man’s teachers do “live conferences” from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. It’s helpful to be watch in real-time, but they all have to record the lessons and post them for later viewing, because the system gets overloaded quite frequently. It will all work out.

I got up extra early to be sure I would be home in time for his meetings to start, just in case he needed help.

We took a little (no-contact) “field trip” to pick up a school lunch. The county offers packed lunch and breakfast to all students in our area. It was a quick drive, and we never had to leave the vehicle. Little man enjoyed getting out for a few minutes.

  • Scarecrows (10 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Leg Circles: 60 seconds
  • Flutter Kicks: 60 seconds

Thursday – 2.75 mile walk + Day 9 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

Thursday was a big day. I discovered this gorgeous chalk mural on my walk.

And we ordered takeout! With takeout drinks! I don’t drink a lot of alcohol, but I do love a good margarita!

  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Scissor Kicks: 60 seconds
  • Russian Twists: 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds

Friday – 3.32 mile walk + Day 10 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

I really pushed my pace on Friday. It’s challenging, but I feel better seeing my speed increase. It does take me a few minutes to warm up, but once I do that, it’s not so bad.

I laid out my Flat Sparkle for the next day, embracing the Rainbow theme.

And enjoyed a really great Zoom with some St. Augustine Moms contributors. I went to bed WAY past my bedtime, but it was worth it.

  • Scarecrows (10 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Superman: 60 seconds
  • Leg Circles: 60 seconds

Saturday – 3.2 mile walk + Day 11 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

Happy Team Sparkle Virtual Race and Un-Canceled Project 5K Day! I went out alone and hit a post-injury walking PR!

And then we celebrated with pancakes!

I had two awesome Zoom conferences that afternoon. The first one was with some of the most incredible bloggers! I have been reading some of these ladies for years, and it was so great to be able to actually chat with them. We will certainly make this a thing.

After dinner, I had another call, with my sweet friend Meghan. And then we watched Onward, which was really one of the best movies I’ve seen in some time.

  • Superman: 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Russian Twist: 60 seconds
  • Flutter Kicks: 60 seconds

Goal-getting

I go through ups and downs at this time. This week, that loss of joy led to a bit of hopelessness that I really didn’t like. I always try to get up in the morning, get out in the air and start my day, even if it means just watching TV. The outside time really seems to help.

On a bright note, my comeback 5K has been rescheduled for September 19! I can’t wait, and I really hope things are back to “normal” by then. The thought of still being “safer at home” months from now is really inconceivable.

GOTRNEFL cupcake run

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

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How was your week in training?

Do you feel the loss of joy? How are you managing it?

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a socially distant ultimate coffee date

Posted on April 3, 2020 by runswithpugs

What a difference a month makes. The socially distant coffee date has become our reality, and the world is pretty much shut down. I am hard at work making lemonade out of the most sour lemons known to man, so there’s lots to tell you over coffee.

Join us for this month’s Ultimate Coffee Date. After reading here, head on over to visit Coco and Deborah, our awesome link-up hosts.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Ultimate-Coffee-Date-1.jpg

This is probably the last DD iced coffee I’ve had, and man, I miss it.

cancel culture

At our socially distant coffee date, I would tell you…

That homemade iced coffee is gross. I’m sorry. It is. We are really trying to limit our outings and human contact, but it’s not my favorite. It’s the ingredients: Mr PugRunner drinks strong, bitter coffee, and we are having a hard time finding just plain cream. I am making an effort, though – we are all sacrificing right now.

socially distant coffee date

At our socially distant coffee date, I would tell you…

That Florida is now under a “Safer At Home” order. To be honest, we have already been adhering to most of the directives, so it wasn’t a huge panic to prepare. The politics of the whole things are starting to get to me, but it is what it is. I’m trying to focus on the good in people, rather than the negativity.

socially distant coffee date

At our socially distant coffee date, I would tell you…

That distance learning is going ok for little man. It’s not ideal, and we’ve had some hiccups, but all in all, it’s working (I shared some tips here). He is coping so beautifully with everything, and I am so proud of him. I know he would rather be with his friends and teachers, but he’s rolling with the punches and really showing some incredible maturity.

socially distant coffee date

At our socially distant coffee date, I would tell you…

That the highlight of my week was takeout from a local restaurant. We don’t eat out a lot, but I am so tired of food I have personally cooked in my own kitchen. Thinking back, we haven’t had restaurant food since early March! That’s long time for us. Anyway, Mr PugRunner picked up a platter of wings, tenders, and fries (not that exact platter – we transferred everything to our own serving ware immediately), and even got me a to-go margarita!

socially distant coffee date

At our socially distant coffee date, I would tell you…

That it doesn’t feel like Easter, at all. I put up some minimal decorations this morning, to try to get in the mood, but it’s hard. Mr PugRunner has been picking up things for baskets when he’s gone to the grocery store, so at least little man will have a fun surprise. Like everything else, we will make it work. Since most things are cancelled, we are taking place in this Neighborhood Egg Hunt, so maybe kids can get excited looking for eggs on walks or bike rides.

socially distant coffee date

And there you have it! I am doing well, if not a little stressed and anxious. It will pass. We are just putting one foot in front of the other, literally and figuratively, and doing our best to stay safe and healthy.

How about you? What would you tell me over coffee?

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how to succeed at distance learning

Posted on April 2, 2020 by runswithpugs

Distance learning is the new way of life in our world. It’s not quite homeschooling, but it’s not quite virtual schooling either. The thing to remember is that no one was really prepared for a crisis situation where such a thing would be necessary, but here we are. Now, we are all just trying to come together to do our best in a less-than-stellar situation.

distance learning

Distance learning can be a frustrating thing. We weren’t ready. Our kids weren’t ready. The teachers weren’t ready. However, I am all about embracing change, especially in situations where there are no other options, and I’m here to share with you how we are (mostly) successfully navigating this first week.

Set up a study area

It’s totally ok if you don’t have a spare room or area to set up a Pinterest-worthy school space. What you DO need is a dedicated area set up with your device of choice, writing implements, and any other resources your student will use. This space can be in your home office, in your child’s bedroom, or even at the kitchen table, but it should be an area devoted to learning.

distance learning

Be ready to learn

Figure out what you will need in advance of your day of learning and have it ready. Little man has learned that it’s better to have conference codes at the ready five minutes prior to his scheduled live calls than waiting til that scheduled time. Check internet connection, test headphones, and take care of all the red tape so you’re not distracted during actual learning time.

Stay organized

There’s a lot of information coming hard and fast, so make sure your students has a system to keep track of everything. Little man has a school planner where he can write assignments and due dates, but any kind of calendar or to-do list will work just fine.

distance learning

Embrace flexibility

Ideally, it would be great if little man could log on in the morning and bang out all his work in one fell swoop. The reality is it doesn’t always work like that. As mornings wear on, more and more students flood our system, leading to system and internet slowdowns and crashes. It’s incredibly frustrating, but everyone is in the same boat. Take lunch, get a snack, work on PE requirements… rolling with it is more productive than getting upset.

Communicate

Believe me when I say that no one is happy about this situation. When things go wrong, communication is so much more helpful than venting (although there is a place for that as well). If the system is down, let the school know. If your child is struggling to understand a concept or if the system is being cranky, tell your teacher or administrator. Things can’t get fixed if no one knows there is something wrong.

distance learning

Practice internet safety

Parents, this is a big one. I generally advocate for kids to only have devices in common areas, but with so many parents working from home and other siblings also participating in distance learning, this might not be feasible. Be sure to remind your child of your expectations for internet usage. Keep an eye on what they are doing, and don’t hesitate to shut things down if you find them breaking your rules. Everyone has different standards of “acceptable”, and monitoring is the key.

Try not to stress

I know, easier said than done. But honestly, we have enough going on without adding any pressure. Distance learning is not going to go 100% smoothly, but no one expects perfection. Practice patience and grace and help your kiddos to do the same. It’s the only way we’re going to get through this.

How is distance learning working out for you?

Any tips or tricks you would like to share?

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persist until you succeed

Posted on April 1, 2020 by runswithpugs

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to the Runner’s Roundup! So glad you are joining us today.

persist

When the COVID-19 Crisis began to interrupt everyone’s comings and goings, the thing I had to let go was physical therapy. It was a difficult decision, and while I know it was the right thing, I’m still sad about it. What’s done is done, now, so I just have to keep pushing on.

The nice thing is that I have a pretty thorough rundown of workouts designed to help get me back on track. Please note, I am not a physical therapist or medical professional. I am simply sharing an example of the things I do on an everyday basis (mostly) to get back to running form.

Stretches + Flexibility

Stretches with a towel or theraband make up the bulk of my PT. I use the bands to help with strength and flexibility in my arch, ankle and toes. I can do this any time I am sitting on the floor.

last week fo 2019

I also spend time doing heel raises and toe raises. The pillow is to offer some protection from the hard floor, as well as to make me focus on my stability.

persist

Lunges over my toes help with my dorsiflexion challenges. I am definitely seeing some progress, but there is some catching up to do with my left ankle.

persist

Balance

I have always had excellent balance, so it’s difficult being a bit deficient in that area. Now, I spend as much time as I can trying to balance on my right leg. I feel like a flamingo. If I’m brushing my teeth, cooking, or doing something standing up, I try to balance on my right leg.

Sometimes, I use the pillow for the instability, and sometimes, I just stand on the floor. Additionally, I will add to the balance by trying to tap cones while standing on one leg.

Leg Strength

Bearing weight on my right leg, foot and ankle is another challenge, requiring a whole rotation of moves.

For example, squats with a weighted ball are great for a warm up. I am just about able to do these without the support of a seat.

Lateral step-ups are another great one. This is the lowest step in my house, and I am looking forward to when I can increase the height a little (and move out of my garage).

persist

These sliding lunges with a resistance band are a great all-over move. They feel so awkward, but they are great for strength, balance, and work my hips and glutes.

persist

Right now, my most difficult move is the heel raise on one leg. I grit my teeth a lot through these, and the ball of my foot is usually pretty sore for the rest of the day, but they are a necessary evil.

runfessions

Lateral side steps are great for my ankles, but also for my hips. I love doing these after my morning walk, and prefer them barefoot on my back patio.

persist

Upper Body Strength

When all the lower body fun is over, I move on to my arms. I have a set of weights on each floor of my house (5 pounders downstairs and 10 upstairs), so there are no excuses. Upper body is my least favorite, but I have a selections of moves through which I can rotate: hammer curls, bicep curls, lateral raises, front raises, shoulder presses, upright rows, and a few more. It doesn’t take a long time to complete a few sets of these, so I try to just suck it up and get it done. It’s helpful for my overall recovery.

persist

Goals

Obviously, the goal for this regimen (time-consuming as it is) is running, but I do have some smaller goals in the meantime.

  • One legged deadlift
  • One legged heel raise
  • Downward dog
  • Full plank or pushup

All of these are a struggle with an injured right leg, and I am testing the waters on each of them every day. I have also started doing things like shuffling when I do my banded lateral steps, and I am thisclose to trying to jump. Just to see what happens.

I miss the slant board, bosu ball and shuttle from therapy, but I managed to adjust and adapt my moves with things I have around the house. The plan is to persist until I succeed, and I think I have all the tools to do so.

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!

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What is something at which you had to persist in order to see success?

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my running origin story

Posted on March 31, 2020 by runswithpugs

Origin stories are fun, but the running origin story is even more exciting, in my opinion. I love to see how people either continued a lifelong love of the sport, or stumbled upon it at an older age.

running origin story

So, this is how it all began…

Once Upon A Time…

I didn’t run. Not a step. I hated the very idea of it, and was proud to say that if you saw me running, it was because something was chasing me and you should run, too. Speedwalking was way more in my wheelhouse, and I would walk miles around my neighborhood. And then, one day, Mr PugRunner, in search of a fitness regimen for himself, said he wanted to run. In an attempt to be supportive, I said I would run with him. It was February of 2013, and this running origin story had its’ (very slow) start.

running origin story

Couch to 5K

Like so many others, we chose the Couch to 5K program as our introduction into the running world. We were dedicated, but we ended up training separately. Little man was a bit too big for a jogging stroller, and still on training wheels, so we couldn’t quite manage it together. It was fine and we were dedicated. We followed the program, got fitted for shoes and stuck with it.

running origin story

My First Race Experience

I remember finding my goal 5K. It was a local Memorial Day race, and it boasted a medal! I wanted a medal in the worst way. My love of shiny bling is critical to my runner origin story. We ran the heck out of that 5K and I was hooked (even if I did hyperventilate and almost vomit at the finish line). Mr PugRunner, not as much, but he stayed a good sport for quite some time. As an aside, I have tried to run this same race every year, that’s how much I loved it.

runner origin story

And Then I Had A Tonsillectomy

Every running origin story has its villain, and the role of archenemy went to… my tonsils. If you’ve been reading along with me for all these years, you may remember that I used to be plagued by vicious bouts of strep throat. I would contract it several times a year, and often ended up in the ER because my throat would swell shut. The older I got, the more I contracted strep, the longer it would take to recover, and I hated being on antibiotics so frequently. Finally, we met with an ENT who very strongly recommended their removal, so we scheduled my surgery for June of 2013.

I’m not going to lie: adult tonsillectomies are hell. Recovery took about a solid two months and I struggled terribly with the pain. That being said, I have zero regrets. I haven’t had strep (or really any major illness) since, and I am forever grateful. The negative is that I had to start back at square one.

But I Came Back For More…

The Space Coast Half Marathon, if we’re being specific. Yes. I decided that running a half marathon would be the perfect “reward” for my recovery from surgery, and so I registered and made it happen! And you know? I loved it. In no time, I had a list of must-do races, and I planned to register for just about everything!

runner origin story

The Saga Continues…

That was seven years ago. In that time, I’ve run countless 5Ks and 10Ks, almost 20 half marathons, one full marathon, two trail relays, and a bunch of other events. Running and racing is my hobby and my love. Unfortunately, right now, I have been felled by my second archenemy (the stairs), so I have been out of the game for about four months, but I am working hard to come back!

cancel culture

It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Topics with KookyRunner and Zenaida!

Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!

What’s your runner origin story?

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week 13 (20): cancel culture

Posted on March 29, 2020 by runswithpugs

Cancel culture is really the only way I can think of to define what is happening in our world right now. Pretty much everything is cancelled. That which isn’t cancelled is limited to essential operations, which translates to “no fun.” I’m not complaining: it’s just an observation, and I am very grateful to the men and women who go out to work in those essential services in this uncertain time.

Sunday – 2 mile walk + PT Exercises

I am proud to share that my daily walks are going well. Some days I am more tired and sore than others, and I’ve determined that I need to do a couple of days for distance in between days reserved for “speed.” It feels so good to be out and moving that I just want to push harder every day, and that’s unwise.

cancel culture

Monday – 2 mile walk + PT Exercises

Who would have guessed that walking two miles would make me so happy? Such is the nature of this cancel culture, I guess.

cancel culture

Mr PugRunner had an awful Monday, so I told him to call it a day at 5PM. We opened a bottle of wine, made some bagel bites and popcorn, and introduced little man to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Was it my finest parenting moment? Nope. But it did the trick.

Tuesday – 2.1 mile walk + PT Exercises

Tuesday promised to be a better day. I walked.

cancel culture

Little man had some fun by participating in a “Chalk Your Walk” obstacle course, complete with T-Rex costume.

cancel culture

And we tried out remote clarinet lessons.

That night, I had a Zoom wine night with a group of good friends. It’s been so long since we’ve been able to get together, so it was a blessing to have the time to chat and see each other’s faces.

Wednesday – 2 mile walk + Day 1 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

I finally had to set an alarm for the first time in what felt like months, so that I could get out the door early enough.

cancel culture

After my walk, I had a Zoom coffee chat with some of the St. Augustine Moms. I was NOT going to miss it.

cancel culture

I also joined my friend Anna Louise for this ridiculous Two Week Core Challenge! Every day, you choose three – four of the suggested activities and execute them for 30, 45 or 60 seconds. Please feel free to join in at any time. I hate suffering alone.

  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Russian Twists: 60 seconds
  • Flutter Kicks: 60 seconds

Thursday – 2.95 mile walk + Day 2 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

Mr PugRunner left the house early to get to the store, and surprised me with an iced coffee. Missing Dunkin iced coffee is another side effect of this cancel culture. He also insisted on driving me home, and asked if I would go out with him for a walk later to make up for it. Between the two walks, I almost hit three miles.

cancel culture

Day 2 of those core workouts also complete. I’m feeling it.

  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Scissor Kicks: 60 seconds
  • Superman: 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds

That night, we all sat down for a family movie: The Rise of Skywalker. They went to see it in theaters when I was housebound with my leg, so this was my first time. I sobbed through most of it (it wasn’t a great movie, but it was the end of an era for me).

Friday – 2.4 mile walk + Day 3 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

Friday ended up being a super busy day. I walked and did some of my PT outside.

cancel culture

Core work completed.

  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Toe Touches: 60 seconds
  • Straight Leg Sit Ups: 60 seconds

Little man made cupcakes.

cancel culture

And we started to get the barrage of information from his teachers in preparation for distance learning. Our district will start tomorrow. It’s going to be an interesting journey.

Saturday – 2.84 mile walk + Day 4 of 2 Week Core Challenge + PT Exercises

Happy Saturday! I pushed a bit on my distance, and did a few little tests of my abilities. First, I tried a few steps of a sadly shuffling run. It felt awkward and terrible. When I got home, I did a heel raise on my injured leg with no support. That went somewhat better.

cancel culture
  • Scarecrows (5 lb weights): 60 seconds
  • Front Plank: 60 seconds
  • Russian Twist: 60 seconds
  • Toe Touches: 60 seconds

I also got to lay out a Flat Runner for the first time in forever. Sparkle Athletic is offering free, themed virtual runs to help get through these days of cancel culture. On Sunday, I will go for three miles, dressed in mermaid gear.

cancel culture

Goal-getting

Friends, I think I am on track. I think. Most days I feel pretty good. My ankle is definitely stiff, but I don’t struggle with pain. Three miles has been my mental milestone, and once I manage to hit the distance, my plan is to work on speeding up, until I feel safe with the Couch to 5K program.

Now, more than ever, fresh air and physical activity are playing a huge role in staying mentally and physically well, and so the entire family is doing our best to stay on top of that. With so many things cancelled, shut down and closed, it’s hard to stay hopeful, but we are doing our best to be creative and positive.

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

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How was your week in training?

How are you handling this cancel culture?

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runfessions: march is the longest year ever

Posted on March 27, 2020 by runswithpugs

Is it just me or has the month of March felt as long as a year? I can’t believe we still have about a week to go! We need to move on already! Of course, what better time to open up the Runfessional?

Let’s join up with Marcia’s Healthy Slice and talk it out in our March Runfessions.

runfessions

I runfess…

That recovery is going ok. I have good days and bad days. Usually, my positivity takes over and I feel like everything is going to be mostly ok. Then I have days where I don’t want to get out of bed and I think I will walk with a limp forever and never run again. The current global situation plays a huge role in that, I’m sure, but I’m trying to keep my head up and my smile bright!

runfessions

I runfess…

That I miss PT. Even though I am fine (ish) on my own, I really liked being in the office, interacting with my therapist. It was comforting to know when I was “cleared” to do certain activities and when I could try to move on to harder things. For example, walking is fine. But when should I try hopping? How far should I force things when my ankle is stiff? It’s hard to know the right answer.

runfessions

I runfess…

That I am struggling with my role in the house right now. With all of us here and facing different stressors together, my job always seems to be that of cheerleader. Usually, I am the voice of positive reason, but that makes it hard to make time for my own feelings. I’m not prone to depression, but there are days where I really struggle to get up and be productive. Additionally, I love my boys (and pets) to the moon and back and we will all get through this.

runfessions

I runfess…

That I am so proud of so many people for coming together in this time of isolation and distancing. Coaches and gyms are offering free training and classes online, educators are making coursework available on line. Even if we can’t be together, solutions are happening all around. Check out little man getting his clarinet lesson via FaceTime!

I runfess…

That I have no idea where my ankle brace is. I put it down somewhere, and… poof. Gone. Good news is that I really don’t need it, haven’t been using it, and quite frankly, hated it. But weird how it just… vanished. Darn the luck.

recovery progress

And that’s it from me.

Has March been the longest month ever for you?

What do you have to runfess?

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great tips for socially distant running

Posted on March 25, 2020 by runswithpugs

With the current situation, socially distant running is the new name of the game. Fresh air and exercise are both considered great ways to help stay healthy and keep up the immune system, but it can be discouraging to train alone and without a goal race in sight.

socially distant running

Set A Goal

Having a goal is the name of the game. Whether you are running alone or in a group, it’s important to have a focus. Maybe it’s time to start running for the first time, or tackle some speed work, or adjust your form. Now is the time. Use your treadmill or get out in the neighborhood (making sure to give others a wide berth) and get to work!

socially distant running

Do Your Best With Gear

Shoe fittings and gear shopping may be a bit limited for the time being. Many local running stores and big box athletic retailers have closed during this time of COVID-19, or are offering call-ahead orders and curbside pickup. This makes it tricky to get properly fitted for shoes and apparel. If you CAN get in for a fitting (and feel comfortable doing so), it really is the best way to get in the appropriate footwear. However, there are a few virtual and online options you can utilize for the interim.

Please note that none of these take the place of a personal fitting with a human being, so please make sure you are aware of different retailers’ and brands’ return and replacement policies before ordering.

black friday

Join An Online Group For Accountability

Motivation can be hard to come by when you’re alone, which makes socially distant running a special challenge. When you can’t join in on group runs, or when runners are recommended to stay six feet apart, what can you do? Take it online. Strava offers all kinds of challenges on their website and app to help keep you accountable. You could also look up local running groups on Facebook and join in there. Moms Run/She Runs This Town is a great option for finding local running groups. Heck, you could even just text or call a friend and each agree to complete miles on certain days to keep you on track.

socially distant running

Don’t Forget To Cross Train

Cross-training is a critical part of any running training plan, but it seems to be the thing that most runners neglect. Working other muscle groups helps keep runners strong and minimizes injury. Again, it’s hard to get involved with a cross-training program when you’re on your own, but so many coaches and programs are offering free or low-cost training at home that it’s easy to try a variety of systems to see what works best.

  • Yoga with Adriene – FREE yoga videos for all levels of practice.
  • One Peloton – FREE 90 day trial of the Peloton app (no bike or treadmill required).
  • CENTR – Six weeks of FREE access to Chris Hemsworth’s training program
  • YMCA 360 – Your favorite Y classes for all ages, wherever you are (FREE)

Register For A Virtual Race

So you’ve set your goals and handled your training… now what? We have no idea the next time a live race may take place again, so if you want to go the extra step, it might be time for a virtual race. Virtual races range from free to about the same fee as a regular vent. Some offer nothing more than the chance to submit your run on social media with a hashtag, while others will ship you a shirt, bib, medal and other swag. You choose the distance and the course, and complete the miles on your own terms, and on your honor. There’s something for everyone.

  • Gone For A Run Virtual Race Series: Gone For A Run hosts regular virtual events for holidays and/or causes. Races come with or without a shirt, but include a bib and medal.
  • Hot Chocolate 15K/5K: This Virtual Run consists of a 5k and 15k option, just like with the regular race series. Run (or walk) your chosen distance wherever you want. They’ll ship the goodie bag and medal right to you, along with your very own Chocolate Finisher’s Kit for a taste of our delicious chocolate.
  • Florida Race Day Timing: This Northeast Florida timing company offers the CoRUNa Virtual Race as a free, virtual option. No swag, but you can submit your time, which will be
socially distant running
courtesy of Gone For A Run Virtual Series

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Running on Happy, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Fauxrunner each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!

runners' roundup

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What are your recommendations for getting through this time of socially distant running?

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