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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Reclaiming My Holiday Spirit

Reclaiming My Holiday Spirit

December 16, 2023      23 Comments

Once again, I had big plans for Christmas, and once again, I find myself in the position of reclaiming my holiday spirit. Yes, I’m mostly recovered from my bout with Covid, but I’m definitely dragging. Time to dig deep and get my holly jolly on!

Sunday

  • Cardio: 3.18 miles, walking

I was pretty worn out after a busy Saturday, so I took my time getting out for a walk. And that’s ok.

The day ended up being a little bit of everything, with some decorating (which seems to be taking forever), cleaning, and chilling on the couch. A had his girlfriend over, so we all had dinner together, which was nice, too.

Monday

  • Cardio: 5.46 miles, running; .84 miles, walking; 2000m, rowing
  • Strength: Arms + Abs, 50 minutes

Monday was a big day! I was back to the gym! I started with a fairly solid run, and I was thrilled it was chilly out.

At the gym, things were a little more challenging. The arm workout felt ok, but I burned a lot more calories than normal, so I know I was working harder. Sigh. The rower was a nice way to wind things down. It’s boring, but I know it’s good for my back, and even the flexibility in my knees, so I deal with it.

From there, things got exciting! We had a date night to make up for my not being well enough to see the lights last week! We had martinis at one of the most festive martini bars in town, apps and drinks at a holiday pop up and dessert, too! So fun! Our town is famous for its incredible light displays, and it was nice to beat the crowds to see everything.

Tuesday

  • Cardio: 3.05 miles, walking + 2500m, rowing
  • Strength: Legs + Abs, 50 minutes

The gym was super hard today. Legs are usually an easier workout, but I struggled hard. Squats were miserable, and I just wanted to be done. A bracing walk in the cool air was just the thing I needed.

The evening was a bit of a cluster. I had conflicting meetings, and only made it to one of them. I didn’t get home until almost 9:30, which was NOT my favorite at all.

Wednesday

  • Cardio: 7.42 miles, running + .31 miles, walking; 2000m, rowing
  • Strength: Arms + Abs, 50 minutes

When the alarm went off, I was up and out. It’s like that on busy days for me. I loved hitting the pavement, and this made me feel super motivated for what was to come.

The gym was good, too. It’s taking a little longer to finish my sets, but I will get back to where I was in short order. I know it.

I had some errands to run, but treated myself to lunch and an iced pistachio dark mocha at a new coffee shop. Parking was awful, but the vibes were perfection.

In the evening, we had an outdoor jazz night. We got donations of coffee, hot cocoa, and sweet treats, and the jazz band played for about an hour in the cold night. Honestly, it was quite lovely, even if we did have to bundle up. And A had his first jazz solo, too! They have one more show and then we are calling it good for the year.

Thursday

  • Cardio: 3.18 miles, walking
  • Strength: Legs + Abs, 50 minutes

I couldn’t get out of bed, so I just took my time. It was my last day at the gym for the week, and I was so glad to be done. Why are squats giving me such grief? I’ll never know.

After my workout, I walked a few miles, too. Again, it was cold and windy, and that was good for my soul.

I had to help my mom with something, so I picked up coffee and headed to her house. We addressed what she needed, and then we did a quick shopping trip together for Christmas. It worked out well, and I was home in time to pick up the kids from school. Perfect.

And did I finally finish decorating our tree? Yup!

Friday

  • Cardio: 4.87 miles, running + 2.9 miles, walking

I did NOT want to go out today. It was drizzling and windy and blah. But I regret nothing.

My plans kind of got derailed, but A had a dermatologist appointment and a hair appointments and I leaned into couch time and pug snuggles.

Saturday

  • Cardio: 3.12 miles, walking

Saturday promised to be busy, so I got up and got moving. The day was already starting to deteriorate and I was glad to make it in before any rain came.

I had to go in for some work, and in the evening, I chauffeured the kids around to dinner and a movie. Their original plans fells through due to weather, but that was ok. They made it work.

Thoughts + Goals

I can’t believe there are just two weeks left in the year. A has four days of school in the semester, and Mr. PugRunner is almost 50 years old. It’s absolute madness.

To be honest, I feel like I’m back in control. The gym was hard this week, but I feel that’s to be expected. Running, on the other hand, felt good, so I’m glad about that.

Tomorrow, I will bake cookies, and then the rest of the week will be full of festive fun. We have another holiday pop up bar planned, as well as a Nights of Lights boat tour. We’ll have dinner with friends, and Christmas Eve with family. I have a few more gifts to snag, and then we can wrap up this year!

How was your last week in training? How is your holiday season going?

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Comments

  1. Wendy says

    December 17, 2023 at 12:32 pm

    Sounds like a good busy week. Yes, squats are hard but if they were easy, you’d never get stronger! I think it’s tough getting low enough to make a difference and then pushing back up. But they are so good for you.

    We’re very busy and I’m not doing a good job of getting things done, as usual. It’s almost as if I need the pressure of the impending holiday to push myself, lol. Last night we went out to dinner with my high school bestie and her hubs–they winter in St Augustine!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:14 am

      Oh, I love that! I hope they enjoy their time here!

      I never struggled with squats before my ankle, and now it’s really hard to get the right flexion. It makes me so mad lol. Same for things like wall sits, and I really have a hard time with lunges. Boo. But I keep trying.

      Reply
  2. Darlene S Cardillo says

    December 17, 2023 at 3:10 pm

    My holiday is low key and for the first time ever, I didn’t get to see the decorations in NYC. Hopefully they will still be up on Jan 1.

    Work and vacation had me only going to the gym once this week but I did get in my runs.

    Plan to go today… obviously procrastinating.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:17 am

      I hope you get to see them. There are a few displays I want to see, but our holidays have just changed suddenly, so who knows?

      Reply
  3. Jessie says

    December 17, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    Oh, I missed that you had Covid, I’m sorry! Glad you’re on the mend. It sounds like you made up for some missed events with a really love week of celebration. Happy Holidays Jenn!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:13 am

      Happy Holidays to you as well! Yes, I was kind of quiet about it, and now A is sick (although we were both negative for the past ten days, so he got it from somewhere else). Grinch mode activated.

      Reply
  4. Jenny says

    December 17, 2023 at 4:03 pm

    Squats are ALWAYS hard for me!
    Oh my… A has a girlfriend? Sounds like he’s having fun this year! I like how you’re definitely embracing the holiday vibes, and your tree is GORGEOUS. I wonder if you’re getting our storm system- we had a very rainy and windy week but I think it’s passed through now, finally.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:12 am

      YES! We adore her.

      I think we were supposed to get more of what you had, but it wasn’t super bad. I got soaked this morning, but other than that it as fine.

      Thank you! I wish the tree was bigger, but this was just enough this year.

      Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks says

    December 17, 2023 at 5:42 pm

    You logged a lot of miles this week. Feeling in control is always a win! Have a great week ahead

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:08 am

      I want a few more, but I will get there! And yes. I like control!

      Reply
  6. Susanne says

    December 17, 2023 at 6:32 pm

    That sounds like a busy but also fun-filled week. I know it can be hard getting back in form in the gym after you’ve been sick. when we came home from Italy I had some sinus infection think going on and it took several weeks before I was somewhat back on track with my strength training. Squats are actually quite challenging! So many muscle groups in play there.
    I’m happy you feel better overall and back in control, and that you feel good about running. Your tree looks amazing!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:08 am

      I used to be so good at squats, but with my ankle and all the other issues, they really went to trash. I want them back, for sure.

      Reply
  7. Melissa says

    December 17, 2023 at 7:50 pm

    You got in some mileage this week plus nice job on the rower! And I’m always jealous of your lifting. Hope you’re feeling 100% soon!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:07 am

      I don’t know. My lifting isn’t too impressive at the moment. I hope I can make some gains soon.

      Reply
  8. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    December 17, 2023 at 8:00 pm

    Really sounds like you’re recovering well! A little downtime here & there & pug snuggles is great medicine, too! As a.ways, just focus on what you CAN do! And I’m sure your mom was appreciative of your help.
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…The Truth is Out There: 12/5 – 17 WRDMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:07 am

      Oh, she was. She is not a tech person, so it was very upsetting for her to have to deal with that sort of stuff. Pug snuggles are my fave.

      Reply
  9. COco says

    December 17, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    You do a lot for someone feeling run down! I hope you continue to feel better!

    Your tree looks lovely.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:06 am

      Thank you. I obviously have a problem sitting still.

      Reply
  10. Debbie says

    December 17, 2023 at 11:35 pm

    You had a nice week of mixed work and fun! Agreed, how is it so close to the end of the year already?

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:06 am

      I just can’t believe it!

      Reply
  11. Cari says

    December 18, 2023 at 12:10 am

    Yay pug snuggles.
    So glad you’re on the mend
    I love the rower. I forget, are you on Apple? Apple Fitness has some great rowing workouts that I feel guide me better

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      December 18, 2023 at 2:06 am

      I am on Apple, but I didn’t sign up for the premium version. I will have to look into it.

      Reply
  12. Kimberly Hatting says

    December 18, 2023 at 5:03 am

    Nice mileage this week! Good to hear you’re bouncing back from your recent illness.

    Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

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I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
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