Summer Vacation At Last

While we have enjoyed little weekend trips here and there, it’s time for our summer vacation at last. And it could not have come any faster! After the events of the last few weeks, we needed a break.

Sunday

• Cardio: 4 miles, walking

We got up and decided to take a few laps around Lake Eola, and then explore the downtown a little. We don’t often work out together, so it was nice to share the time doing this.

It was also nice to see some new sights and explore new areas.

Then we packed it up, had brunch, and drove home. Of course, with holiday traffic, two hours took about four hours. No fun, but we got in safely.

Monday

• Cardio: 6.14 miles, walking

I got up early to get things moving. With the schedule this week, I already wrote off the gym for the week. There was zero time.

I drove up to pick up A, said goodbye to my parents, and ran a few last minute errands before our trip. Then it was back home so A could spend some time with his girlfriend.

Tuesday

• Cardio: 6 miles, walking

Last day at home! J and I met up for our morning miles.

And then it was time for packing and tying up loose ends. It was a whirlwind of a day and my brain was racing when I climbed into bed, resulting in an awful night’s sleep.

Wednesday

• Cardio: 2 miles, walking

I planned to go out for a walk before we hit the road, but when the alarm went off, I wasn’t having it. Instead, we loaded up the car and started on our way to Chattanooga, TN.

It took us about seven hours and change to get there, and we checked into our hotel around 3PM. This was perfect for us to freshen up and take a walk around to see some of the city. Plus, I was able to clock some miles!

We found a great stop for dinner and drinks, had some ice cream, and crashed.

Thursday

• Cardio: 4 miles, walking

We started the morning early with a cave tour in Ruby Falls. I am terrified of caverns, but I was all about seeing the underground waterfall. Plus, it was a nice walk and it was out of the sun. Totally worth it, even though I was super happy to be back above ground.

From there, we drove back into Georgia to go to Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm. This is a small family farm, where you can enjoy delicious coffee drinks and feed the alpacas. We also bought a few things in their adorable shop to help support the cause. (Please note, the coffee was delicious … I had an Iced Theo – caramel macchiato – and it was fantastic).

But wait! That’s not all!

We have been asking A for feedback on the trip and two days before we left, he said he wanted to go kayaking. At sunset. To see bats. And while I had my doubts, we booked it. Friends, when I tell you this is the coolest thing…

We headed out on Nickajack Lake a little before sunset with some guides, and paddled around to see the birds and the scenery. Closer to sunset, we gathered by this cave, which houses about 70,000 endangered gray bats. At sunset, they all emerge for their nocturnal activities of flying around and eating insects. Our guides had us back up a bit from the cave entrance to get the best view, and it was like nothing I’ve ever seen. They fly so close you can hear their wings fluttering, but they never touched us. The guides said that many of them were mothers carrying their newborns, and while we couldn’t see the babies, what an amazing thing to witness.

Friday

• Cardio: 2.5 miles, walking

Another early morning! This time, we had plans to go to Rock City… It’s a mountaintop destination that involves some hiking and natural rock formations, but also manmade gardens, shops, shows, and other attractions. We hated to get up but it’s been so hot and we wanted to avoid the high sun and heat.

We actually went through the attraction twice, and loved most of it (except squeezing through those rocks. Terrifying!)

Time for a midday break! In the evening, Mr. PugRunner wanted to take the Incline Rail one mile up to the top of Lookout Mountain. We said “why not?”

Conceptually, it’s a great idea. I think it’s lovely and priced right. But it is not for everyone. It’s especially not for people who have claustrophobia, are afraid of heights, and suffer from trust issues. We started strong.

Once we were about halfway, panic set in. You’ll have to wait for videos to get a better understanding of how this looked, but it was not great. Not at all.

The view was fine. But A and I were both THRILLED to be back down on level ground.

Saturday

• Cardio: Burn Your Half Off 5K

Race morning! Of course, you’ll get a recap this week! We picked up our bibs and beach towel swag the night before and got to the race venue around 6:15. We were supposed to start at 7AM, but didn’t end up heading out until 7:30ish. It was very chill and laid back, and so much fun. State #11 is completed!

Mr PugRunner and I had breakfast while A slept in a little. Then the boys went to the pool for a bit. We had a nice lunch, and I snagged a wings photo.

All in all, a great Saturday.

Thoughts + Goals

We are going to finish up this vacation and I am going to get myself through all the laundry, back in the gym and back to running. I ran at the race on Saturday and it didn’t feel terrible, so maybe I am acclimated and can try harder. It’s not as humid here as it is in Florida, but maybe things will be better.

Sadly, we are just a few weeks away from the start of school, so efforts are now directed there. Summer sometimes feels too short.

And I know I missed commenting on some blog posts, but I’ll be catching up. The last few weeks have been rough, but I will get it all done!

How was your week in training? How do you feel about bats? Running any summer races?

Weekly Rundown

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