Just when I thought things were about to settle down for me, the curveballs started to come. The sad truth is things be like that sometimes. And here we are.
Sunday
- Cardio: 1.62 miles, walking
This was a short walk in the dark, because it was our big Band Finals day! We were all so excited to get to Daytona to cheer for our marching band. We dropped A off at the bus, and then we traveled the hour to the hosting stadium, our cars packed with tailgate supplies and hope!
And then the rain hit.
I’ll keep this short. There were 4A and 5A bands, all scheduled to perform a preliminary run (9:45-2:45) and a finals run (6:30-10:45ish) (not enough bands for anyone to get eliminated of the finals). We split up to help with unloading/constructing props and unloading the equipment and snack stuff. Delays started and the steady rain finally washed out the hope of prelims altogether.
In the meantime, our kids still hadn’t been off the busses, and cell service was almost non existent. All the band directors decided to take the kids to the nearby outlets and retail shopping/restaurants to give them something to do, and we ate our picnic lunch under tarps and tents. Finally, the sun peeked out and we started to prep for a 6:30 call time.
Bands started warming up. Our kids came back for a pizza dinner before suiting up, and one band actually managed to take the field. And then the heavens OPENED. I’m talking monsoon level rain. The band kids ate under the tents or in the back of the truck and trailer we had. It was horrific.
And then we heard the BOOM.
Turns out, the transformers had blown, with fireballs for dramatic effect, taking the power with it. The FFCC Outdoor Championship for 4A/5A bands was over before it even really began. It was a devastating blow for our kids (especially the seniors), but what can you do? We reloaded in the rain, and got everyone home safely, and soaked.
Monday
- Cardio: 6.12 miles, running
I was absolutely wrecked, but got up to run anyway.
It was kind of a weird day. Our county had school because this was slated as a hurricane make up day, but so many people kept their kiddos home.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 7.99 miles, walking + running
- Strength: eGym, 2 circuits
Kind of a blustery day, but a run felt good. I also have way more opportunities to take the pugs for a walk in the mornings, and they are (mostly) enjoying it.
I also managed to squeeze in a gym session. Go me. In the evening, we had a meeting, which ran super long, but that’s how it goes.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 4.59 miles, running + walking
Happy Wednesday! I got out by myself for a bit, and sent up more vibes for actual fall. I also had coffee and breakfast with a friend. Love the holiday sprinkles and the peppermint cold foam.
Today was dedicated to getting an oil change, which is another part of adulting I loathe. Fortunately, the CSR worked the car through quickly and I was on my way.
Thursday
- Cardio: 7.49 miles, running + walking
Mr PugRunner left on a trip to see his brother, and we got our day started. This morning was chilly and the run felt good.
In the evening, we went to see Hadestown at the dedicated arts high school in Jacksonville. Friends, I couldn’t believe I was watching teenagers. The performance was ALMOST as good as the Broadway version we saw last year. So much talent. It was a late night but I regret nothing. More than ever, I think it’s important to support the arts as much as we can, and in whatever form they come.
Friday
- Cardio: 6.19 miles, running + walking
Ugh, what a day. The morning started with me waking up to no saline solution for my contacts. I was able to blink them into reasonable comfort to go for a run, get A to school, and then go buy more. Look at my socks! Help!
Things did NOT improve. I thought I would set up my tree? Nope.
I gave up after that, and was very grateful for a chill Friday night at home.
Saturday
- Cardio: 3.2 miles, walking
Usually, the pugs sleep until 7AM, but when they heard me get up, they wanted up, too. That’s fine.
I did some photos for a client, came home to work, and then had a craft night with a friend, where we painted holiday overlays on canvases of mini highland cows.
Thoughts + Goals
As you can see, I’m working on ramping up my miles, and it’s not going terribly. I’m also getting in that strength, even if it is just one day a week.
I am all signed up for a turkey trot on Thanksgiving, and another 5K the first weekend of December. I think that will close out my year, and I’m looking forward to a half in February. It will be several years since I’ve done 13.1 and I’m so ready!
Weekly Rundown
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
I blame the full moon for all the chaos this week–things were certainly off kilter here too! What a shame about the band competition. All that prep and nothing to show for it! Another life lesson, I suppose.
I hope you have a better week!
Oh, yes! And I’m a Taurus, and they said that had something to do with it too!
I mean… they had other comps and did an amazing job with those, so it’s not nothing, but they are under a dark cloud. Two years ago, they tried to do a state championship, and that poured as well. They were drenched, the percussion director went to Target to buy 100 pairs of dry black socks for the kids’ wet feet, and they ended up having to do a standstill performance in a random auditorium. Not fun.
You really are running often. Glad that you can fit it in among the chaos.
I’m struggling with time and mojo. It happens.
I plan on a turkey trot. Maybe a Feb half. Maybe not.
It does happen. I am kind of stressed about the turkey trot but it will be fine.
Ugh- that is so disappointing for the kids! I feel really bad for them. And for you. It’s so frustrating when things like that happen- WHY did it have to pour on that day of all days???
We have not had any “chilly” weather yet, but our forecast is showing temps down to the 50s this week. I CAN’T WAIT.
i’m laughing- is your tree still halfway set up? Anyway- nice job getting in that cardio and trip to the gym!
It was an awful day. The 1A-3A comp on Saturday was fine! And in the grand scheme of things, it’s ok. They had an amazing season. They went out with huge scores and lots of hardware. We’ll get it next year.
I abandoned the tree as is. My husband (from another state) suggested I cut the lights off and we would just work with it that way, but after thinking about it, he realized that would be quite the ordeal and we are ordering a new tree (without lights).
Sounds like a lot of chaos this week! But you got a lot of activity in there and I’m sure it helped
That’s all I can do now. Activity.
Ugh on the band competition getting canceled. The students must have been so disappointed.
I love your doctored up mini Highland cow pictures. What a creative idea!
They were crushed!
I love our cow pics, too! Cows make everything a little better!
What a bummer on the band competition! Like you said, what can you do, but still. 🙁 I am always surprised at how good the theater performances are in high school. That would never have been me! Such talent at a young age.
Our high school does some great performances but this was next level. Three of those performers could have walked off stage and into a Broadway leading role. I was absolutely amazed.
And yes, it was pretty awful for the kids. I hate that it ended this way.
Momma N certainly has a twisted agenda when she sends precip at us. I joined a women’s “adventure” group a few months ago. We get together for dinners, happy hours, and random events…there’s a painting event in December where we’re doing a gnome with a Christmas tree “hat,” LOL. I’m an art geek, so it’s looking like a fun & festive event. I’m currently assessing the Christmas decs in my new place. I don’t have as many rooms, nor do I have a vaulted ceiling to accommodate the 9-ft tree I’d had for several years…so I’m in the market for a few new things. Not a bad situation 😉
That adventure group sounds so fun! I would love to do something like that but it’s just tough finding the right group and the right times. The painting sounds great! We are hoping to go to a doormat painting night this week, but it will depend on jury duty!
Bummer on the band competition — that’s such a shame!
Those holiday cow paintings are so fun! Love them!
Thank you! We had so much fun!
What a shame about the monsoon rain disrupting the band competition!! Are they going to reschedule it? Those rains can be almost scary!
You’ve done some good running (and walking) this week. Nice to have that race to look forward to, and train for.
They won’t reschedule. The organization has already moved on to winter guard, and honestly, it’s a logistical nightmare. And super expensive. Even if they did reschedule, I don’t know if it would be in the budget for us to go. It’s a bummer.
Oh no, I’m so sorry about the band competition – how cruel!! OF all the days.
You’re ramping up mileage indeed! I LOL’d at the 7.99 – I run stuff like that all the time but get comments from people about now making my runs an “even” number but it doesn’t bug me. Guess it doesn’t bother you either?
Your painting looks amazing!! I’m so impressed!
Good luck with training for the half in Feb!
I didn’t even notice the 7.99! I just added it in!
It WAS cruel! I’m so tired of having to “rise above” the hard things!