Running Into Spooky Season

It’s here, it’s here, it’s finally here! Spooky season! I don’t know why I love this time of year so much. Even though it still feels a lot like summer, I love the moody vibe, curling up for a cozy day of reading, and all the soup and fresh bread. Since things are cooling down, I finally feel like cooking again (I hate cooking when it’s hot) and I’m just a more productive human being. Let’s see how the last week went down.

Sunday

Cardio: 3.58 miles, walking

It was a laaaaate night, which made for a terrible morning. The kids didn’t get back to the room until almost 3AM (they had the best time) which meant I didn’t fall asleep until they were safe and sound. Obviously, a 5AM wake up time was not in the cards for me, so I just dozed until the sun came up and made a go of it. Since we were right across from Universal property, I crossed the pedestrian bridge and made my way through City Walk and some of the hotel properties. It was a little different, and I loved that.

We rallied the kids, got some lunch and then dropped H back at her dorm before making the drive home. Was it an early to bed kind of night? Yes!

Monday

Cardio: 5.61 miles, running

At some point over the weekend, I tweaked my neck. So while I wanted this to be an amazing run, it sucked. I hated every second of it. Boo.

Even worse, I had to be rescued because I was about a mile from home when the heavens OPENED. I was so unprepared. Mr PugRunner drove to my aid, which was awesome, but I was already soaked through and miserable. Sigh.

And then it was off to meet with an attorney for our estate planning intake. The only positive side to that was going out to lunch afterwards, because wow. What a heavy ordeal. It will be good to have it done, but I have zero interest in going through it. Adulting is hard.

Tuesday

Cardio: 5.63 miles, running, .77 miles, walking

Another awful run, but I was better prepared this time with a hat and a plan. We are getting some bizarre storms and so I am never sure what to expect. See that “lake” behind me? Yeah, it’s a field that flooded.

I put my game face on and pushed through a really difficult meeting with a client (personal challenges vs professional), and a dog walk, and then came home to nap. I’ve been exhausted from the weather and it’s just draining me. That evening, we had dinner with some dear friends, and it was a lovely little lift.

Wednesday

Cardio: 7 miles, walking

Happy October! And finally, a recovery day. I mean, technically, they could all be recovery days, but I’m just so off my game. By Wednesday my neck was feeling much better, but I was still pretty tuckered out. Of course, I wanted to say hi to my friends.

And then I started to get myself going. I walked my puppy client, and hit the kitchen. I decided to make a focaccia from scratch, as well as Italian Penicillin, a riff on chicken noodle soup made with blended veggies and teeny tiny pasta. Both hit the spot. I’ll have the recipe up soon!

Thursday

Cardio: 5 miles, walking

I had a terrible night of sleep, and my run very quickly turned into a walk. My brain was just a mess and I did what I could, but I really had to focus on getting things done quickly so I could have a nap. We had a big night planned. Cardio and nails? Check!

In the evening, we headed to a Halloween pop up at our favorite restaurant, and we planned to take a ghost tour. We showed up at the tour, got through exactly two stops and had to duck into a hotel/bar due to torrential downpour. Our tour guide was a trooper and shared everything there was to know while we hung out in the lounge, but we are going to get a redo. We were prepped with umbrellas, but with the storms we’ve had lately, the rain was going sideways and the wind was too rough.

Friday

Cardio: 4.36 miles, walking

Our late night was fun, but I had to be up and out early. I was checking in with clients at 8AM, so I just drove over to them super early and took my walk in their neighborhood before feeding the pups their breakfast. It worked out just fine.

I do get a lot of extra steps with these two bulldogs. They love running up and down the length of the house, and I am happy to help them out.

Saturday

Cardio: 4.37 miles, walking

Finally a little sleep! It was much needed and I am feeling back to normal, mostly.

In other news, today is our first band comp of the season! It’s our home show, too! The weather is being super cranky, so I’m not sure if we will be inside or outside, but I’m happy together the season started.

Thoughts + Goals

Obviously, this was kind of a down week. There are some heavy things going on in my immediate world, and that’s been taking a toll. We are all fine, but some seasons are more difficult than others. Even when it’s spooky season.

That being said, I do feel energized in taking certain steps for self-improvement. I decided to be more serious about skincare, and put together a morning and nighttime regimen based on some Tik Tok recommendations. I have some bizarre skin sensitivities and I loathe most fragrances in lotions and creams, so this was the best I could do, put together from drug store shelves. It’s going well.

I’m also feeling more driven to cook, especially in bulk. With grocery prices going up, it makes sense to do more things at home. The focaccia was easy and fairly quick. I can make chili and taco seasoning, and even bisquick in bulk at home, to use when needed. I also plan on putting together more individually wrapped breakfast muffins and taquitos to make sure the guys are getting good meals when they are on the run. Will this mood last? I’ll ride it as long as I can.