Three weeks without a wrap up post? How did we get to this point? Well, I’ve been working and traveling and so many things are in motion, and sometimes things fall through the cracks. Let’s do a speed run and hit all the highlights. Is my streak alive and well? It sure is! Let’s see what else is going on!
Two Weeks Ago
This was a pretty busy week. I had several pet clients, and we were packing to go visit our boy! This was an actual, planned trip, and we couldn’t wait to see him!
I did get in miles every day.
Our adventures included some super cool Halloween pop ups, Disney Springs (for us; Halloween Horror Nights for him and his girlfriend), this super cool virtual game place called Level 99, a football game, and lots of time to chat.
Last Week
We made the drive back home, unloaded everything, and took a deep breath for round 2. On Thursday, we boarded a plane bound for Chicago. Mr PugRunner had a conference, and so we were going to take in the sights.
Once again, I got in seven days of movement.
We had a fairly smooth flight (except for the woman two rows back HOLLERING about flight-related things and then launching herself down the aisle to the front door before we even hit the gate – terrifying, especially for someone who hates flying) and arrived into torrential rain. We got checked in, had an amazing dinner, and then had the most wonderful few days in a beautiful city.
I didn’t get to see everyone I hoped to see, but Erica did take me on an amazing walking tour and dropped me off at the art museum. And we hit all the great tour spots. Mr PugRunner had wonderful conference, and we just had a great time. It’s been a minute since I visited Chicago, and I was reminded why it’s such a great city.
Oh, we also got to check out a haunted coffee shop before we left for our trip! So fun!
Sunday 10/4
- Cardio: Bucktown 5K
I got up early and Ubered to my Illinois race. You can read about it here.
Afterwards, Mr PugRunner and I met at the hotel and got ready for our afternoon together. We had a pretty action-packed day with an architectural boat tour, drinks at the Starbucks Roastery, and a trip to the TILT and Cloudbar. The tour was incredible and the TILT was fun, and it was a perfect way to spend the last afternoon of our trip.
Monday
- Cardio: 3.66 miles, walking
Mr PugRunner joined me for a beautiful walk on the riverfront, followed by eggs and pancakes for breakfast.
Tragically, our next move was to pack it up and head to the airport. I always say I don’t want to leave, but I really meant it this time. The weather! The people! The activity! The food!
We flew …. back into rain. Hurricane Isaias was forming in the Gulf and we were all going to hear about it.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 6.28 miles, walking
And back at it. I had a nice morning walk, in addition to lots of dog walks. And I even had time to get my hair done!
But the best news? Our contractor came back to review final details! Because we’re renovating the kitchen!!!! Here’s a teaser.
The lighting is terrible (thanks, rain!), but that tile is the most gorgeous sea glass color. We should be up and running before Thanksgiving and I am over the moon!
Wednesday
- Cardio: 5.56 miles, walking
Midweek has arrived! Rain. Dog walks. Repeat.
Thursday
- Cardio: 4.65 miles, running + 1.34 miles, walking
Same ol’, same ol’. I got rained on during my run, and made up for it by working on these cute vintage pumpkins.
In the evening, we went to our favorite Halloween pop up. We had to dodge puddles the whole way, but that just made it extra spooky. We had some fun themed cocktails and a yummy dinner.
Friday
- Cardio: 3.87 miles, running + walking
TGIF. Seriously. I was tired and stressy depressy from the rain. My tummy wasn’t feeling its best either. All I could do was go through it.
We had homemade pizza for dinner, and wrapped up watching the new Carrie series. Oof. That was something.
Saturday
- Cardio: 5.35 miles, walking
I am really thrilled I made the decision to walk most of the week. My foot and ankle don’t play nice in this weather, and it was super slick out from all the rain anyway. Great walk with a gorgeous rainbow and lots of spooky creatures.
The rest of the day was super busy. I’m meal prepping ahead of the big kitchen renovation, as well as starting the process of boxing up and purging all our cabinets. It’s a big and awful chore, but someone has to do it.
Thoughts + Goals
So. Where are we at? High gear. Seriously.
We have two more big trips planned, which means we will be missing most of the construction. That’s good news, especially for Mr PugRunner, who gets a little edgy with clutter and dust and things out of place.
We won’t have our original Halloween plans, but that’s ok.
Did I have big training plans that feel a little derailed? Yup. But that’s ok. Right now can be a season of consistency and dedication, vs hard core mileage and strength building. No races booked, except I’ve got my eye on the local Turkey Trot. That will be a great way to start the day before cooking in the new kitchen!
In Case You Missed It
On the blog this week:
- Race Report: Bucktown 5K (10.4.26)
- Ditch The Daily Grind: 5 Fall Fitness Habits To Reinvigorate Your Training
How was your week in training? Are you traveling? Any tips for surviving the kitchen reno?
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’m so sorry I missed you when you were in Chicago! I also missed a few people this weekend who were in town for the marathon! October is such a busy month, and I was up in WIsco accumulating miles for the Mammoth Challenge. It’s also the best month, weather-wise, and I want to do all the things. Glad you had fun while you were here, and hopefully we can meet up another time!
You’ve absolutely been busy! And I had huge plans for all the meetups, but once we got into it, I ended up not having much time. But it’s so lovely and I will be back (and also I need a visit to Wisconsin as well). We will make it happen!
I hope you had a great time in chicago! What a fun city especially this time of year with the Great weather. Good luck with the kitchen renovation! Clutter makes me itchy too, but we’ve been due for a new kitchen simply moved into our house. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
It was the best weather!
I don’t hate clutter but I’m going to be ready to get everything all moved back in and organized. I grew up in an iron worker family so there was always some kind of construction going on. My husband did not have the same experience, so it gets to him. I just have my eye on the prize!
Wow, all the travelling! I’ve been missing your rundown posts and wondered how you were doing. I love all the Halloween decor, and a spooky coffee shop? Take me there asap!
Kitchen renovation is a big job. Good choice to travel while they’re doing it!
I’m baaaack! And I missed my bed! All was well… I just couldn’t get it all done and blogging fell first.
I don’t mind being around for the reno, but it will probably go faster if we aren’t around and they can just do their thing.
Ahhhh, so much fun packed in these packed few weeks!! And you got to have time with your college kid – that’s the best! Do post some before and after pics of the kitchen. I wish I could talk my husband into doing that!! Your travels look like so much fun. I’m glad you had a great time! Looks like you had great weather for traveling and your race. Woohoo!
It took about 12 years to get to this point!!! I’m so excited. I’m grateful for our kitchen (it’s huge and beautiful and works fine), but sometimes it’s nice to have a refresh.
I was so happy to get time with said college kid. I miss the heck out of him.
Wow- so much going on for you! Yes, Chicago is an incredible city. Especially if you hit it at the right time of year and have good weather (don’t go in the winter!!!)
Next up- a kitchen renovation. I can’t wait to hear all about it and see all the photos! I’m very glad you’ll be traveling because I find it SO stressful to have workers in the house and everything torn apart.
Ugh- our weather is sucking big time. I actually wish it were raining, because then it’s a little cooler. It got back up to 90 and it’s SO humid. There’s really no cool down forecasted yet for us (sob) but I did hear something about “dryer” air coming through mid week. That would help tremendously!
Hope A is doing well.
Meh. I’d take winter at this point!
I don’t mind the contractors. I just find it awkward to go on about life while they’re there. The pugs will hate it.
I hope you get some cool down!
Congrats on your upcoming kitchen renovation, I can’t wait to see it all pulled together once your contractor is finished! We had our kitchen cabinets painted a few years ago and it felt so good to purge as I emptied out the cabinets prior to the work being done.
Yay for getting to visit A! Was it parents weekend or just a good time to go?
We loved visiting Chicago when our son (and daughter-in-law) were there for grad school. It’s such a pretty city with so many things to do. We also did the boat tour which was very educational. Another time we kayaked on the Chicago River. That was awesome, too!
I have four days to get it done. No pressure lol!
It was just a good time to go. And I think it worked out great that way.
I wanted to kayak! But it was also a little unnerving to see all the little kayaks bobbing around trying to get away from the tour boats!
City tour with Erika in Chicago are always fun! Glad you got to go with her. It’s a fun city to visit. Looks like your son is doing great in school and i’m sure it was fun to visit.
The best!
It was so great to see him and spend some time.
You definitely picked an opportune time to hit Chicago with the recent weather. Sorry for all the rain down your way. It was SUCH a buzzkill here, just a couple weeks ago. I was just thinking I need to get registered for a Turkey Trot as well. I’m debating trying a different one this year, so. Need to make a command decision ASAP.
We have three options. One is “the” turkey trot. One is almost 90 minutes away which seems too far on Thanksgiving morning. And the other one is a cross country race. I’ll stick with the regular one.
good luck with your kitchen redo – I remember it well. So worth when it’s done.
Wow. You have been busy… in a good way.
No big race until late Feb so just moving along.
I’m super excited about it all!