As spring comes to Florida, we also have to deal with the big three: heat, humidity, and pollen. On our lucky days, you can throw in some smoke from local fires as well. For regular people, it’s not great, but for runners, it’s downright awful. Everything is coated in a thick layer of bright yellow pollen dust and we are dealing with thick air, itchy eyes, and inflamed sinuses. What could be better?
Sunday
- Cardio: March To Get Screened 5K
I got up super early to register on site for the annual March To Get Screened 5K. The cause was wonderful, but I as disappointed for the weather. We had moved from cool, breezy, and comfortable, to oppressively humid and hot. Sigh.
The race went well, and I headed home to get some work done.
We were supposed to do A’s senior photos, but a cluster of storms postponed us for a week. It happens.
Monday
- Cardio: 4.57 miles, running and walking
I was tired and sore on Monday, which kind of sucked. Usually, I run longer on Mondays, but I took it easy because my body just wasn’t on board. It happens. The morning stared in long sleeves, but I removed a layer quickly.
I had a work meeting while A was at school and Mr PugRunner got home from the NCAA tournament in Atlanta some time that evening.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 6.02 miles, running
I felt a little better and so made more of an effort with my run. It went well, and I even got to spend some time with J. You can see that the weather is still leaning more towards rain, making the air just so heavy. Yuck.
I had a great meeting with another new client, and am so excited to sit for her sweet pets in a few weeks! It’s always so exciting to meet new dogs and cats.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 4.89 miles, walking
I actually slept in a little (until about 7:30). Mr PugRunner hadn’t been feeling well after his trip and I was just worn out. On th plus side, I was glad to see the sun this morning, even if it was super hot.
For the second day in a row, I got to meet a new client, and again,I’m super excited for our upcoming overnight booking.
Thursday
- Cardio: 4.93 miles, running
I treated myself to a morning at the beach. It was really just what the doctor ordered, and honestly, I could have stayed all day. Even more special is that I got to see some dolphins, although they were shy and I couldn’t get them on video!
Friday
- Cardio: 7.47 miles, running + walking
It felt like I finally logged some miles. Also nice? Getting to see the sunrise.
In the evening, we took A to get fitted for his prom tux. He made a nice selection and he and his girlfriend are going to look amazing.
Saturday
- Cardio: 1 mile, walking.
Some days, we have do what we can, so this was just a short mile.
I traveled with the band to St. Petersburg for the Ignite Festival. These last two years, the wind ensemble has played at the Dr. Philips Center in Orlando, but this year we switched it up. It’s always such a joy to listen to the orchestra in action, and this was no exception.
It also meant about eight hours in the car for me. Not so fun. I have exactly zero photos because I was busy driving and running around.
Thoughts + Goals
Again, I feel it necessary to point out how quickly time is moving. I’m trying to squeeze in as much as I can, but it’s daunting sometimes.
Gym this week? Oh I hope so.
Next race? I have one in mind and can’t wait to share.
In Case You Missed It
- April Showers, May Flowers, And All The Sunshine
- April Fools Day: My Favorite Fitness Pranks
- 500 Days Of Streaking With The Cool Kids
- A Very Spring-y Coffee Date
Is pollen an issue where you live? How is your training?
Weekly Rundown
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
April and May are our high pollen times as well and I am feeling it. Just trying to push through and enjoy. The nice temps. Congrats on a nice busy and active week!
Yup. Pushing through is the answer.
We’re getting heavy pollen alerts here everyday, typical for this time of year. Luckily, my seasonal allergies are minor and I’m not overly bothered.
This time of year is so busy for students and parents. Enjoy A’s next to last year. Senior year will be here before you know it!
Yay for new cute little cuddly clients!
I get some sneezes in the evenings from something blooming but Mr PugRunner and A suffer a lot worse. It’s awful.
I love my clients so much.
Oof, that’s a lot of time in the car!
All the cars in our neighborhood are yellow-green with pollen today. Yuck!
Sounds like you needed exrta rest earlier in the week — and maybe again after that trip!
Yup. And I will need rest again as I’m taking Mr PugRunner to the airport at like 4AM this week. People, let me sleep!
I don’t think pollen has been an issue down here, although I don’t have allergies. Maybe it’s because we’re on a peninsula and it’s been very breezy? Anyway, it sounds awful.
From where you are to St Pete is a LONG drive!!! Oof. I do love that area of Florida though.
I’m a little depressed at the though of the long, hot summer ahead of us. SIGH! Well- we’ll push through as we always do, right?
Oh, it was a loooong day. If Mr PugRunner came, he wanted to get a hotel for the night. However, the rooms in Tampa and St. Pete were $300-400 because of the NCAA tournament, so that was out. I could have booked a room in Orlando, but that meant dealing with I4, and once I was through Orlando, it’s only two hours home. And the coming up through Ocala… there really isn’t anywhere TO stay. Let’s just say I slept well last night.
I haven’t really noticed much with pollen yet. I went through almost five years of allergy shots (several years ago), so the pollen isn’t really an issue for me anymore. I’m ever grateful!!!!
We’re starting to see pollen here…but we’re also supposed to get snow overnight. Spring in the Midwest is always fun!
That sunrise photo of you on the beach is beautiful!
Snow! No way!
<3
Dolphins and sunrises sound pretty good! I’m guessing we don’t have a high pollen count here yet – but I’m sure it’s coming! We’ve just had a ton of rain, which is good for those spring flowers. Sounds like the pet sitting business is going well. Yay!
Beach time cures all. Lucky you.
Spring really hasn’t arrived. So the pollen hasn’t as well.
We may get snow tomorrow too.
My son and husband have been down with allergies on and off this week, too. It’s the worst! Hope you’re feeling on the up this week.
It’s a hard time for people with allergies, that’s for sure! My sister (in Sweden) is suffering, and I think pollen is increasing here too. I’m lucky and have never had that kind of allergy.
Good work with the running and walking! Running on the beach in the early morning must be fantastic. Congrats to getting some new pet clients too.
Love that medal – I was wondering which screening it was for … !
I am suffering from the allergies so badly – and I had to beg my GP surgery to give me more of the magic only eye drops that work. I have got them now and permission to renew the prescription three more times, so we’ll see.
Oh gosh! That sounds terrible, but I’m so glad you got medication that will help!