Can you believe we only have one week until Halloween? I’m not getting to partake in a lot of the festivities this year due to scheduling: our senior night falls squarely on October 31. Obviously, I wouldn’t miss that evening for the world, but it does mean that we aren’t partaking in any trick or treating or neighborhood festivities. To be honest, the pugs will appreciate the night off from the doorbell.

Sunday
- Cardio: 4.62 miles, walking
Friends, I was absolutely exhausted after our whirlwind trip to Orlando. I had exactly zero desire to get up and get moving, and I’m glad the weather cooperated enough for me to sleep in.

My biggest responsibilities of the day were a dog walk, and a nap. Mission accomplished. I did some laundry and cleaning, too.
Monday
- Cardio: 5.13 miles, running
I was out of the house long before the sun, on my way to one of my regular clients for the week. Since they left so early, I just dropped off my car and went for a run closer to their house. It’s great because I skip school traffic, and also get a change of scenery.

Tuesday
- Cardio: 4.67 miles, running + .53 miles, walking
I wish you could feel how gorgeous the temps are through the screen. The weather is BEAUTIFUL, and I don’t say that lightly. My legs feel so great and my motivation is soaring.

I headed out for a client walk, as well, and it’s still lovely at midday. Amazing. Oh, and I got the news that I’m back on the Alter Ego Running crew for 2026! I don’t wear hats all the time, but when I do, Alter Ego is my go to.

Wednesday
- Cardio: 3.02 miles, walking
So having doggy clients means you don’t always get the best sleep, so this was a bit of a shorter walk today. i also got in some walking with one of the pups I’m watching, which is awesome. It was in the low 60s and we both enjoyed it.

In the evening, i was super sad to skip my book club, but I was on a deadline and Mr PugRunner and I had to discuss final paperwork for our estate planning. Yuck. That being said, I LOATHED this month’s book (Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann) and I do NOT recommend it to anyone. Zero stars. Next month, one of the members will host a friendsgiving and I am really excited for that!
Thursday
- Cardio: 3.93 miles, running (speedwork) + .76 miles, walking
It was in the 50s today! Happy, happy, joy, joy! I felt like a new woman, and my intervals went beautifully!

I treated myself to a Spooky S’mores latte at my favorite coffee shop and got a super cute neutral look for my nails.

We also squeezed in our signing appointment, and took care of all the signatures we needed for our trust and will. Best part was I even got to hold one of the attorney’s teensy tiny puppy!
Then it back to my clients for the night.
Friday
- Cardio: 4.48 miles, running and walking
I started the morning with a client walk and a quick run.

And then we headed to Hastings for there first ever farm tour. I was really excited to check out some of our local farms and all the incredible products and services they bring to our area. There are actually 18 of them in our area, and these tours are a great way to bring attention and exposure to them.

The night ended with a paella and sangria dinner at sunset.


Saturday
- Cardio: 5.51 miles, walking
Last day of pet sitting for a week! I started the morning with a walk.

Then I checked in with another walking client and picked up my race packet for Sunday before heading back home. Yes, I finally signed up for the Evergreen Pumpkin Run 5k! It’s a great race, even if I usually do the 10 mile version of it, but 3.1 miles seems just enough.
At the end of the night, we went to see A’s band perform at the MPA adjudication. As always, they did an incredible job with straight superiors.

Thoughts + Goals
Getting to the end of this year is proving to be a challenge. Things are heavy, and I’m tired of feeling like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. I’m sure I’ve said this multiple time before, but this was another week of feeling the same. Ick.
This week is loaded up with lots of walking clients and some big milestones. And then right into November we go. How?
I know next week will be hectic, but I had some great ideas for meal prep an dour grocery order is coming on Sunday so I can get stated immediately. I’m also committed to making the gym work. It’s going to happen.
In Case You Missed It
- All Smiles For The Chill In The Air
- The Run That Stole My Heart This Year
- Running On Reese’s: How To Turn Halloween Candy Into Fuel
- 5 Things I Love About Running On The First Coast: Beach To Bricks
How was your week in training? Any Halloween plans? Are you ready for winter?
Weekly Rundown
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!





Congrats on alternating ego gig. I am trying to do better with wearing hats more-I could try those.. I won’t be around for Halloween either this year. I miss Halloween when the kids were little. Have a great week ahead!
The hats are cute and comfy. I do wish they had more visor options, but that’s ok. I”ll have my discount code up in about a week, and there are some super cute style for fall and winter.
That farm tour looks like a lot of fun. I love those dark red sunflowers!
I had some great runs on trash sleep this week — I give the fall weather all the credit.
The fall weather makes everything better.
The farm tour was so cool.
Oh I’m so envious- you got down to the 50s! Our forecast is showing upper 50s at the end of this week, but I’ll believe it when I see it.
I looked up that book, and maybe there’s something wrong with me because I’m kind of intrigued. It does sound really DARK, so I can see why you wouldn’t like it.
Was the 5k today? I hope it went well and that we get a recap! Congrats to A and the band. So they do MPA for marching band? We don’t do that- let’s just say that our band would NOT get a superior rating. Concert band, yes- marching, no.
Good luck getting to the gym- it’s SO hard to fit everything in, right??
The book was vile. I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but it was so triggering and egregious. I agree that the description sounds fascinating, but once I started reading, I was horrified. I can usually find a redeeming quality in most things, but not this.
The 5K was today and it was ok. It was much warmer and more humid, and I am having some nerve pain in my foot. I’m glad I went, but i’m also glad to be on the couch.
I don’t know why but here, if you don’t do MPA, then you can’t do MFA. Our director hates it: apparently there are a lot of archaic rules that aren’t in line with competitive shows. And for those bands who don’t have a big show, it’s really stressful. That being said, it was a great chance to do another run to practice for Indy.
How cool to go on that farm tour, and I love the pictures from the day!
I’m jealous that you have a legit excuse to skip answering the door for trick or treaters. 😉
LOL! We always used to sit out in the driveway with huge candy and goody buckets and some cocktails and just sort of hang with the neighbors. It was fun. This year, if I could, I would skip candy and hand out ramen noodles and other shelf stable things. It’s cheaper than candy and probably just as appreciated.
I need to get on the meal prep wagon! It’s the perfect time for me to freezer cook some soups and such. I can do it! (ok, did you feel the motivation??) I can believe that weather in the 50s is super amazing there. It’s a great temperature anywhere! I am looking forward to handing out candy this year for Halloween. We just bought a skeleton to put by the door. We have really upgrade our decorations this year!
I really want one of those 12′ skeletons but I don’t think it’s going to happen. We have some great decorations around here, and I love checking them out!
And yes! I feel your motivation! You can do it!
I need to be better about meal prep! But I feel like it just doesn’t ever happen because werkends are so crazy. I’m lucky when I get to go to the grocery store! I consider that a win. LOL to your book being zero stars. I don’t think I’ve ever given a book that few! What are you reading this month now?
I’ll be missing Halloween (the trick-or-treating aspect, at least) because beggers’ night was last night. OOPS. I didn’t realize what was going on outside until I left to go for a walk and saw all the kids (and parents) walking around in costumes. We ae having a costume day at ork, though, on Thursday…
a farm tour sounds so fun. Love that pic of you and the hubby.
I will not finish a book that I hate… thanks for your info on this one.
This morning it is 30 degrees… not ready yet!!
I hate to say it, but I’ve never been a big fan of Halloween. I truly don’t understand these people who turn their homes into haunted houses. It’s just not my thing!
I’d love to do that farm tour. I grew up next door to my grandparents’ dairy farm and got to spend a lot of time there when I was a kid. I have such fun memories of that.
Congrats to your son and the band on their achievements!