My Autumn Speed Run

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!