Thanks for joining Kim and me for the weekly run down today. I hope everyone had a very Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas with their loved ones. The family and I have been enjoying our holiday season on the beautiful beaches of Aruba. This weekly run down was done Island Style.
Weekly Run Down Island Style
Arrived in Aruba on Saturday night minus my checked bag. I admit I did have to wear my daughter’s underwear for a day. Ha! Was not about to let that ruin my vacation and I bought a bathing suit and a sun dress to hold me over. We have been coming to Aruba for the past 8 or 9 years for our family vacation and we just love it here. Winter vacation island style is the best! I managed to keep pretty active although I did eat way more than I do at home.
Sunday-2 mile breakfast walk + 30 min elliptical and 10 m arms
I start each morning here in Aruba with a 2 mile round trip walk to my favorite Acai bowl spot. Most days, one or both of my kids joined me. Worth the walk each day and a delish start to my day. Got in some gym time too.
Monday- 2 mile walk + 3 mile run
I forgot how challenging it was to run in the heat and humidity but now that I am making my running comeback, I was excited to log some miles. Finished right on the beach.
Tuesday- 3 mile walk and SUP
Serious challenge to stay upright with the waves and the wind. Every time a water skier went by, I almost wiped out.
Wednesday-3 mile walk and elliptical 30 min
Short gym session today and lots of hanging around and relaxing.
Thursday- 2 mile walk + 3 mile run + Sea Bob adventure
The busiest day! I was happy to log 3 more miles of pain free running in the morning. This scenery is hard to beat!
We spent the afternoon on a Sea Bob Adventure. All of the years we have come to Aruba and we have never done anything like this! It was like snorkeling only better. I would describe these like water scooters that allow you dive down to see the the fish and scenery. You hold your breath and dive down and then pop right back up. We had a fantastic guide with us that explained how to use them and also pointed out some very interesting fish. We were able to see an old ship wreck. They took photos and videos. More fun than I expected and I cannot wait to do it again next year.
Friday- 5 mile morning walk
Took a longer morning walk and then relaxed by the pool.
Saturday- Travel home
We had a fantastic week of family fun and relaxation that kind of flew by quickly. I think I did a pretty great job of staying active and relaxing Island Style. (Although my family thinks I cannot sit still!) Hope everyone had a lovely holiday week with family and friends. See you tomorrow for Meatless Monday and next Friday/Saturday for the Ultimate Coffee Date.
Catrina says
Beautiful pictures! The clear blue water looks so inviting. I’m also quite shaky on the SUP but you’re looking good on it!😃👍🏻
The Sea Bob adventure sounds great. How did you get the underwater pictures?
Deborah Brooks says
The company that took us on the Sea Bobs had an underwater camera for photos and videos it was pretty neat
Coco says
What a great year-end tradition! I’m so glad to see you logging miles — and the island scenery isn’t very hard on the eyes either. LOL on borrowing undies from your daughter! I guess your bag made it to you on day 2?
Deborah Brooks says
Yes my clothes made it about 36 hours after we did! My husband (the frequent traveler) never checks bags and I did hear about it for a few days
Kimberly Hatting says
Looks like a fantastic week! And lots of fitness 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
WE had a blast and it just flew right by!
Kim G says
What a fun week and I love all of the photos! I can see why you walk to get that açaí bowl every day – it looks delicious!!
Thats a bummer about your missing bag but I’m glad that you were able to get it after a day and that it didn’t mess up your vacation!
Deborah Brooks says
The acai bowls are so delish the fruit is so good there. I really enjoyed my morning walks
Zenaida Arroyo says
Everything about your trip looks fantastic!!! You did so many fun things but also managed to stay active and relax too. Happy to see you continue to run pain free. Looks like things are going well.
Deborah Brooks says
We did have an active and fun week. Yes I am starting to feel better on my runs thanks!
Melissa says
OK I am definitely a little jealous of your trip! The warm weather and water looks so relaxing. Glad you were able to get in some relaxing and exercise too.
Deborah Brooks says
The warm weather was a fantastic holiday treat for sure!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Looks like you had a fantastic week! What a lovely family tradition!
Deborah Brooks says
It sure is a great one! We had a fun week of family, food and fun in the sun
Wendy says
That blue sky and water–I feel relaxed just looking at those photos! What a wonderful trip!
Deborah Brooks says
It sure was super relaxing and just what I needed
Debbie @ Deb Runs says
It sounds like you had a fabulous week! I didn’t remember specifically that you’d gone to Aruba in previous years, but I recognized the Acai bowl so I assumed you were in the same place. 🙂
What a dreary day today is for your first day back. We’ve actually had some beautiful days this past week.
Thanks for the linkup! Happy New Year!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes we have gone there the last 8 or so years. I did hear that I missed all the good weather here last week. Oh well!
Liz Dexter says
Love love love all your active and sunny pics! Did your bag ever turn up? I’m jealous of you getting away for Christmas although not sure it’s something we will do for a good while yet. But it’s lovely to see all the different things people get up to anyway! Happy New Year!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes my bag did arrive about 36 hours after I did. All good!
Marcia says
One cannot go wrong with an island-style vacay imo! Looks absolutely glorious and Aruba is one of my faves. The Seabob thing looks so cool!
Deborah Brooks says
I was so glad I convinced my boys to do the Seabob we all loved it. Maybe next time my daughter will join in too.I agree Aruba is a fabulous island for relaxing and fitness
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says
I don’t know what makes me happier, a week in Aruba or your pain free miles. You deserve both! My favorite thing in the world is to run on the beach and then take a dip in the ocean afterwards for a cool down.
Deborah Brooks says
Oh you are so sweet! Happy to be making a slow comeback
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I love running on the beach! I think you definitely packed in plenty of activity & fun adventurentures, too. Some vit d never hurts, right?
Deborah Brooks says
Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea are a great combo!
Cari says
Love your new layout!
So glad you had a great vacation – that hammock shot is the best.
Loved your SUP stuff on Insta – and that Sea Bob looks amazing
Deborah Brooks says
We did have a really fun and active week! Thanks thought it was time for a blog update
Lisa @ Techchickadventures says
Your trip looks amazing! Do you stay at the same resort often? We go to Mexico a lot and keep going back to the same two resorts because we live them so much! The Sea Bob looks very interesting.
Deborah Brooks says
Yes we have been staying at the same resort the last few years. We are comfortable there.
angela @ happy fit mama says
Ahhhh!! I can almost feel the warm sun! Looks amazing. I think once my kids get older, we are going to head to someplace warm for Christmas. Why not?
Deborah Brooks says
Yes! It’s so much easier really
Jessie says
So jealous of that sunshine, looks amazing! You were definitely very active on vacation. Way to go! That acai bowl looks so yummy.
Deborah Brooks says
I sure tried to keep up my activity to match my eating and drinking 🙂
Shathiso says
What an awesome island adventure! Wow! Sun, beach, ocean and an adventurous streak, what an awesome combination! That acai bowl looks amazing! What a great way to end 2019.
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks it sure was a great holiday with family
Chaitali says
I like the new look on the blog! And Aruba looks beautiful. It sounds like it was a fun get away 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks it was time for an update and yes Aruba was fantastic and very relaxing
Darlene says
What a perfect vacation. I relax the way you do…my friends and family think I’m nuts.
Deborah Brooks says
Well they are the nutty ones right?!
Liz Dexter says
oh I posted a comment and it’s vanished! Love all your pics and the warmth I can see!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh that’s weird! No worries
Jenn says
I have never been to Aruba, but from your photos, it looks fantastic. My husband is all about tropical vacations, so this would be right up his alley.
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful holiday and vacation!
Deborah Brooks says
Thanks we had a fantastic week. It’s a great family island and easy to get to
Renée says
I so enjoyed seeing your holiday photos this week! definitely felt like I was living vicariously through you! such a great family tradition to all get away from the craziness together on a sunny island!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes exactly! We had a really nice time thanks