Sunday, March 31, 2013

Nice Easter Run in Hope

I got up early for one more run in Hope. I felt much better on the last two workouts here-plus a good workout in Eastport. The streets were much quieter on a weekend than a schoolday. The time glided by as a went passed streams and mountain views. Nice workouts here in Maine. I enjoyed the early morning church service as well. Time with my daughters and parents is always a blessed time. Thanks you Jesus for your many wonderful blessings! 7.6 plus miles

Friday, March 29, 2013

Downeast 8.8 miler

I'm sitting here in the Motel East overlooking the beautiful Passamaquoddy Bay.  I've had some good workouts here in Maine. Today I was blessed to re-visit some of my old running spots.  I truly enjoyed running in the unmatched beauty of Eastport,Maine. I never once took the beauty of this area in the twenty three years that I lived here. I felt strong on my pick-ups.  I think the fact that with the exception of the Adam's street hill,not running up gut busting hills made today seem like a relative breeze. Nice sunny (for most of the run) 31 degree run.  I ran past a number of deer--but these deer are tame and barely flinch as you run past them. Saw my good friend Andy driving out of town near the end of my run. Simply blessed to be able to come back to this place where God had me for many years. Miss my Charlotte!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

There is Hope

 My second day in a row in running 7.6 plus miles on the hills of hope.  Today seemed easier in ascending the challenging hills. All said, these runs away from home provide nice variety to the running routine. I'm enjoying my time with my wonderful parents.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Hillbilly Run

When I workout here in Hope,Maine the feelings of well-being only come after the workout. The hills here are steep and long so a little more intestinal fortitude is necessary.  There was lots of traffic this morning with Maine children still in school. The problem here is that there are no shoulders on the road. All the same the scenery here is simply beautiful with lakes,streams,snow covered meadows and tall hardwoods. The 7.6 plus mile workout consisted of two big loops and a small additional loop. Always good to get a workout in when I'm away from home. God Bless everyone!!!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Starting at Home

I still woke up at 4. I like having the roads to myself so staying with the early start. I did 8.5 on my usual Ridge,Raynor,Woodlot,Apple Court workout ,but added an extra Apple court. I felt pretty decent with some minor stomach issues. You could feel the chill in the air with another storm on it's way. I was glad to start the week off with 8.5 miles plus I walked the dog 5 plus miles at Brookhaven. Looking forward to running the hills of hope later this week. God Bless!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Nice Finish!

I was pleased with this weeks training.  I enjoyed each workout this week. My body has adjusted to the time change finally.  I felt really good in all phases of the workout.  I hit 12 mph on the radar gun on Longwood road.  Looking forward to spring vacation and going to visit my folks and bringing my daughters to their house for a visit. God Bless!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Vacation in Sight

It was another pleasant morning at 34 degrees and overcast.  Per usual--felt sleepy before the workout,but as soon as the workout began I was feeling strong again. I saw both runners that occasionally make their appearances.  Although the temps are seasonably cool for here,well compared to the homeland--piece of cake.  Feels good to have a good week of training--God Bless All!   7.8 miles in the books

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Late Start

It might seem absurd that a 4:30 wake-up time is late well,for me it is a late start given what I have to do before work. Didn't have time for the pre-workout sit-ups but,I did get a set of 25 in after the workout. It was 31 degrees and calm and clear. Although I have been sleepy before the workout surprisingly I have felt alert during the workout.  Another strong effort with good pick-up and form. The time of the 7.8 miles glided by until I found myself at my house.God Bless!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Good Run in Miserable Conditions

The roads were covered with water and slush this morning as a wet steady drizzle fell here in Ridge.  I was tempted to wimp out,but thankfully I persisted.  I felt good again this morning again.  Luckily I dressed in such a way that I was almost oblivious to the bad conditions.  I felt powerful on the hill sprints. The rest of the workout went fairly smoothly. I was glad though when the workout came to a close--another 7.8 miles in the books.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Great Start at 8.4

 I woke up as usual to total darkness.  Getting out of bed has been easier lately--finally getting adapted to early rises with the time change.  The start of a new week is always a fresh start to training--with the off days on the weekend I'm usually ready to start working out afresh. It was cool this morning at 27 degrees with the forecast for a wintry mix later on in the day.  I felt energized for once--I mean not eye of the tiger or anything,but the workout was not wearisome.  I coasted along smoothly and did the pick-ups with good pace,but felt a slight stiffness in my left lower back--nothing serious.  I hit 12 mph on the radar gun--I've been trying to hit that lately. I felt strong on the hills which are longer on the Longwood loop.  I love running on the Wading River Hollow Road with it's tall pines towering over the route.  I had a sense of satisfaction at the end of today's workout.  Next week-----VACATION!

Friday, March 15, 2013

Friday Yay- 7.8

Today is a Friday--a very good day. No after school program.  Last day of work for the week. Last workout of the week.  I had decent energy today,just felt kind of sore from a weeks worth of strength training and running. Nice breeze rustling through the pines and the birds singing. A very nice day:)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Colder and Windy 7.8

 I was out on Apple Court,Ridge,Raynor,and Woodlot.  I love this route. I feel like I own the roads in the pre-5 am hours of the morning. It's a nice wooded run with lots of peace and quiet along with some wildlife. I felt decent today.  I saw my old friend Arlem running back towards his home,didn't get the opportunity to say "hi".  Just blessed to be able to get out and train. It's also nice to see that my old friend Andy is blogging and running again. God Bless Everyone!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Another Day at 7.8 miles

I got out of bed by force of habit. The bed has just felt so comfortable this week. It was a clear and calm 45 degrees out-ideal! The temptation to go inside and lay on the couch was strong this morning. Despite the temptation I managed a good workout. After the workout I felt a slight twinge in my left hamstring. Old injuries like old friends like to come back for visits. I think I'll be fine,need to ease up on the hill sprints and do extra stretching. It's funny how the hammie tends to act up in the spring. Just 8 more school days left until vacation-yay!! Have a good day-God Bless!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

7.8 On Apple Court,Ridge,Raynor,Woodlot

Dark gloomy damp day. Felt good to get out. The time change has made me feel like I'm sleep running. Felt strong on the hills. Saw five deer near the end of the run. God Bless!

Monday, March 11, 2013

8.4 In the Dark Ages

I did the Longwood and Apple Court Loops this morning.   The clouds made a dark sky almost black.  Thankfully there are street lights throughout the course.  Heard a few deer shuffling through the woods.  Grateful for a good workout to start the week.  Only hit 11 mph on the radar gun.  Seemingly less traffic this morning.  Just a little out of sorts with the time change. God Bless!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Another Snowy Day

 I have been using sonriserunning,but a friend had trouble getting on--perhaps this new heading will help.  I hit the roads at about 4:40 am.  The streets were covered in a couple of inches of snow.  Surprisingly,the footing wasn't that bad.  I felt strong today even though this was a long week with less than typical sleep. I shortened my stride on the hill sprints,and dug in with my forefoot more--this technique proved successful as I seemed to power my way up the hills.  I met a guy in a truck who yelled,"You are incredible!"  Made me feel good.  All the years of running in Maine have made snow runs seem somewhat 'typical'.  I finished my 7.8 mile workout with a good little shuffle and was greeted at the end by Jace who was busy shoveling the driveway.  God Bless and good day!