Nice Finish

I got out of bed a little later ,but I got out the door at about the same time.  I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot Loop for 8.66 miles in 1:57:14 for 13:32 minutes per mile.  I got out the door at the slightly later than usual time that I have been getting out this week.  The good thing is that today is professional development and I got to work 5 minutes early.  Today I allowed myself to take a breath and feel good about things-- I am grateful and continue to look to Him.  I was glad that I didn't see any other runners or walkers-- sometimes you just don't want to see a soul.  My granddaughter Ryleigh is spending the night, yay! Looking forward to the weekend! Hope your day is blessed!

Doing Better

I got up at the same time, but I added a 5 hour energy extra to the mix drinking it just after I woke up.  This seemed to help me get a better grip on this funk that I have been in this week whih I attribute to getting a mild cold.  The early start and the long day with after school definitely tax my energy.  I did the figure 8 extra plus extra doing 8.67 in 1:59:09 for a 13:44 minute per mile pace. It's funny how two weeks ago that I did a workout at 2 minutes per mile faster than today's effort--fatigue has a way of insidiously sapping your energy with you only realizing the deficiency when your energy is very low.  I saw nobody out and around this morning which is fine with me. Good Start to the day--committing this day to Him!

Low Grade Fuel

I got up at about the same time as I have every day this week.  I was thinking that today will be the day that I get out a little earlier and walk a little faster and get out to the car a little earlier--but no, none of this happened.  The one good thing that happened is that I got through the Sills road ahead of schedule only to lose time again on Sunrise Highway.  Well, I did the Longwood/Medford/Kastle loop.  My main reason for going this way is that I don't want to run into the runner on Randle or the walker on Woodlot so this is the perfect route for that.I did 8.71 miles in 2:04:11 for a 14:16 minute per mile walking pace.  It was kind of foggy which reminded me of a mild foggy winter day in Eastport a few years back when I did 3 loops of the 3.1 mile loop going High Street to Washington to Brighton Avenue to Key to County and back on High Street. What was different about this loop was that I ran it in reverse because of a strong wind coming out of the south from the Lubec side. 
 
Well off to a day at work--God is good!

Can't Get Out of My Own Way

  I got out at 4:23 am and it was a relatively mild 39 degrees.  This morning I didn't see any walkers or runners.  I did the figure 8 plus extra loop, because it has by far the least amount of traffic.  The snow has made the shoulders on the road so much smaller so I chose this route to avoid dodging traffic.  I did 8.65 miles in 2:00:03 for a 13:53 minute per mile pace. I just seem to be off this week.  Slower on the workouts-slower getting out the door to work.  Just am a bit fatigued. Will just try to get a bit of extra sleep.  Have a blessed day!

Slushy Monday

 I got out at my usual time at 4:23 am, but the slushy conditions from this weekends snow slowed my pace.  The lone highlight of this workout came when the runner who always is out around Randall Road passed by me like he usually does since I am speed walking.  Today, I wanted to show him what I can do when I choose to run.  I ran just behind him for a short bit and then decided to blow him away.  I picked up the pace and never looked back.  I ran all the way to Kastle Road where I resumed walking.  I know that I am a walker ,but every once in awhile I foolishly try to prove some points.  The overall effort was slowed significantly by the slush-- I did 8.66 miles in 2:04:04 for a 4:19 minute per mile pace on the Randall Route. Have a blessed day!

Doing O.K.

  It was 21 degrees this morning with some wind.  This was an average sort of day--not tired and not energetic.  The Randall route was quiet.  The gentleman who was walking on Woodlot looks like he is now doing the whole loop now.  I saw him when I was finishing up on Raynor.  The deer were moving about at the bottom of Raynor.  I did 8.65 miles in 1:58:25 for a 13:42 minute per mile pace. It will be interesting to see how much if any snow we get out of this approaching storm.  Date night tonight with my wife, looking forward to that. Have a blessed day!
  Of note, my workouts are enjoyable but not really earth shattering.  A way that I kind of challenge myself is with my steps.  I try to get in 30,000 steps on weekdays and 12,000 steps on weekends.  Sometimes I walk around the yard--walk up the street--run in place--or go for a regular walk-- just to meet my goals. Well--see you later!

Better Day

 Today I was just a bit ahead of my pace yesterday.  I got coffee in my system as soon as I woke up.  I got out the door a few minutes ahead of yesterday.  My pace was a good deal quicker than yesterday without being too difficult.  I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot Rout for 8.65 miles in 1:53:42 for a 13:09 minute per mile walking pace.  I saw the same gentleman and his dog again on Woodlot.  Looking forward to the weekend. The temp was 27 degrees, but with just a slight breeze.  Have a blessed day. Btw-- I keep wondering how I did all those workouts in Maine in the brutal cold for so many years--good years though!

Dreamy

I just did this workout strictly out of habit. I have felt tired the past two weeks although the workouts themselves have gone well.  Once I get going I have done fine.  Today's workout was a bit slower-- the fact that it was cold and I felt tired just put me on automatic pilot.  I did 8.69 miles in 2:01 for a 13:56 minutes per mile walking pace.  Today during the workout I recalled an interval workout that Andy and I did on a freezing cold day where Andy had his car parked at the bottom of the hill in the then A&P parking lot.  We would do an interval or two and then go inside the car.  Inside Andy had his thermos of tea which both warmed the body and energized.  Today if I do a lot of extended running my knee tendon's get very sore.  The walking allows me to work out and feel good the rest of the day--but I do occasionally miss those days of running.  I came to the realization that for me the time had come to switch and I am sure that it was the right choice.

I had a good time at Bible Study last night.  God is definitely at work and I am glad that I am a part of this church. God Bless!

Doing Great on the Figure 8

I got out at 4:27 and it was 18 degrees with a decent wind chill.  I just had a feeling of uneasiness as I walked around my oldest course.  Living in Maine more than prepared me for the cold weather which is mild here in comparison.  Not many people out save one man who was walking his dog on Woodlot.  Extra time is needed to dress and undress with the layering that is needed.  It's funny how every day I go outside for my workout, I think back to my days running the streets of Eastport. I have Bible Study tonight , I am looking to Him to meet my need!  I did 8.66 in 1:52:33 for a 13:00 minute per mile walking pace.  God Bless!

MLK-- O.K

I did 8.67 miles in 1:56:16 for a 13:24 minute per mile walking pace.  The roads were a tiny bit slick from last night's 1" of snow.  Surprisingly there was typical traffic on MLK day on the Longwood/Medford Loop.  I started at 5:30 am so I saw a bit of sun near the end of my loop.  Looking to the Lord for wisdom and guidance.  Looking forward to going to Greenport today with Ericka and the girls.  Have a blessed day!

Nice Friday

I did 8.63 in 1:52:37 for a 13:03 minute per mile walking pace on the Randall plus extra loop.  I felt pretty decent with a 5 hour energy in my system. Have a blessed day!

Late Star -Finish on Time

  My alarm went off, I shut it off ,rolled over and --slept another 40 minutes and woke up at 4:30.  I decided to just go for it so I did.  I did the figure 8 extra plus workout doing 8.57 miles in 1:40:42 miles for an 11:45 minute per mile speed walking pace.  This was I think my all-time best workout--came out of nowhere  .I am just grateful that I got everything in including a set of bench presses and made it to work on time.  With a workout like today's there is not much though while working out, mainly just putting one foot in front of the other,  God is good!  Have a blessed day!

Cool and Windy

  I woke up a bit sleepy, which seems to be the theme lately along with faster times.  Today I was slowed also by having to clean up our dog's throw up in the kitchen.  My right knee was a little achy so I wore my knee support for the first time in quite a while.  I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot Loop in 1:54:24 which is 8.57 miles at a decent 13:21 minute per mile pace.  This loop is very quiet with very little traffic today.  Kim has her hearing at the school, Lord we are looking to You! Hope your day is blessed!

A Bit Groggy

  The tale of two different days, although the pace was only a bit slower today.  Yesterday I felt refreshed and somewhat positive.  This morning I just felt kind of lethargic.  The temperature was a cool 18 degrees so the warm clothes were used.  Not many out at 4:26 in the morning.  I did 8.67 miles in 1:53:30 for a 13:06 minute per mile speed walking pace on the Longwood/Medford/Kastal Loop.  I heard the usual critters--deer and the owl making noise and scurrying about. The Medford road has been very dark lately.  Well, it's on to another day at work.  May God bless you!

Good Monday

I finally had a Sunday night with decent sleep despite ssome of the usual conflict which seems to be implicit in my life.  I did 8.59 miles in 1:51:29 for a 12:57 minute per mile speed walking pace.  I did the figure eight plus extra loop in breezy 37 degree temps.  Very quiet and quoting Scriptures to give me the courage and strength to face the day. Supposed to be a chance of snow showers tomorrow.  Maybe it really is winter here in NY.  Have a blessed day!  BTW--I am only blogging now--no daily mile--and I'm fine with it.

Good Going

 I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot loop this morning in rather comfortable 30 degree weather.  This was my best effort yet since using my garmin watch.  I did 8.66 miles in 1:46:18 for a 12:16 minute per mile speed walking pace.  I am half wondering if the new Mega Man supplement that I started on Monday is helping me to perform better--either way it is nice to get back to the house early.  The traffic on the way to school has also been moving along good.  Oh, the simple pleasures of life make life endurable when the going get's tough.  I had a good day with Kimberly at work yesterday.  I continue to seek the Lord's intervention in my family.  Have a blessed day!

Randall Extra Plus

Well, back to a set-back(not in training).  My daughter was suspended yesterday for five days.  In some ways I can see progress, yet in other ways she struggles.  The tough thing is to do the right thing to help her , and yet at the same time consider everybody else.  It has been so tough seeing all my daughters making some poor choices and struggling in other ways.  Their dilemma also causes stress for everything else.  I am looking to the Lord for His guidance and intervention.  Kim is here with me at work today.

Now for the workout.  I was a little tired from sleeping on the couch.  Trying to be in a place so I can attend to my daughter, and at the same time allow my wife some rest.  I got out the door at 4:24 am doing 8.68 miles in 1:49:14 for a 12:35 minute per mile pace.  This has been my best effort with the garmin.  I have just picked up the pace to get back earlier--just because it makes me feel more comfortable.  I saw a runner on Randall--tempting to switch to running to pass him, but it is not worth the beat down knees.  The temp was a clear and balmy 23 degrees.  It will be awhile before the daylight intersects with my workout.  I heard dear shuffling through the woods on Woodlot.  have a blessed day!

Better Day

I got out at 4:26 at 16 degrees--another day totally in the dark.  I did the figure 8 plus extra loop and had one of my best efforts in awhile.  I was tired ,but as I got out on the road I just found a good groove--fueled by the fact that I didn't want to get a late start heading to work. I had a more positive mind-set. Life feeling better a day at a time, but always in need of God's protection and guidance.  I do like this route as it is so quiet.  I found that the running that I did yesterday made my knees feel very sensitive--reminding me as to why I made the switch.  I do miss the days of 10 years ago when I could run mile after mile without any pain--but, I prefer the feeling after a walk of my body feeling good and my knees feeling good--this makes me realize that the best thing is to workout consistently without feeling pain.  I also appreciate training here on Long Island without having to subject myself to the extreme weather of Maine.  I would have to gear myself up just to get out the door--once your out the door the workout usually takes care of itself. Have a blessed day! Romans 12:1

Winter Chill

I got off to a late start so I ran the first 6 plus miles.  I think the 14 degree temp and the zero degree wind chill played with my garmin a bit--or perhaps I accidentally hit the stop button. I did 8.6 miles because the route has been measured a number of times.  The good thing is that my steps get recorded regardless of weather or not the the workout has stopped or not.  My granddaughter Ryleigh spent the night with us , so initially my wife asked me to stay when I got up a bit past 4 am.  I waited, and finally she said that I could go as she was already awake and not tired.  I had slept through a crying granddaughter leaving my wife to attend to her as she was sleeping in our room in a pack and play. Time to get back to work. God Bless! 

A Standard Sunday Night

  I got out at 4:26 am in 36 degree temps that were dropping as the workout progressed.  I did the Randall Plus extra loop in the quiet of the morning here in Ridge.  I did 8.71 miles in 2:01:51 for a 14 minute pace per mile.  It seemed like a faster pace but a two hour night of sleep I think left the fuel tank empty.  I used to have positive feelings on my workouts, but now I just feel numb as I go through my therapy session for life.  I am grateful and the workouts help me sleep, but my struggles with my daughters is trying. I am grateful that God has entrusted me with them, but right now it is just a struggle.  I continue to look to Him who has all the answers--God Bless!

Catching Up Again

I did 4 workouts in Ridge and two in Hope.  Mon.- 8.81, Tues.- 8.65, Wed.- 8.65, Tues.- 8.63, Wed.-8.63, Thurs.- 8.63, Fri.- 8.81. and Sat.- 8.75.  The week was challenging with some sobering findings that affect our family in Maine. In other regards things are better. but the challenges keep coming. The workouts are therapy.  I saw my friend Chuck who was surprised to see me walking even though I have been walking for 9 months.  I just want normality and a good feeling of encouragement and healing for my hurting family. Happy New Year and God Bless You!