A Leap of Faith

It was a comfortable 46 degrees this morning with a nice breeze putting a pleasant chill in the air.  It actually felt like spring, and I was even feeling springy with bare ground a nice temperatures.  Today is February 29, 2015-- Leap Year. I was thinking that I was actually glad to have one extra day of February this year--just to prepare myself for the challenges that lay ahead. The skies had some stars and a big moon directly overhead, with increasing cloudy skies mounting closer to the surface. I was also thinking about Super Tuesday and which Republican candidate that I would vote for.  I woke a bit past too and really didn't sleep much after that and was actually glad to get up at 4 am when my alarm went off.  I just have so much on my mind and am seeking the Lord's guidance and direction in a more serious way.  I especially am seeking the Lord's help with my marriage, my daughter's and step-son, and for direction in my professional life.
  I did 8.74 miles in 1:58:09 for a 13:31 minute per mile walking pace on the Longwood Loop.  The songbirds were whistling some beautiful tunes as I ambled the roads of Ridge and Middle Island. Looking to the Lord and praising His name.

Back to Winter

It was a windy 36 degrees this beautiful Friday morning.  I did the comfort loop doing the Figure 8 extra plus for 8.69 miles in 1:59:21 for a 13:44 minute per mile walking pace.  I always reminisce at least a little bit on my workouts.  This marked 7 days in a row of workouts, so I am looking forward to the weekend off to recharge my batteries. That's the benefit of embedding off days in the cycle--if a day is missed it may be made up.  I was thinking back to when I did my 10 mile runs in the mornings when I lived in Eastport.  Sometimes I would do less and sometimes I would do more. I find that I appreciate these workouts the same as those workouts.  The secret is consistency and executing a plan--not worrying about anything other than the workout.  We are supposed to be grateful and thankful and I am thankful.  I enjoyed the whirring of the wind with the pines swinging and the leaves shuffling along.  I have a lot of uncertainties right now, but I do believe that my God will direct me.  Just because we have heartaches and struggles does not mean that God loves us any less.  His love always remains and sustains us in our moments of collapse and weakness. Have a blessed day my friends.

Pleasantly Tired Yet ProductiveI

I got out a bit earlier, but due to being tired I kind of plodded along.  I noticed that all my miles were over 14 mins per.  I just couldn't seem to pick it up.  I have been doing 10 x 60 meter sprints twice a week just to move faster and keep my fast twitch fibers still firing so I did my second workout today.  Thanks to that I managed to bring my pace per mile under 14 minutes per mile surprisingly.  I did 8.67 miles in 2:00:01 for a 13:51 minute per mile pace. Have a blessed day!

Catching Up--Tuesday - Next Wednesday

I started out the last week kind of tired and overwhelmed--looking for answers.  This week I am kind of in the same spot. Here are my workouts
Tuesday- 8.72 miles in 2:01:29 at 13:56 minutes per mile.
Wednesday- 8.61 in 1:57:59 at 13:42 minutes per mile.
Saturday-in Hope  8.86 miles in 2:06:28 at 14:16 minutes per mile
Sunday- in Hope  8.84 miles in 2:02:14 at 13:50 minutes per mile
Monday-  8.74 miles in 2:00:36 at 13:48 minutes per mile.
Tuesday-  8.66 miles in 1:55:57 at 13:23 minutes per mile
Wednesday- 8.74 miles in 2:04:26 for a 14:14 minutes per mile.

With a hectic and somewhat event responsive sort of schedule, I have been blessed to get in the workouts which I truly know are my therapy.  So many things that I must look to to the Lord, but then we are supposed to seek Him in all things. I had a blessed time at Bible Study last week.  I hope to write more and have more to say in future writings, but it seems as if now I have other things to do. God Bless you my friends.

Eventful Start

I did 8.65 miles in 2:00.38 for a 13:57 per mile pace. Exhausting weekend--will write more later.  I did the Randall Plus Extra Loop.  Really looking to the Lord for strength, encouragement, and guidance.  Luckily it is vacation allowing me a later start after going to bed after 12. So glad Kimberly is safe and sounnd.  Looking to Him to keep her on the right track--thank you Jesus!

Feeling Like Home

It was a cool 16 degrees out this morning.  A better start to the day, getting out of bed with a little more conviction.  Charlotte was awake, checking her Facebook and the such until she feels like drifting back to sleep.  I headed to the kitchen and began putting layer after layer on in preparation for the cold.  I did the figure 8 extra plus again.  I was blessed to get in 3 sets of chin-ups before heading out the door.  Kimberly is with me at work today.  Looking forward to a week of not being under compuslion to finish so early or even getting out of bed so early.  praying that I can see my two daughters and grandson in Maine.  I did 8.67 miles in 1:55:25 for a respectable 13:19 minute per mile speed walking pace doing 10 telephone sprints the last half mile. Looking to the Lord for direction and healing for my family. Have a blessed weekend!

Better Effort

I got a bit more sleep last night and I think as a result a better performance resulted.  It was snowing when I woke up this morning.  When I got out the door it was 27 degrees with a breeze.  I started a little bit later as I was delayed getting out the door, but thankfully my pace was better doing 8.66 miles in 1:59:02 for a 13:44 minute per mile walking pace.  The last half mile stretch I did 10 telephone pole sprints.  I've decided to throw this in to help keep that speed which can leave us so quickly.  Going through some trials right now, which I know many people have their struggles in life. I keep praying for my wife and my family.  Have a blessed day! Oh yeah, I did the figure eight extra plus loop.

A Snow Slug

I woke up and took a 5 hour energy to prime the pump.  The outcome was a more wide awake slug going around the streets with light snow falling once again.  I did 8.76 miles in 2:09:47 at a 14:49 mile pace--but, the pace is slow because I forgot to hit the stop button when I finished my workout so part of my pace is just lounging around the house until I realized that my watch was still on. I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot loop.  Again, with some inclement weather I just noticed that there are fewer people out and around. 
We had a nice family birthday time for my wife last night.  We are still going through the growing pains of getting used to my oldest daughter and my two granddaughters living with us.  It is a blessing to have them with us, but part of the integration is getting them to realize that they are part of our household along with the expectations that go along with that. I do consider myself blessed though, I just love having my granddaughters with me. Well, looking as always to Him! May God Bless You!

Happy Birthday Char!

 I woke up at the usual time just before 4, but I snoozed for a bit. I was afraid that I slept too late, but fortunately it was only 4:14.  I did get out a bit later which was concerning since I was feeling sluggish and sore, and the roads in places were snow covered.  I decided to keep going and take my chances.  I did the Randall Route plus extra doing 8.69 miles in 2:02:06 for a 14:03 minute per mile pace. It was cloudy and 25 degrees this morning. Things are kind of bleak in some areas, but I am grateful for progress in other areas.  My wife turns another year older today--I am so blessed to have her as my wife. God Bless!

Snowy Days

I did Friday's workout doing the figure 8 plus extra in the first of two storms.  I started out and it was clear, which quickly gave way to freezing rain, which turned to sleet, which turned to snow.  I finished just in time.  I did 8.68 in 2:03:42 for a respectable 14:15 pace given the conditions.  The rest of the day was spent shoveling before heading out on the ferry and eventually making our way to Newport,RI..  The night was pleasant as we stayed at the Hyatt on Goat Island.  The next day we did the Ocean Drive followed by the Cliff walk which was more challenging given the snow cover.  We had to deal with a few issues via phone back home--but I had a good time with my wife.

Today I did the Longwood/Medford/Kastle,with an experimental route change,  I ended up doing 9.18 miles in 2:06:22 in a 13:46 minute per mile walking pace.  It started out clear and the snow kicked in just past the half/way point.  School was cancelled for my children,but I had to make the 50 mile trip to my school.  Things are tough now and my moral is kind of low.  I am looking to the Lord for strength(and answers). God Bless!

The Rain Came Down and the...

It was a very mild 54 degrees and the rain came steady and heavier at certain times.  I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot Loop.  People stay off the streets in bad weather, except for the fools. I am looking forward to the trip to Rhode Island with my wife, but as usual nothing is as easy as you would like.  Not going in to all the issues, but it just seems that  unity in thought and purpose is difficult to achieve.  I did 8.6 in 2:00:35 for a 14:02 minute per mile pace.  Praying for those I love--have a blessed day!

The Workout Before the Rain

 I did the Randall Loop Extra this morning.  Very quiet and calm on the streets of Ridge.  I have been trying to get ahead of my strength work so that Saturday will be free of worries allowing me to enjoy Newport with my wife,  It was 39 degrees again this morning.  I did 8.7 miles in 1:57:45 for a 13:32 minute per mile pace.  The workout felt quick , but under control.  My weight has been staying in the low 190's ,which I am happy with. Well, off to the rigors of work --God Bless!

Steady and Clear

I woke up this morning feeling more rested than other days.  I choose my route by how I feel and this morning I decided to do Longwood/Medford/Kastle.  I did 8.67 miles in 1:56:43 for a 13:27 minutes per mile walking pace.  The pace felt quick ,but not forced or difficult.  There is a slight amount of traffic on this route, with a guarantee not to bump into anyone during the early morning trek.  It was a comfortable 39 degrees.  In addition, it was another smooth morning with getting the strength work in and getting out the door in a timely manner. Looking forward to church Bible Study tonight. God Bless!

Decent Start

I got a decent night's sleep for a Sunday night and had a decent weekend.  We took a family walk around Port Jeff last night.  It was a nice way to wind down.  This morning I got out the door a bit sooner which meant that I returned a bit earlier.  I did the figure 8 extra plus for 8.67 miles in 2:01:43 for a 14:02 minute per mile pace.  I didn't exactly push the pace , but it felt ok,  It was a nice quiet workout.  I got to school in good time and was able to get in two sets of chin-ups before I headed out the door. I am pleased with the good start to the week.  Looking forward to a one night get-away with my wife in Newport,RI Friday night--Lord willing. Have a blessed day!