A Walk in the Dark

  I got out the door at 4:26 with a temp of 48 degrees.  I decided to head out the Ridge road route to see what it's like in the early morning hours.  I found that it was lit for about the first half to 3/4 of a mile and then the lighting was only sporadic the rest of the way.  In places the road was in rough shape so I had to walk cautiously.  It seemed like a country walk with very little traffic at all.  I did 8.81 miles in 1:59:07 for a 13:31 minute per mile pace.  A little tired this morning, but thankful.  Got a bit of bad news yesterday, finding out that my wife has Lyme's disease.  She is taking a course of antibiotics and must see a infectious disease doctor.  Keeping her in prayer. God Bless!

Weird Start

I woke up to use the bathroom thinking that it was 3 o'clock.  So when I went back to bed I tried to fall back asleep, but I failed.  It turns out that it was a good thing that I didn't fall asleep. I guess I should have put my glasses on to check the clock.  So I got off to a late start, but managed to get back in decent time--but--the dog had made a mess again which put me in clean-up mode before work. Well, things weren't as big a disaster as they could have been as traffic went along ok.  I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot loop completing it in 1:54:08 covering 8.61 miles for a respectable 13:15 minute per mile pace.  It was clear -but dark--and cold at 28 degrees.  Today made me think of a Maine March morning.  I marched along the route this morning feeling thankful and enjoyed the beauty of a spring morning here in central Long Island. Looking forward to a good day.  Bless you those who read this blog!

Back at It

 I slept ok considering it was my first day back to work after a five day weekend.  My wife has relapsed again into sickness.  I feel bad as I am back to work and cannot help her.  I did the Longwood Loop this morning.  I did not quite feel psyched upmthis morning. I did not feel inspired , I just was basically looking forward to the end of the workout.  It was very windy and 42 degrees. Today had a typical early spring workout feel to it. It seems as if every morning I still go through the phase of not believing I am here on Long Island and not living in Eastport. It is strange because there are so many plusses to being here. I know that my daughter can also receive services that are not readily available back in Eastport. In some ways the adjustment is still difficult. A scripture that has come to mind is about "Not looking behind, but pressing ahead" which is found in Philippians.

I did 8.73 miles in 2:00:40 for am13:50'minute per mile walking pace.  Not a bad start
back to the old routine.  Have a blessed day!

Soaked

I woke up just before six on a day of no school.  I fell back asleep for a few minutes and decided that I should get out while the house was still and the streets were still quiet.  I did the Ridge Road workout again.  The steady light rain progressed to a steady rain.  Nobody out but the garbage trucks.  On Woodlot a lady came behind me trying to get my attention.  She had lost her chicken and was wondering if I had seen it.  Not today, the only chicken was the chicken that I see near the end of Ridge Road.  Still raining with a quiet house.  Charlotte is feeling sick again, I feel bad for her.  Well, off to a quiet day Lord willing.  Still looking to my Lord.  It was a good Easter Sunday.  I went to both services.  The day was topped off by a good meal at my in-laws with Rohan and Alina also eating with us.  God is good.  Have a blessed day!I did 8.9 miles in 2:02:48 for a decent 13:48 minute per mile pace.

Interrupted Workout

I was at just past mile 7 on my newest Ridge Road route when I got a text from Char--come home ASAP.  I called and found out that she was feeling very ill.  I decided to switch from speed walking to running and I felt ok.  Off now as my wife is still down and a demanding group is tugging for my attention.  Have a blessed Easter.  The workout took place yesterday.  I ended up doing 8.1 miles at approximately a 12:54 minute per mile pace.  My last mile I did in 7:55--not bad for just jogging along.  God Bless!

I Kept Getting Stronger

Today I felt like turning back home after mile 2.  I felt tired and uninspired.  I had a long day yesterday and I felt fatigue catching up to me.  This is why I do workouts that I know if I persevere that i can finish and out of habit I did finish.  I did The Home Loop doing 8.65 miles in 1:56:43 for a 13:30 minute per mile walking pace.  Today is my youngest daughter Kim's 17th birthday.  It has been a difficult year, but love and the power of The Lord have helped get me through.  The struggles that we endure for people we love often deepen that love.  Love is of no value unless it can pass the test of tribulation.  I am just thankful that the Lord holds my hand through these fiery trials.  Thank you Jesus.  Thankfully I have 5 days off starting after 8 tonight after the last P/T conference!

Spring into the Cold

I got out this morning and decided to do the figure 8 extra plus loop which I renamed(today) The Home loop since no point on the loop is further than 2 miles from my house.  there was a chill in the air again as I headed out the door. It might be spring , but it feels like winter still or at least spring in Maine.  It was extra quiet this morning.  I startled a few deer near the rest home on Whiskey Road.  Even the song birds gave way to one soloist bird on Woodlot Road.  I felt kind of like a zombie, not really awake but neither was I asleep.  I would have stopped after the first loop had it not been for the habit of completing goals.  I did 8.67 miles in 1:55;51 for a 13:22 minute per mile pace.  Prayer meeting tonight and Kimberly's 17 birthday tomorrow. God is good!

Snowy Start to Spring

I was hoping for a delay today, but no such luck.  It was beautiful this morning.  I slept in my daughter's room for fear of another escape.  God was with me through my fear and thankfully for now, she is still with us. Even though it was so pretty out the fear of dealing with this bipolar with my daughter and the disappointment of a storm that didn't come together proved to dampen my spirits. I did 8.76 in 1:56:28 for a 13:18 pace per mile. Looking to you Jesus!

A New Route

 I got out this morning and it was very dark and 43 degrees.  I had in mind to do the figure 8 plus extra loop. So I started out on my way doing the figure 8, but when I got to the end of Ridge Road I figured out that I am roughly at the same distance when I hit Route 25 as if I did the Randall/Kastle Loop--so I headed towards Randall instead of heading towards home for the Woodlot Loop.  I found that this was a nice change combining routes that previously had not been combined before.  I ended up doing 8.77 miles in 1:52:56 for a nice 12:46 minute per mile walking pace. There were 3 workouts in the 12's so I consider that a decent week. Looking forward to a potential snow storm Sunday night. Will be interesting to see whether or not it end up being substantial. God Bless! Happy Friday!

Later Start:No Problem

I fell back to sleep for about 25 minutes and woke up at 4:17 am.  I took my 5 hour energy extra and headed to get dressed.  I was able to get around quickly and headed out on the Randall/Kastle Loop. Their was a landfog with the warm day yesterday and the 39 degree temperature this morning.  The stars were out over head.  I felt fairly focused even though I was a bit tired.  My daughter's special ed meeting is coming up later which I will attend via telephone. Looking to God for His direction.  Have a blessed day! Happy St. Patrick's day! Oh yeah, I did 8.69 miles in 1:52:09 for a 12:55 minute per mile pace. I was very pleased as this pace did not seemed forced!

It's Been A year

I checked my blog a year ago and found that today marks a year since I made the permanent switch to walking.  It was the week of the birth of my grandson Keon's birth that I started walking after recovering from an injury.  It was a major change, but I am so glad that I made the change.  I just knew that running was hurting my body too much.  I would rather workout in a pain-free way, than keep doing the same workout and eventually being able to do nothing.  I find that in many ways the speed walk fulfills the need that my runs once fulfilled.  What a great occasion to remember this major change--the birth of Keon.

This morning I did the Longwood Loop doing 8.74 miles in 1:56:54 for a 13:23 minute per mile pace.  Also managed to get in a couple of sets of chins before going to work.  It was 41 degrees with no breeze.  Just the perfect temperature.  I have been liking this loop and have switched from doing a different loop every day.  I had a great time at Bible Study last night.  We had Jorge's group join us, which proved to be a delightful time.  Off to the rigors of work. God Bless!

Dear Lord Help

The title today is a prayer more for my life right now and not so much about my workout. Just so many things going on that are affecting my family--we need prayer just like so many others.  I took the day off from school today to attend a meeting about my daughter at school.  When I returned home further chaos continued.  Thankfully, peace is ruling at the moment.  It was a cool rainy morning.  I got out a bit past 4:30 thanks to the day off from school.  I managed a decent 13:31 minute per mile pace doing 8.75 miles in 1:58:19 on the Longwood/Medford/Kastle Loop.  Bible Study tonight.  God Bless!

Eastport/Ridge

  I did a couple of nice workouts--one in Eastport and one in Ridge.  Sunday to celebrate spring ahead I did a workout on my old routes.  Combining the North end loop with the 3.1 County and High Street loop with the Dump Road loop.  I integrated the new gravel road that goes by the sewer plant to the Estes head terminal along with one hill on Estes head.  I finished up by doing the tracks before arriving and going up the hill to the Motel East.  I did 9.36 miles in 1:58:11 for an excellent 12:38 minute per mile pace.  It was a comfortable 43 degrees.  I snapped quite a few pictures as I went along these familiar roads.  I went out to breakfast and then to church at Cornerstone with my daughters and grandson Keon.  It kind of seems strange that I am here today on Long Island typing this--sometimes I still can't believe that I actually moved.  I thought that I would be there for the rest of my life, but i would say that the Lord had other plans--although I still feel that my heart is still back and may remain in Eastport.  That is not to say I regret or do not see the advantages to being here on Long Island--just saying that I feel torn every time I leave there.  So many people and so many connections.
  Today in Ridge I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot loop for 8.6 miles in 1:55:04 for a decent 13:23 minute per mile walking pace.  It was very quiet with drops of rain occasionally hitting me in the face.  Great way to start the week.  Have a blessed day--I'm looking to Jesus.

The End & The Beginning

 Today when I woke up I could hear the light pitter patter of sprinkles hitting the air conditioner.  I know I have a long day ahead of me , but things always feel better after a workout.  I decided to do the Randall extra plus workout.  It was so quiet out this morning.  I enjoyed the beautiful surroundings that I venture out into 5 mornings a week(Thank you Lord).  Fortunately, the drizzle was done and I managed to stay dry in this my first workout in shorts for the year.  I did 8.64 miles in 1:57:04 for a decent 13:33 minute per mile pace.  Today after school I will head for Augusta, Maine.  I will try to get the 7 pm ferry to New London from Orient Point directly after work.  From their I will venture up to the Best Western in Augusta.  Tomorrow I will be heading to Eastport, Maine staying at the Motel East as I enjoy the day with Rebekah as she turns 18.  I will also be visiting with my daughter Kaitland and grandson Keon.  I am blessed to have such a wonderful wife!  Have a blessed day!

Wax Off, Wax On

I took yesterday off due to a late unexpected trip taking my daughter to the ER Tuesday night.  I did the Longwood Loop again, riding the groove of the week.  It was a very mild 52 degrees with some cloud cover making it darker than usual.  I have gotten ahead on my strength work so that when I am at my daughter's for her birthday I will not have to worry about missing the workout.  I did 8.73 in 1:53:12 for a decent 12:57 miles per minute walking pace. To note--I did get over 20,000 steps yesterday more than meeting my 12,000 steps for a non-workout day. I am thinking how I have been using my garmin since September and yet my friend Andy used the garmin over ten years ago--he was always very tech savvy. God is good!

Another Good Day

  I got out the door at 4:21 am and the temp was a clear 34 degrees.  I did the Longwood Loop again as it just suits me for now--it feels right.  This route seems to be the quiet route right now with little traffic and no other folks afoot. Plenty of pleasant scenery here in Ridge.  I'm learning to be thankful and to enjoy where I'm at.  There are many beautiful hiking trails here where you can go to escape the traveled areas.  I did 8.76 miles in 1:57:20 for a respectable 13:23 minute per mile walking pace.  I feel tempted to run, but I think of the pain in my knees that running causes and about how good my legs feel when I don't run.  Got to go. Hope today is a good one!

A Good Day in Ridge

I got out of bed more awake than usual for a Monday.  The skies were clear and the temp was 34 degrees.  I did the Longwood/Medford Loop.  The roads were quiet and my spirit was light and hopeful.  Sometimes you guard yourself from being hopeful when you have been let down so many times.  It takes courage and faith to be hopeful so by God's grace I will be hopeful.  I did 8.73 miles in 1:56:18 for a 13:19 minute per mile pace.  Trying to get my weekends strength work in during the week--help me Lord.  Have a blessed day!

Slept n No Prob: Friday in the Snow

  I woke up at 4:24, but managed to get up, get dressed, and out the door.  I've learned that when I get up late that if I commit to the workout and develop tunnel vision that if I keep the pace up fast--that I should be able to get the workout in--which thankfully I did.  It was snowy lightly but steady creating a beautiful backdrop to today's workout.  I did the figure 8 extra plus--doing 8.61 miles in 1:45:50 for a 12:18 minutes per mile.  Thankfully I was able to get my two sets of chin-ups in as well.  Today was a bonus--a blessing--sometimes it's the little things that make life worth living.  Have a blessed weekend.

Clear and Cold

The last few weeks I have taken a 5 hour energy extra strength on Thursday and Friday.  Our family especially my wife and I have had to live not knowing exactly what to expect with my daughter. She has been going through a lot, and we find that although there are times of calm--we have to be prepared for the unexpected.  Most of the time it is not a big thing, but just a concern or a small issue that needs addressing.  The result is that we never can really allow ourselves to relax fully.  The result is fatigue.

On the workout front, I headed out the door at 4:26 am and the temp was a cooler 25 degrees.  I did the Randall Loop extra plus. I did 8.71 miles in 1:56:53 for a 13:23 minute per mile pace.  I am enjoying the light that arrives as I am finishing up my workout. I have decided not to include the two days of sprints as this aggravated the outsides of my knees making them tender.  So I am just trying to get back to the point of knees that feel good.  The strength training has been going well.  I am so blessed.  Looking forward to the day.  God Bless!

Showers and Mild

 I got out at 4:22 am and did my figure 8 plus extra.  I had to modify a bit since I had to pick up my recyclables which were scattered about last night by the strong wind gusts--this made for a slow first mile just over 15 minutes.  There were periods of raindrops followed by periods of mild gentle breezes blowing in my face. I did 8.55 miles in 1:58:21 for a 13:51 minute per mile pace. Today was a nice quiet day with rarely seeing a car and not one person on foot.  These mild conditions reminded me of the early springs back in Eastport when I would bike the 5 miles to work after having done my morning run.  The ride along 190 was always very scenic with the ocean on both sides.  Many times I would bike with the wind in my face and would find that the winds had changed direction so that I would have the wind in my face on the way back home.  It was a terrific way to start and end the workday.  Have a blessed day!

Marching Into Spring

It was another comfortable late winter day with a comfortable breeze and a temp of 45 degrees.  I did the Medford, Randall,Woodlot route for 8.66 miles in 1:56:20 for a 13:26 minutes per mile speed walking pace.  The streets were peaceful and I moved along deep in my thoughts.  I am usually tired when I wake up, but I find that I am always satisfied when I finish my workout.  Two decent workouts to begin the week. God Bless you!