Wednesday on the Hill

I got up at my usual time , but was a bit out of sorts based on an incident last night involving my daughter.  No event involving my daughter is ever a small incident.  That’s not to excuse them, but it does mean that the stress is double— I have to deal with my stress and the stress of others. God is strengthening me through the crises.  I found that there were a few extra things that I had to do that set me behind schedule. In such cases I do my hill workout which involves a warm-up and cool- down and a 9x .3 mile hill repeats on Raynor Road. Warm-ups, cool-downs, and recoveries are all speed walking with the repeats are running. My workout got stopped prematurely when I inadvertently stopped the workout. The workout length was appoximated thanks to my watch tracking all distance for the day. So I believe the workout covered a total of 7.35 miles. Average mile and elevation gain will not be recoreded because Inhave only partial results. Looking to the Lord. God Bless!

Easing Up

I woke up and was surprised to see 6 inches of snow when we were supposed to just have snow showers. Even more surprising was the fact that many roads were untouched by the plow trucks. I decided to do the Scenic Hills, Niewood, Medford Loop as these roads would be more likely to be treated than the figure 8 extra plus.  The scenery was beautiful but the footing made for challenging travel by foot. I did have one fall on Kastal as there was a slick icy patch below the snow. Fortunately no injury just my hamstring started to cramp a bit. When I finished I had to shovel out the driveway which took some time. My kids didn’t have school, but I did. I arrived late, but made it ok. Here are the stats for this stormy day— 9.13 in 2:03:57 for a 13:33 minute per mile pace  with an elevation gain of 357 feet with an average pulse of 129 bpm at a snowy 27 degrees and 94 percent humidity. Looking forward to the Super Bowl Patriots vs. Eagles. Getting a little bit excited! God Bless!

Easing Off

I am going to try doing the figure 8 extra plus this week since the distance is below the 9 miles that I have been getting each day for awhile.  Mentally I need to back off a bit .  Today I did 8.87 miles in 2:01:07 for a 13:39 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of of 150 feet with an average pulse of 114 bpm at a temperature of 38 degrees with 71 percent humidity. I am hopeful that backing off just a hair will help rejuvenate my energy. Have a very blessed day!

Fall Back Friday

I shaved a little distance off today doing 8.82 in 2:00:16 for a 13:37 with an elevation gain of 155 feet with an average heartrate of 114 bpm at a temperature of 22 degrees at a very dry 50 percenty. I felt alright, and I am glad that it is the weekend. God Bless!

Thursday Morning Amble

I woke up at my usual time and got out the door at my usual time.  I decided to stick with my different workout every day routine and do the Randall Road plus extra Loop doing 9.31 in 2:03:07 for a 13:13 minute per mile walking pace with an elevation gain of 156 feet and an average heartrate of 126 bpm at a temperature of 22 degrees at a dry 56 percent humidity.  Good start so far— God Bless!

Achieving because of Attempting

I woke up this morning and just kept moving forward. I didn’t linger in bed, but I ambled towards the kitchen and prepped myself for the workout. Because I got out a little early I was able to do the Ridge Road Workout doing 9.27 in 1:57:45 for a 12:41 minute per mile workout ace with an elevation gain of 148 feet with an average heartrate of 133 bpm at a temperature of 37 degrees and 77 percent humidity.  I was pleased with today’s workout and realized that success comes only if you attempt to do something. Oftentimes we fail simply because we do not try. Have a blessed day!

Better Day

I got up 5 minutes earlier today to try to get things started right. Ten years ago I would not picture me setting my alarm to 3:50 or 3:55, but you do what you have to do.  I know myself that I need these working. The alone time, exercise, and a time for reflection and prayer is vital.  I don’t always enjoy my workouts, but I am doing something that if I just go out there and put in the time and effort that Lord willing the workout will get done. I did the Randall, Medford, Woodlot Workout doing 9.04 in 2:00:23 for a decent 13:19 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 202 feet with an average heartrate of 122 bpm at a temperature of 40 degrees with 100 prrcent humidity.  It’s funny , but it seems as if my one constant friend has been my workout. When the reat of my life seems challenging and lonely I have been able to count on my workout friend.  When my kids don’t listen and my wife won’t talk to me — I still have my friend.  I have my friend, because the Lord has been so gracious to me for provthe time and health. Thank you Lord so very much for being my constant source of strength.

If Things Are Better Why Do I Feel The Same

O.k.. This title sums up how I feel about life right now and not my workout. I had a typical bad Sunday night’s sleep due to several factors that I’m not going to mention.  I did the Scenic Hills, Medford, Niewood Loop doing 9.06 miles at  13:11 minute per mile pace with an approximate 331 plus elevation gain with an average heartrate of 126 bpm at a drizzly 40 degrees. The Patriots pull d off another incredible come from behind victory over the Jaguars. Off the face today with the Lord by my side. God Bless!

A Little Bit Ahead

I got out at my usual time this morning.  I did the figure 8 rxtra plus here in the early morning hour of Ridge.  After 3 miles, I noticed that I was doing my average pace inder 14 minutes per mile. I made a slit decision that I would run the Loop to put me ahead of my schedule allowing for a more relaxed commute.  Well, the plan worked out well. I made it to work early. Here are the tales of the tape- 8.94 miles in 1:53:42 for a 12:42 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 198 feet with an average pulse of 125 bpm at a temp of 20 degrees with 71 percent humidity.!A little tired. Have a blessed day!

Not Alarmed

I woke up past my alarm. For some reason my alarm didn’t vibrate, I think because a pop-up alert interfered. Anyway I managed to get out ok, and my pace was better today.  I did the Scenic Hills, Niewood, Medford loop doing 9.08 miles in 1:59:11 for a 13:07 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 388 feet with an average pulse of 119 bpm at a temp of 20 degrees and 71 percent humidity. For some reason this week is going by quickly and with more energy. My car is in the shop, so I am praying for my wife who is stuck trying to make due with pther transportation as I am using her car. My daughter Rebekah has an interview at Burger King today. Praying for her as well. God Bless!

Drizzly Wednesday on Medford/Randall

I got out at about the same time as yesterday, I just was slower on my feet. I did 9.03 miles in 2:06:23 for a 13:59 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 188 feet with an average pulse of 117 bpm at a temperature of 37 degrees with humidity at 100 percent. A quiet morning on the roads of Ridge. God is true!

Stepping Out(In Faith)

I found out some bad news yesterday, which I can’t share at this time.  This news rocked me to my core.  I tell the Lord that I am grateful for His many blessings, but I just am so discouraged. When I got up I got on my knees to seek the Lord.  I headed out the door a couple minutes ahead of time. I did the Randall Road Loop doing 9.21 in 2:06:35 for a 13:44 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 169 feet with an average heartrate of 119 bpm at a temperature of 19 degrees and 100 percent humidity. It was overcast with a few clouds overhead. Glad to be back at work. God Bless!

Snow Flakes A’Floating on MLK Day

I woke up at 4:22 after a short night’s sleep. A daughter came in past curfew keeping her dad up late. I am just glad to have a non-rushed start to the day. Always issues to deal with , but never a unified purpose and outlook on things.  It seems that parallel lines is how we often travel.  Physically in the same environment, but emotionally unconnected and goals and dreams not shared. God help me. God help us. I did the Ridge Road Loop doing 9.41 miles in 2:09:31 for a 13:45 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 171 feet with an average heartrate of 116 bpm at a temperature of 18 degrees with humidity at 71 percent.  There were some flakes floating through the air which kind of surprised me when I noticed snow with my headlamp.  There was a huge doe dead in the middle of Ridge Road.  Any of the many hunters would have been proud to have gotten this deer. Have a blessed day!

I Might Be Slow, But at least I still Go

I woke up 5 minutes earlier, just to take a little stress off my getting around for school.  I did the figure 8 extra plus doing 9.02 in 2:05:06 for an13:51 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 199 feet and an average heartrate of 116 bpm at a temperature of 53 degrees with 93 percent humidity.  I was hoping to beat the rain and praise God I did.  Going to the Indian Restaurant tonight with a hamburger in my pocket. Looking forto the weekend. Pats play Titans tomorrow in divisional play. Teath cleaning tomorrow. Have a blessed weekend.

Clear Roads, Clear Mind

I find it easier to hit the road when I know that mild temps and clear roads await. It was a good night last night with my wife’s cousin David John and his wife Annette.  We enjoyed a meal together at
my in-laws.  This morning I decided to donthe Scenic Hills, Medford, Niewood Loop doing 9.14 in 1:57:55 for a 12:53 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 356 feet and an average heartrate of 119 bpm at a temperature of 40 degrees and 90 percent humidity. Since the weather has been moderate I have enjoyed the training more this week, although my commute has been a pain. I will have to leave earlier for work. Have a blessed day!

Medford/Randall/Woodlot

I woke up, looked at the daily Bible verse— then proceeded to leave the warm confines of my bedroom. I got out at the usual time and managed a decent pace this morning thankfully. That was about the only thing that went according to schedule. The traffic was absolutely horrible— at times I was ahead of schedule, but every speed up was met by an annoying slowdown. I will not mention elevation gain today as I forgot to turn my Bluetooth back on my phone. Here are the tales of the tape— 9.3 miles in 2:00:58 for a 13:00 minute per mile walking pace with an average heartrate of 119 bpm at a temperature of 23 degrees with 77 percent humidity. This week has been much better since I haven’t had to battle freezing cold temperatures.  Looking forward to a blessed day! God is good!

Better Weather

I got out the door later, but had a good night’s sleep behind me.  I did the Scenic Hills, Niewood, Medford Loop doing 9.03 in 2:01:42 for a 13:28 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 335 feet with an average heartrate of 121 bpm at a temperature of 31 degrees and humidity at 77 percent. I wore a pair of ahoes that aggregated my plantar fasciitis so I am trying to get the pain below the accute stage. I am making out ok with the proper inspoles. Off to teach. Have a blessed day!

Back at It

I was out earlier this morning, but kind of slow on my feet. I did The Randall/Medford Loop this morning with the temperature being more seasonable. I did 9.26!miles in 2:09:07 for a
13:56 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 179 feet with an average pulse of 121 bpm at a temperature of 22 degrees and 62 percent humidity. I was glad that I did not have to brave freezing cold temperatures this morning. There’s more that I could say , bit I have got
to go. Have a blessed day in Jesus!

Feeling Cold

I mean it was definitely colder back in Maine, but I was hoping that the temps here would be coming comparatively warmer— instead it is comparatively the same.  I did the Ridge road Loop since it is the most sheltered route with the least traffic. It was difficult to keep a good pace with the newly plowed streets making footing a little more challenging.  I ended up running slowly to make up for my slow early miles since I had tomget back and take Rebekah to work. No school made things a little less hectic. I ended up having a busy day at home. Here are the stats— 9.41 miles in 2:07:16 for a 13:30 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 194 feet with an average pulse of 120 bpm at 14 degrees and 57 percent humidity. I am grateful once again to get the work in with such a challenging week of bad weather. Have a blessed weekend.

Out in a Long Island Blizzard

 I got out a bit past 6 am.  I could see the once light storm was rapidly intensifying.  I headed out and was surprised to see so many out around. I did the Scenic Hills, Niewood, Medford Loop since it is tree covered providing shelter from the powerful northeast winds.  I was ok , but dome of the hill climbs took place on roads covered with snow making the climb more labor-some.  When I went up Ridge Road the snow pelted into my face driven by the wind making visibility fleeting.  I had to place my hands with fingers spread out in front of my face. This storm is definitely living up to it’s reputation. Here are today’s stats— 9.09 in 2:15:56 for a 14:56 minute per mile pace with an average heartrate of 115 bpm with an elevation gain of 471 feet at a temperature of 26 degrees and 95 percent humidity in blizzard whiteout conditions. Will be working the scoop and the shovel today. Have a blessed day! 

Anticipation Wednesday

Today went pretty much like Tuesday.  I got around quickly, but had too many clothes to put on because of the cold to get ahead.  I got back a few minutes sooner thanks to a quicker pace. Tomorrow we are expecting a snow storm, so possibly a snow workout followed by a snow day. I did the Scenic Hills, Niewood, Medford Loop again doing 9.1in 2:04:32 for a 13:40 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 356 feet with an average heartrate of 118 bpm at a temperature of 13 degrees with humidity at 63 percent. I got out later again for work and thankfully made it to work on time with a couple of minutes to spare.  I was able to do the fabulous 40 ab work and shave today— things that often get eliminated when I’m behind schedule.  Of to class. God Bless! 

Grace Tuesday

Today started off a bit slow due to a variety of factors, bit praise God I got my miles in and made it to work on time. I did the Scenic Hills, Niewood, Medford Loop doing 9.01 in 2:07:26 for a 14:08 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 371 feet with an average pulse of 117 bpm at a temperature of 15 degrees and 57 percent humidity.  I felt good and enjoyed rhe huge super moon which lifhted up my path.  It felt good to be heading out in the early morning hour with me
beimg alone in my thoughts walking along thinking and praying. God be at work in my family! God Bless you my friend!

Something In

Last
Night my wife and I went to a friend’s house to watch the new year in with other couples from our church. It was a good time and it’s great to watch the new year
come in without alcohol.  I’ve never touched a drop and never will. I got up late and decided to run the Apple Court/Woodlot Loop doing 4.17 miles in 45:12’for a 10:50 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 86 feet and an average heartrate of 150 bpm at a temperature of 10 degrees and 58 percent humidity.  Dressing for the cold is cumbersome, but necessary.  Looking to the Lord for
a good 2018 — looking to Him. Have a blessed 2018.