Irritated But Grateful

I decided on doing the Medford,Randall, Woodlot Loop doing 9.09 miles in 2:11 for a 14:24 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 155 feet with an average heartrate of 105 bpm at a somewhat breezy 71 degrees at a more humane 83% humidity. Flies, allergies, and fatigue making for a slow week pace wise.  All the same I am grateful for the ability to get the work in.  Yesterday there was a lot of rushing around to go places and get things done. We are at the beginning of two long weekends.  I am so grateful to get lodging for all three night's next weekend with The Pirate Festival in town.  Tonight we have family fun night at the church and I take my sleep test at home.Good things to look forward to.  Asking for the Lord to guard these plans and use them. Amen!

Check It Off

  I am grateful to get the workouts in even when I am far off my best,  Blackflies, horseflies, sinus headache, stiff neck, tired legs, heat, and humidity all working in the wrong direction.  I am glad that my knee wasn't acting up.  I did the Woodlot/Randall Loop doing 9.56 miles in 2:20:02 for a 14:38 minute per mile walking pace with an elevation gain of 131 feet and an average heartrate of 107 bmp at an uncomfortable 78 degree temperature with humidity at 92 percent. My portable water bottles have made the workout bearable. I'm looking forward to the fall!! God bless you!

Getting It Done

  I was feeling it in my legs, my knee, and I was feeling the heat and humidity all over.  I have been doing my squats at the beginning of the week so that I have one day of only walking.  I once again did the Scenic Hills, Longwood, Medford Loop.  The water bottles have been a mainstay for most of this summer.  They have been doing road work on Ridge Road which is long overdue.  I saw one other person today walking on Medford.  I did 9.37 miles in 2:15:44 for a 14:28 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 309 feet with an average heartrate of 113 bpm.  In another week I will have to be out on the roads an hour earlier which will mean early wake-up times, but I will have the roads all to myself. The temp today was a warm 76 degrees at 98 % humidity. Have a very blessed day

Dreaming of Fall

I woke up five minutes earlier hoping to ease into my day with a little bit of a cushion. I woke up, had my DD toasted almond coffee, read my Bible then began my preparations for the workout. With the early temperature at 74 and the humidity high I opted again for my water belt. I did the Scenic Hills, Longwood, Medford Loop doing 9.29 miles in 2:12:53 for a 14:17 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 320 feet and an average heartrate of 111 bpm at a temperature of 74 and 100 percent humidity. My sleep apnea test came in the male. I will most likely take it Friday night. I have a feeling an APAC or CPAC machine are in my future. Have a blessed day!

Warming Up

The humidity and the temperatures are rising. I decided to travel with my water bottles today. I woke up very tired , but quickly was able to get into performance mode after sipping my coffee and reading my Bible. I decided on doing the Scenic Hills, Longwood, Medford Loop doing 9.45 miles in 2:12:52 for a 14:03 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 316 feet with an average heartrate of 114 bpm at a temperature of 71 degrees and 98 % humidity. Nobody was on the streets save my neighbor Christine who walks her dog every morning. I was blessed to get a little note in my bag from my daughter Rebekah! Have a blessed day!

Spontaneous Sunday

This period of my life has involved a lot of change. There is something stirring in my heart, but I’m just not sure what it is. I know the Lord will help guide me in recognizing what I need to do. Today I was not planning on doing anything, but I decided to go out and do the 5 mile plus Brookhaven Park Trail.  It’s not the prettiest or the most interesting, but it is secluded and quiet. I put on plenty of bug apray to deter the ticks. I had a lot on my mind so this was as much about mental health as anything— plus the temperature was comfortable. Here are the stats 5.49 miles in 1:37:14 for a 17:42 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 161 feet with an average pulse of 93 bpm at a temperature of 59 degrees at 96 % humidity.  Weekends aren’t the hallelujah that they used to be, but I am grateful nonetheless. God Bless you!

A Pleasant Saturday Stroll

Charlotte had WW and a bridal shower so I decided to hit the Greenway trail with a gew extra twists and turns. There were a good number of folks out on the trail including many of the “regulars “. The temp was comfortable. I saw a deer with spikes near the beginning of the trail. Here are the stats 9.78 miles in 2:43:19 for a 16:41 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 617 feet with an average heartrate of 99 bpm at a temp of 61 degrees at 100 percent humidity.  I am blessed in so many ways! Thank you Lord!

Freaky Friday

 I did 9.30 miles in 2:08:38 for a 13:49 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 137 feet with an average heartrate of 139 bpm at a nice temp of 58 degrees and 98 percent humidity.

Day 2 on a Thursday

I woke up a little before my 4:30 alarm. I decided on doing the modified figure 8 , but doing Randall  instead of Woodlot. I did 9.07 in 2:10:18 for a pede14:21 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 150 feet with an and an average heartrate of 113  bpm at a temperature of at 95 percent humidity. Heading home from school soon! God Bless!

Last/First

I was busy on Tuesday on Jace’s last day here and my last day of vacation. I woke up early as I was anxious slightly to get my blood test results. Thankfully I must curb a few things lose a few pounds and most likely at some point go on thyroid medication. God is truly good! On Tuesday I did 9.34 miles in 2;08:14 for a 13:43 min per mile pace with an elevation gain of 340 feet with an average heartrate of 118 bpm at a temperature of 61 degrees with 100 percent humidity. Today I did 9.51 miles in 2:12:17 for a 13:54 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 327 feet with an average heartrate of 117 bpm at a warmer 71 degrees at 100 percent humidity. I did the Longwood/Medford Loop both days. Char comes back today without Jace. It will be difficult for her I know. God Bless!

Drizzling on A Monday!

I headed out the door to my car on this my last opportunity of the summer to do the Greenway Trail for a weekly workout. I was welcomed by a heavy drizzle, but fortunately it didn’t soak me. There were very few people on the trail. Here are the stats of this my last vacation Monday— 10.02 in 2:53:21 for a 17:17 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 603 feet with an average heartrate of 100 bpm at a comfortable 67 degrees with 97 percent humidity. This is my step-son Jace’s last full day at home before school. Have a blessed day!

Fall of Humidity

Today my wife was out early because she was doing her father’s weight watcher groups. Roger the world traveler is off in Scotland visiting his former home. The man is away a lot, but my wife can be counted on to cover the church and WW groups. I did the Greenway Trail doing 9.7 miles in 2:47:56 for a leisurely 17:18 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 608 feet and an average heartrate of 101 bpm at a very humid 75 degrees at 96%. I cant wait for the chill in the air again. This summer has been extremely uncomfortable forcing me inside. I am so grateful to get on this beautiful trail regardless. Have a very blessed day!

Last Friday

I haven’t really given things much thought, but this is my last full week off from school. It has been a difficult summer in some ways that I won’t mention. I have been extremely lonely and spend most of my time alone doing housework. I felt like it was important to be home considering the things that have happened the past (8) years(s) to serve as a buffer. I have been able to visit my daughter Ericka and my granddaughters quite frequently which has been really good. It’s difficult to see your kids struggle and even harder when they don’t listen to advice that would help them.
   Dor the workout— 9.02 miles in 2:04:56 for a 13:50 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 154 feet qnd an average heartrate of 111 bpm at a temp of 72 degrees and humidity at 95 percent. I am blessed in so many ways and am grateful for the ability to workout. God Bless!

Back on the Trail

 I got to sleep late as our journey to Six Flags in New Jersey brought us back late. I decided to hot the Greenway Trail starting after 8. The temperature was up there but there was a breeze which made the traveling bearable. There were a few walkers one which forced me to pick my pace up. I ended up doing 9.84 miles in 2:44:12 for a 16:40 minute per mile with an elevation gain of 601 feet with an average heartrate of 108 bpm at a temperature of 79 degrees at 76% humidity. I saw a few turkeys including some chicks. I got a call from my doctor along the hike. We will be discussing the results on Tuesday. I guess middle age is catching up to me. God is good ! I trust Him!

Seeking Solitude in an Old Friend

  I have been dealing with a lot — not looking for sympathy— so I have been seeking routes that are quiet. I did the figure 8 extra plus . I did 9.03 miles in 2:07:22 for a 14:06 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 157 feet with an average heartrate of 113 bpm at a temperature of 69 degrees and 99 percent humidity. Heading out to Great Adventure with Ericka, Bekah, Jace,(girlfriend)Brennah, and Charlotte. Lord help us!

Through The Fire

My title does not describe my workout, but it does explain my life right now. I don’t want to get into details I just need prayer for my family. Today I did the Greenway Trail with some off trail additions totaling 9.77 miles in 2:41:05 for a 16:28 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 577 feet with an average pulse of 104 bpm at a temp of 76 degrees and 94 percent humidity. I went home and mowed the lawn and finished my weights and dealt with dramatics. Got out later as I got
back late from the Yankees game. God Bless you!

Dodging the Raindrops

The forecast has been for rain for the past several days. We have experienced torrential downpours. So with overcast skies overhead I headed down the Longwood Loop doing 9.45 miles in 2:10:32 for a 13:48 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 330 feet with an average heartrate of 120 bpm at a temperature of 71 degrees and 100% humidity. My hamstring held up alright with just minor issues which I dealt with by holding back on my pace. On a positive note the Lord helped me with something that I have been struggling with. He gave me the courage to see a doctor. I had been going regularly in Maine and had stopped since coming to New York. Thank you Lord for helping me. The msjor result is peace of heart and peace of mind. I’m going to a Yankees game tonight Lord willing. Hate the Yankees, but it will be fun to go to a game with a friend. Looking to the Lord for help with my family! Have a blessed day!

A Sleep Interrupted

I have to be honest, I’ve been on edge with a couple appointments today. I just wish my mind could tell my body to relax — but it doesn’t listen. My daughters were in and out throughout the night. Jace was the early bird at 12:03. I wokeup at 2 and was awake until at least 3:30. I think I fell asleep but I was awoken at 4:15. I just decide to get the workout in since I was awake and it was dark and comfortable outside. I did 10.03 miles in 2:14:21 for a 13:23 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 317 feet with an average heartrate of 119 bpm at a comfortable 67 degrees at a still crazy 97 percent humidity. Kimi back to Maine today. Looking to the Lord!

Slightly Better

I got to bed a little earlier and was up earlier. I decided on doing the Scenic Hills, Longwood, Medford Loop doing the workout while cutting back on my intensity so as not to aggravate the right hamstring. I felt fairly positive as I did the workout. Here are the stats—9.45 miles in 2:12:32 for a 14:01 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 326 feet and an average heartrate of 117 bpm at a temperature of 74 degrees and 100% humidity. It was cloudy out as if it would rain, but it never did thankfully. Have a blessed day!

Soaked Through

I decided to do the Greenway trail plus some extra. I wanted to get a workout while at the same time taking pressure off from my hamstring. So I walked the trail as opposed to power walking. I think the hamstring issue goes way back to my anniversary day when I did my workout and then went on a long walk of 8 miles in the blazing sun on the beach. I think that started the hamstring issue which from time to time pops up. I like the solitude of this workout which is all off road but crosses several roads. I did an extra 1.5 miles going up Possum road.  I did 9.36 miles in 2:31:46 for a 16:11 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 565 feet with an average pulse of 102 bpm at a temp of 74 degrees and 99 percent humidity. I saw quite a few people out and about. I brought my alkaline water in one bottle and cold brew coffee in the other bottle. I saw a mother deer with a couple of fawns at the beginning of the loop. There were many deer including a couple of young bucks with velvet spikes. This was a good change of pace availability thanks to summer vacation. May God Bless you!

Feeling Beat in the Heat

I woke up and reluctantly headed out the door after reading my Bible. Here are the stats combined from two different readings thanks to a technology misfiring. I did 9.37 miles in 2:11:27 for a 14 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 148 feet with an average heartrate of 116 bpm at a very humid 78 degrees at 94 percent humidity. My water bottles filled with alkaline water is what is saving me. My right hamstring twinged slightly after putting in a sub 13 minute walking mile. I did the Ridge Loop. I saw a lady walking at a good clip heading out in the middle part of Ridge Road. I saw in passing after the turnaround. When I head back to school I will see noone out on the roads— only seldomly. There is a part of me that really likes the early morning workouts when it feels like I own the streets. Right now I am enjoying the sleep and not being rushed. Thank you Lord for your many blessings. Have a good day!

Change

First of all I did an active recovery workout yesterday on the Greenway Trail doing 7.51 miles in 2:00:57 for a 16:05 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 492 feet with an average pulse of 107 bpm at a temperature of 76 degrees at 84 percent humidity. I enjoyed a donut and trente size ice coffee at Starbucks at the midway point. I place my order on my phone and then pick it up in East Setauket and then turnaround and continue on my way down the trail with my treat. I then showered and picked up my daughters and granddaughters for church.
  Today I did my combination route starting out as if to do the figure 8 extra plus and finishing on the Randall Road loop doing 9.15 in 2:05:49 for a 13:44 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 160 feet with an average heartrate of 117 bpm at a temperature of 73 degrees and 99 percent humidity.  I did this route because I was feeling like I needed a change. Off to mow in this humidity. May God richly bless you! 

Reality

The hope of yesterday thankfully was carried over to today. Once again the conflict between being a spouse and being a parent are evident. Anyway— the humidity was once again rearing it’s ugly head. It’s no fun at all to be outside. The only redeeming quality is that there has been a nice breeze at times. Today I did the flat Ridge Road loop doing 9.61 miles in 2:11:18 for a 13:39 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 145 feet and an average heartrate of 119 bpm at a temperature of 76 degrees and 100 % humidity. I saw several walkers and a runner out on Ridge Road. I love this loop with it’s surroundings of trees and a big meadow. Not a bad week! God Bless you!

Contentment

Yesterday, I took a look back at some of my old blog posts— to reminisce and reevaluate. There was a stretch of about a year where I mentioned that I was tired about every day. I noticed that I get especially happy when training in Eastport. My parents house is the place of refuge where I can always go to feel grounded and supported. Here in Ridge is my normal for now. Ridge is so familiar with it’s variety of loops and workout routes. I often don’t have time to be reflective since strangely enough Maine is the place where my mind still seems to live. I get more reflective there in Maine. I’m learning to seek to enjoy where you are at the moment. To seek the beauty in whatever place you are at the time. Most importantly, I found that being positive and purposeful are keys to being joyful. God is always working in our lives to those who serve Jesus. Waiting for His answers can be difficult. Being faithful in prayer can be difficult, but the rewards are enormous.
 Now for the workout:) I did the Longwood Loop again doing 9.35 miles in 2:10:51 for a 13:59 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 301 feet and an average heartrate of 118 bpm at 77 degrees and 95 percent humidity. I was soaked today through and through with the intense humidity. I made it a point to just enjoy the workout. I allowed myself to be satisfied that I am power walking and not runner. The best thing with power walking is that my body can tolerate the workout without feeling beaten down. I mean the soreness and fatigue are there, but it is manageable. I’m grateful for today! God Bless!

Cloudy and Humid— First Day of August

I woke up after a good night’s sleep. I woke up around 5:15 and started on my cup of coffee. I then read my devotions before getting out of bed. I looked outside and noticed it had rained the night before. I then checked the forecast and was pleased that the rain was only supposed to be spotty. I went out the door and headed out the Longwood loop doing 9.35 miles in 2:07:51 for a 13:40 minutes per mile pace with an elevation gain of 333 feet with an average heartrate of 119 bpm at a temperature of 73 degrees with humidity at 100%. I was soaked through on arrival home due to the extreme humidity . It’s been a good start so far. Thank you Lotd for being a good Father!