Last Day 2020-Thursday in Wellsboro

 I headed out at about the same time past 6 this morning. Another overcast morning with the temp at 32 degrees. This meant pockets of black ice. I did the same route for the most part. The black ice caused me to pussyfoot around in places slowing the pace. Thankfully there was enough gravel on the side road allowing me to venture up the steep incline. I did 9.02 miles in 2:17:24 for a 15:13 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 106 bpm with an elevation gain of 567 feet at 32 degrees and 92 percent humidity. Because of a slight deviation in my route I hit 9.02 at the entrance of the motel allowing me to pick up breakfast on the way back to the room. New Year’s Eve today. May God bless you richly in the coming year!

Day 1 in Wellsboro, PA

 I headed out later than usual because of the lack of street lights and being still acclimating to this for workouts. My route takes me past the High School and then to route 6. I keep going past where 6 and 247 diverge. I keep going about a mile until I hit a side road with a steep incline. There are enough off major roads to make it somewhat interesting . There is a small river that goes along route 6. Route 6 is in the river bed. I did 9.02 miles in 2:13:43 for a 14:49 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 108 bpm with an elevation gain of 612 feet at 24 degrees and 65 percent humidity. It’s always a blessing to get a workout in. Off to a dy with Char and Jace. God bless you!

Workout Before Pennsylvania

  I woke up with anticipation and motivation to get the workout in so that I could get my strength training finished allowing me to be only concerned with my aerobic work. I’m blessed to br able to workout. I did my neighborhood figure 8 plus loop doing 9.14 miles in 2:20:01 for a 15:19 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 158 feet with an average heart rate of 105 bpm with a temperature of 37 degrees and humidity at 54 percent. I am blogging as I go across the George Washington Bridge. Lord watch over my family when I am gone! God is faithful!

What’s Up Doc

 I headed out this morning doing the Longwood Loop before an early doctor’s appointment at 9:20. I felt okay, just doing a lot of thinking. The workouts have not been so much a drudgery this vacation, for which I am grateful. I did 9.62 miles in 2:28:37 for a 15:27 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 107 bpm with an elevation gain of 425 feet at a temperature of 29 degrees and 97 percent humidity. Lord willing, tomorrow we head to Pennsylvania to visit my stepson Jace and my grandson Waylon. Have a blessed day!

Back In Ridge on a Saturday

  I didn’t work out on Christmas on a pouring windy morning. This Saturday proved to be a quiet good choice. It was cool, but clear. My motivation was okay. This was my one day working out at home. I truly enjoyed all my workouts this week, especially in Eastport. I felt like each location felt like home. My workouts in Hope were better than usual. My energy was decent this week, thankfully. This morning I did 9.14 miles in 2:14:21 for a 14:38 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 106 bpm with an elevation gain of 156 feet at 25 degrees and 62 percent humidity. Have a blessed day!

Farewell for Now

 I got up my last morning in Maine, until my next visit. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to make this trip amidst this pandemic— but thankfully I made it. The workouts weren’t fast, but they were pleasant and not a drudgery. I got up, did my devotions, prayed and got ready. I got out about 5:15 am and hit the quiet dark roads of Hope. I for the most part could walk where I wanted on the road. There was enough snow to make it pretty, but the roads were clear and the temperatures were mildish. I did 9.02 miles in 2:16:45 for a 15:09 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 108 bpm with an elevation gain of 850 feet at a time 34 degrees and 84 percent humidity. My dad is slowly recovering from coronavirus. My Mom continues to amaze me. I’m blogging this fro the ferry terminal in New London on Christmas Eve day. God bless you richly this Christmas time. May Jesus be very real and present to you. God bless you!

Farewell For Now

 I am right now in the one place that feels like home— even though home is not where I live. It’s a funny feeling that I can’t shake. Logically, there is no way for Eastport to be my home— but , nonetheless— it feels like home. I did my standard workout which involves a series of loops. This route duplicates my most traveled spots from the past. I wasn’t exactly sure that I was going to do this workout, but I quickly came to the conclusion that this was the best route for the day. It was cool, but not freezing. It was sunny and beautiful. Water fowl fly off as I pass by then along the shore. I did 9.12 miles in 2:18:59 for a 15:14 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 108 bpm with an elevation gain of 665 feet with a temperature of 33 degrees and 69 percent humidity. I am blogging at the Todd House after a nice stay. It will be sad to go, but there are good things on the other end of the trip. I am so blessed to be able to visit my daughter and grandson and the place that I love during this trying time of the coronavirus pandemic. Lord willing— Hope, Maine tomorrow. God bless you!

Maine Over Christmas

  I headed to Maine Sunday after church. It snowed most of the way, including heavy snow from Boston through New Hampshire. In Maine the roads were in better shape. I headed the coastal route through Brunswick. On Monday I did my new standard workout in Hope doing two Loops and then heading up Howe Hill almost to the top. I did 9.02 miles in 2:09:21 for a 15:27 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 111 bpm with an elevation gain of 858 feet at 29 degrees and 97 percent humidity. The roads were a bit glassy, bit there was enough gravel to get decent traction. The sun even shown through a couple of time. Today I started out doing my standard loops , but I quickly saw that the footing was bad due to snow and that route 190 was the best alternative. I did 10.09 in 2:34:42 for a 15:20 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 112 bpm with an elevation gain of 427 feet at 34 degrees and 91 percent humidity. Route 190 was my go to route when the weather was bad. It’s a beautiful route with the ocean on both sides. I just spent a little time with mg daughter before she heads to work. God is so good . God bless you! Tomorrow I will attempt to get up earlier.

Adapting

   I headed out the door planning to do the 3 x Woodlot/Raynor. I did a short out and back before beginning the loops before beginning. When I hit Woodlot I found that the footing was slippery in many places, so I decided to do my Ridge, Randall, 3 x Ryan Loop. I headed for the most treated roads. Fortunately, traffic was lighter than usual so I was able to speed walk on the roads since the shoulders in many places haven’t been plowed yet. I had to make a couple of short pit stops and many times stop and loom to check on traffic. Here are the stats- 9.01in 2:28:17 for a 16:27 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 96 bpm with an elevation gain of 200 feet at 26 degrees and 74 percent humidity. This week I felt very grateful just to get my workouts in. I was pleased that I had slightly more motivation this week. Sometimes it’s overcoming those minor obstacles that prove to be so gratifying. This new medication as advertised causes about a five pound weight gain. Have a blessed day!

On A Snowy Stormy Day

   I went out this morning into one of the worst storms that I have worked out in.  It started out with cool rain and sleet and quickly turned into all snow with the wind howling about. At times bits of freezing rain pelted my face. I did the Woodlot/Raynor Loop twice plus three times Whiskey/Kastal — the third lap I did not go back down to Whiskey. I did 8.85 in 2:24:08 for a 16:07 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 246 feet with an average heart rate of 101 bpm at 35 back down to 28 degrees with humidity at 90 percent. Half a day remote learning. Have a blessed day!

The Slow Train to Nowhere

 I picked up my daughter Kim after her boyfriend punched her in the face last night. My house now has Kim and my grandson Oliver as residents for now.  Dealing with constant drama has taken it’s toll these past 16 years. I got up early to do my workout, but things seem different this morning. I feel shame even though I’m just trying my best. Thankfully, I serve the God of the outcasts. I did the Apple Court and back plus the “new” standard workout of Woodlot, Whiskey, Ridge, Kastal, 2 x Ryan, Randall, across the trail and Raynor for 9.58 miles in 2:29:00 for a 15:33 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 212 feet with an average heart rate of 100 bpm at 27 degrees and 52 percent humidity. Snowing now with a storm tonight. Tomorrow will be interesting. God bless you!

Feeling Slow

 I kept going, although I was back to not feeling motivated. Fortunately, this route seems to make it bearable. I did 9.26 miles in 2:21:51 for a 15:19 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 102 bpm with an elevation gain of 136 feet at 33 degrees and 64 percent humidity. Blessed to get the work in. The weight is not dropping, but hovering just under 200. Trying to get closer to 195 and then back to 193. Looking to the Lord!  God bless!

Another

 ... sleepless Sunday night. I just couldn’t fall asleep although I was calm and restful. We went out to dine for the church employees supper in Wading River. The first church get together where that I attended where we had a toast( me with water). I’m not criticizing my Christian brothers and sisters, but I don’t personally like alcohol at Christian get togethers. Other than that, it was a pleasant time. This morning I did 9.21 miles in 2:20:22 for a 15:14 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 256 feet with an average heart rate of 106 bpm at 40 degrees and 70 percent humidity. I did a version of the figure eight plus. I didn’t dread the workout as much ad last week- that’s progress. God is good and I’m so grateful that He loves me and watches over my family!

Saturday Slog

 My wife was shopping at the mall so I decided to head to the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge for a hike. My legs were tired so I just trudged along at a pedestrian pace through the trails of Wertheim. I’m glad that I did the trail on the other side last as the footing was much better. I did 8.52 miles at a 20:19 pace with an average heart rate of 78 bpm with a 125 foot elevation gain at 54 degrees and 96 percent humidity. 

This morning I did an active recovery walk around the block doing 3.4 miles in 1:03:08 for a 18:33 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 82 feet with a 77 bpm heart rate at 48 degrees and 95 percent humidity. 

I’m going to try to have a more assertive attitude this week as I have been worrying. This happens when I lose my focus. I’m looking to the Lord and He will guide me. God bless those friends who choose to read this humble blog:)

Good Change

 Sometimes I feel the need to workout close to home. That’s when I do some rendition of the figure 8. I did my standard workout from a couple summers back recovering from my calf injury— with a little extra distance built in. I did 9.16 miles in 2:13:07 for a 14:32 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 181 feet with an average heart rate of 102 bpm at 28 degrees and 86 percent humidity. It was my best pace this week. My wait has gone up to just under 200 and sometimes at 200. I am happy that overall, I am in good health. There is always something left to accomplish.God bless you today!

The Superpower of Consistency

 I went out on another morning without a predetermined route. My feet took me on the Medford/Randall/Woodlot Route. I chose Spotify playlist number 1. It was a quiet cool morning. My motivation is simply to experience the positive feeling that comes when a workout is completed. This route is the one that keeps me away from other walkers or runners. Don’t ask me why I don’t want to see a soul. I did 9.20 miles in 2:19:25 for a 15:09 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 98 bpm with an elevation gain of 145 feet at 39 degrees and 77 percent humidity. Not a fast pace workout, but it’s done and I am thankful!

Blessed

 I headed out the door without a route in mind , but quickly decided to do my Apple Court and back and then the Woodlot, Ridge, Kastal, 2 x Ryan, Randall, Whiskey, Ridge, Trail, Raynor for 9.52 miles in 2:23:38 for a 15:05 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 213 feet with an average heart rate of 101 bpm at 24 degrees and 80 percent humidity. I was happy to get the work in , at this special time of the year. God is good!

It Doesn’t Take Much...

 ... to annoy me. In the early morning hours you don’t expect to see anyone. When a car pulls out of it’s driveway when you’re passing by , it’s annoying. People out and around when you don’t expect it. , is annoying. This was one of those mornings. I did 9.30 in 2:19:37 for a 15:00 minute per mile pace and an elevation gain of 193 feet with an average heart rate of 96 bpm at 30 degrees and 64 percent humidity. Thank you Lord for strength!

Feeling More Like December

 It was a cooler morning, giving the feel of winter like weather. I tried not to think so much as a warm comfy bed makes it harder to head out on a long cool workout. I’ve been working out for so many years, but I never take my workouts for granted. There is something special about this time of year. It feels odd not having anyone living with us. Kids are a lot of work, but they make s house feel homey. I did the Medford/Randall Loop doing 9.31 miles in 2:20:34 for a 15:05 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 194 feet with an average heart rate of 94 bpm at a temp of 30 degrees and 68 percent humidity. My weight is on the high end of normal. Lord help me to keep my eyes on you!

Along the Streets of Ridge

 I decided to do the Niewood/Longwood Loop again. The workouts have been good even though my motivation during the workouts have been minimal. I did 9.45 miles in 2:20:55 for a 14:55 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 354 feet with an average heart rate of 94 bpm at 33 degrees and 69 percent humidity. I switched up my loop a bit going as far as Kastal and then doubling back to the trail and cutting across— I liked the change. My dad is improving, that makes me happy! Jesus is Lord!

Quiet Wednesday

  I did the Woodlot-Ridge-Randall Loop with an out and back to Apple Court at the beginning. It was a still, cool, and bright Wednesday . I did 9.17 miles in 2:17:plus. My stop watch got messed up towards the end so there are a few approximates. I did a 14:53 minute per mile pace with a 172 foot elevation gain with an average heart rate of 94 bpm at 35 degrees and 63 percent humidity.God bless!

Niewood/Longwood on An Overcast Tuesday

 I headed out the door feeling decent minus a bit of a stomach discomfort. I decided to do the Longwood Loop as I enjoy this loop and had the energy equal to the task. My pace wasn’t overly fast or slow, but I had a positive mindset. Lots on my mind, but this is the benefit to the long early jaunt in the morning. Plenty of time to pray and process. I was able to wear shorts which I enjoyed. I did 9.53 miles in 2:23:42 for a 15:05 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 348 feet with an average heart rate of 97 bpm at a comfortable 56 degrees and 93 percent humidity. Still teaching from home. Dad is progressing nicely. I am so blessed. Thank you Lord for your leading and your healing!