More Sleep

 I didn’t get the sleep that I wanted, but it was sufficient. Found out that one of the people that I talked to at the wedding tested positive for Covid although she was vaccinated. The contact wasn’t close.  Today’s workout I did the Medford/Randall Loop doing 9.20 miles in 2:20 for a 15:12 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 154 bpm with an elevation gain of 179 feet at 71 degrees and 95 percent humidity. Mac Jones beat out Cam Newton for the Patriots starting quarterback job. Exciting times! Ryleigh, Ruby, and Violet start school tomorrow! God bless you!

Short on Sleep

 I only had 3 hours of sleep, but fortunately I was blessed with strength for the morning. I did the Longwood Loop(Niewood version)doing 9.41 miles in 2:22:54 for a 15:11 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 127 bpm with an elevation gain of 309 feet at 70 degrees and 96 percent humidity. It was a good time in Pennsylvania with Al and Nancy attending Michelle Sottile’s wedding. Have a blessed evening!

Another Trip

 This has been the summer of trips and doing stuff. I had to hustle around this morning to get my walking workout in plus my deadlifts. I had to load up my vehicle for the trip to Lancaster, Pa. as well. I did the Medford/Randall Loop doing 9.29 miles in 2:19:50 for a 15:03 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 163 bpm with an elevation gain of 150 bpm at 75 degrees and 93 percent humidity. Have a blessed weekend!

A Go

 Today I got out of bed and got this workout in. It was not a struggle and things went smoothly. These are small, but significant blessings. Just having another family in the house complicates things, but then sacrifices are a part of life. I did the Niewood version of the Longwood Loop doing 9.20 in 2:20:25 for a 15:15 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 93 bpm with an elevation gain of 302 feet at 73 degrees and 92 percent humidity. Back at RCA again— God is good!

Day 1

 First day back. Did the Ridge Loop. I did 9.43 miles in 2:22:18 for a 15:05 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 164 bpm with an elevation gain of 180 feet at 70 degrees and 92 percent humidity. Today was hot. Thankfully I finished early at school. I took advantage by mowing the lawn. It really tuckered me out. I’m grateful for strength. Thank you Lord!

Saying Goodbye to Summer

 I got out in good season again this morning. This summer has been a summer of early wake ups. Not as early as the school year, but earlier than most summers. I did the Woodlot/Ridge/Ryan/Randall Loop at about the same pace as yesterday. I did 9.25 miles in 2:23:19 for a 15:29 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 159 bpm with an elevation gain of 153 feet at 70 degrees and 88 percent humidity. As usual, there were no people out although their was a good amount of traffic out early. I saw one runner at the very end of my workout. I may have other summer thoughts later—but I am grateful for this summer. Lots of good experiences including time in Maine with my parents. It was nice to spend time with the folks in my parents church. Have a blessed day!

Beating the Rain

 I did 9.15 in 2:22:05 for a 15:31 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 155 bpm with an elevation gain of 292 feet at 73 degrees and 92 percent humidity.  I was slow today. It was a busy weekend with Saturday being a church work day in New Haven, Connecticut. Yesterday, we were all homebound with the storm passing through and church being canceled. Still no update on the first workshop day— no surprise there:). It has been a good summer.  Being towards the end if my teaching career, I have a different feel. Every year is different and unique. The pandemic has asserted it’s presence on education. I have some thoughts, but will let them pass today. God bless you all! I pray that Jesus becomes very real to you if He hasn’t already:)!

Last Friday of Summer Vacation

 It has been an eventful summer. For me it was a shorter summer where we went so late almost into July. I know almost every other job doesn’t get the summers off, so I am not complaining. Many highlights— my daughters being together at Jace’s wedding— short stint at Camp Good News— lots of time in Maine with my parents— visits with Kaitland and Keon— time in our pool with Ericka’s girls— a cruise to the Bahamas and Mexico— and other little things. Today I did the Medford/Randall/Woodlot loop for the first time this summer. I did 9.13 in 2:18:24 for a 15:09 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 157 bpm with an elevation gain of 167 feet at 70 degrees and 90 percent humidity. I am thankful to get the work in! God bless you all! Lord willing— going to Montauk today with Char!

Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday

 Tuesday- I did the Woodlot, Ridge, Randall Loop with a slight variation. I go from the top of one hill to the top and just beyond to the next hill and back—- three times instead of goong to Ryan Street and doing that twice. 9.13 miles in 2:17:04 for a 15:00 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 221 feet with an average heart rate of 90 bpm at a comfortable 65 degrees and 91 percent humidity.

Wednesday- I did the Niewood version of the Longwood Loop doing 9.15 miles in 2:18:15 for a 15:06 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 166 bpm with an elevation gain of 318 feet at 67 degrees and 94 percent humidity.

Thursday- On a very humid workout after the rain at Calverton. I did 9.50 miles in 2:59:42 for an 18:54 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 74 bpm with an elevation gain of 212 feet at 77 degrees and 92 percent humidity.

I have been getting back into the groove this week. Truly I am taking it a bit easy as I head into another school year with some things on the calendar between now and then. I have been reading a good deal. I enjoy my summer readings. I am also thankful to get several projects done this summer. Praise be to Jesus!

Vacation Workouts and First Day Back

 Monday- 6.8 miles on the boat for two hours plus

Tuesday- 7.08 miles in 2:06:18 with an elevation gain of 304 feet with an average heart rate of 76 bpm for a 17:50 minute per mile pace in Slaughter Harbour at Coco Kay. Bahamas

Wednesday- 7.58 miles in 2:11:36 for a 17:21 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 79 bpm.

Thursday- 8.00 miles in 2:24:13 for an 18:01 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 77 bpm. Caribbean Sea, Cozumel, Mexico

Friday- 7.68 miles in 2:13:24 for a 17:21 minute per mile pace and heart rate of 81 bpm at Sea in the Gulf of Mexico.

Monday- 3 x Woodlot plus before Kaitland and Keon left for home. 9.34 miles in 2:22:35 for a 15:15 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 96 bpm with an elevation gain of 162 feet at 64 degrees and 87 percent humidity.

I also attempted 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups a day and accomplish the full number 2 or three times with several lesser days. I also climbed on a climbing net 6 times at Coco Cay. Net result of the workouts is that I maintained my weight and conditioning better than other vacations. I never felt pressed for workouts. They were enjoyable. I could say more, but this shall have to suffice. God bless you my friends. Also, on Sunday I reached all three of my circles on my iPhone watch.

Lasts and Firsts

 Today is my last workout here in Ridge for a little over a week. It will be Jace and Amber’s first day back as a married couple. Today will be our last day watching Waylon. He’s such a good baby. I’ve set my goal over vacation to try for a minimum of 5 workouts of 90 minutes— subject to change. Mainly get 5 workouts and 5 activity days in out of the eight days. I’ve decided not to pressure myself. Being careful is important since my weight is back up to the pre-fasting times. The key is to be open to the Lord. To grow as a couple and in the Lord. Today I did the Woodlot/Ridge/Randall Loop doing 9.37 miles in 2:16:15 for a 14:32 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 162 bpm with an elevation gain of 177 feet at a foggy 65 degrees and 89 percent humidity. This has been nearly 3 weeks of comfortable temps. God is so good. Looking forward to His guidance and protection!

Wednesday/Thursday Leavings and Comings

 Wednesday- I did the Longwood Loop early doing 9.29 miles in 2:21:39 for a 15:15 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 163 with an elevation gain of 297 feet at 62 degrees and 88 percent humidity.

Thursday- In Hope, Howe Hill Loop: I did 9.21 miles in 2:14:57 for a 14:39 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 137 bpm with an elevation gain of 829 degrees at 62 degrees and 98 percent humidity. 

On Wednesday, it was my last day with Kaitland and Keon. I had to have a rapid Covid test early at Port Jeff Station. It was a good workout and a nice trip with Kaitland and Keon. Time with my family is precious. I had a quick, but nice visit with my parents as well. Great food and a blessed time at prayer meeting. My workout started early and went surprisingly well. I did the same workout as I headed to Long Island exactly one week ago. Since my divorce many years ago, my life has consisted of many goodbyes. My best times are when my daughters and grandchildren spend time with me at my house. Something peaceful about knowing that they are there. 

I have enjoyed being away from my stepson. Our relationship is not good . Just like my relationship with my in-laws, it has disintegrated into superficiality and disrespect. This sad state bothers me, but seems to be tolerated by the other side. My love for my wife and my relationship with Christ sustains me. It’s difficult to respect people who don’t value your own kids.

Long post on the Port Jefferson ferry from Bridgeport. God bless you my friends.

Recap- Hope/Ridge

 Tuesday- Hope/Howe Hill— 9.15 miles in 2:20:48 for a 15:23 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 102 with an elevation gain of 782 feet at 67 degrees and 85 percent humidity.

Wednesday- Hope, Howe Hill— 9.14 miles in 2:20:01 for a 15:18 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 153 bpm with an elevation gain of 804 feet at 59 degrees and 85 percent humidity.

Thursday- Hope, Howe Hill- 9.15 miles in in 2:18:11 for a 15:06 minute per mile with an average heart rate of 92 bpm with an elevation gain of 808 feet at 53 degrees and 84 percent humidity.

Friday- Ridge: Woodlot -Randall- 9.25 miles in 2:19:54 for a 15:07 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 158 bpm at 154 feet at 71 degrees and 90 percent humidity.

Monday- Longwood Loop - 9.04 miles in 2:20:53 for a 15:35 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 158 bpm with an elevation gain of 294 feet at 64 degrees and 89 percent humidity.

Tuesday- Woodlot/Randall- 9.41 miles in 2:21:47 for a 15:04 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 141 bpm.

Got to go. God bless!