Switched It Up

 I decided to do a different route this morning heading to the Longwood Loop.  I didn’t set my alarm rather I just woke up when I woke up, so to speak. The Longwood Loop is relatively quiet, but does go along route 27for about 2/3 of a mile as well as cross 27 on the way to Ridge Road.  I felt decent and formulated my activities for the day while doing my workout. I did 9.32 miles in 2:26:34 for a 15:43 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 156 bpm with an elevation gain of 277 feet with an average cadence of 125 spm at a comfortable 64 degrees. Will catch a short rest now. God bless you!

Slow but still a Go

 I didn’t set my alarm, but I woke up at my usual time. I stayed up a little later, but it helps knowing that I can kind of do things at my pace since I’m out of school. I just feel that I need to step back a little and slow down my life’s pace a bit when I can. I did the three loops around Woodlot.  Sometimes I just do the same thing over and over so that it requires little mental effort. Such is the case for now until I feel the need to deviate ( which could happen tomorrow:)) 

I did 9.14 miles in 2:27:17 for a 16:06 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 149 bpm with an elevation gain of 208 feet with an average cadence of 124 spm at 60 degrees. I just saw one person walking to work on Woodlot.

One final thought which has nothing to do with working out. I look at this country and how messed up it is and I think I know why.  It’s because today’s church is messed up. Now I’m not saying that there aren’t some strong churches and men and women of God— but,  as a whole the church is messed up. When speaking on abortion and LGBTQ issues it is astounding that many Christians mimic like a parrot the woke foke , but have little understanding on what the Bible says about things. Love involves speaking the truth.  But to know the truth you have to study God’s Word. Lord, we need you in these times and look to you for the answers that we so desperately need. More importantly, help us to be obedient and sensitive to your Holy Spirit! In Jesus name- Amen!

Overcast

   My first Monday of vacation was a quiet one. I headed out early at basically the same time as when I went to school.  It was cloudy and breezy.  The wind seemed to compensate for the warm air and humidity. I did the Woodlot Loop 3 times for 9.19 miles in 2:24.01 for a 15:40 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 169 bpm with an elevation gain of 328 feet with a cadence of 125 spm with a temperature of 69 degrees. Thankful that things are going well. Have a blessed day!

A Saturday Hike

 Since I took a day off I decided to try to make up for it with a hike on my usual off day.  I am feeling a bit better with this cold that I caught near the end of school. It’s a hike on the Greenway Trail that goes from Port Jefferson Station to the Starbucks in East Setauket.  There were a lot of people out and about. I got a iced Flat White at Starbucks for my return trip.  The weather was beautiful, but it’s definitely warming up. I did 7.42 miles with a 16.59 minute per mile pace with an average cadence of 118 spm with an elevation gain of 526 feet with an average heart rate of 78 bpm. Having my father in law over tonight for a birthday celebration. A very gifted man with whom I have little connection with the exception of my precious wife. God bless you my friends!

A New Start

 Today was my first day of summer vacation. The Lord has been telling me lately to enjoy the season that I’m in, instead of always looking forward to a time in the future.  The good thing about summer is that there is greater flexibility involved in the time schedule.  There are always things that need to be done, but with my schedule in the summer I can do most things at a more convenient time. 

  Heading to a funeral of a mother of a friend of mine. She was a very sweet Christian lady. Today I did the Woodlot/Randall Loop doing 9.17 miles in 2:25:39 for a 15:52 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 157 bpm with an elevation gain of 229 feet with an average cadence of 125 spm at 61 degrees. 

    Lord willing going to relax for a few minutes. God bless my friends!

Here We Go Loopy D Do

 I woke up this morning after a good night’s sleep. The NyQuil did it’s job and I slept restfully.  Another negative Covid test just to make sure. I was grateful for feeling like doing my workout this morning.  There was an air of normalcy in the air once again. Good thoughts flooded through my mind as I looped around Woodlot and Raynor.  I knew that this was my last day of the school year, but I didn’t focus on this thought. My pace was a bit quicker this morning and I am grateful for that. The day off seemed to accomplish its desired purpose.

I did 9.07 miles in 2:17:39 for a 15:11 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 161 bpm with an elevation gain of 217 feet with an average cadence of 128 spm at 61 degrees. God bless.

Rest

 Today I woke up and decided that I needed a day off from my workout in order to get through the work day.  I have had post nasal drip that settles in my vocal chords and makes me cough in the night. I’m so much better when I get up and around. I’ve tested myself for Covid the last two days and it has been negative.  

  So I got up at my usual time and tested myself and then went back to bed— not able to sleep however. I did a set of curls and deadlifts before school. I do feel like the day off is helping. Stuff to do. God bless!

Friday June 17, Monday June 20

 Friday: The Woodlot/Ridge/Randall figure 8: I did 9.08 miles in 2;22:55 for a 15:44 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 163 bpm with an elevation gain of 257 feet with an average cadence of 126 spm at 68 degrees.

Monday: I did 9.16 miles in 2:26:18 for a 15:58 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 161 bpm with an elevation gain of 314 feet with an average cadence of 123 spm at 58 degrees. 

  This has been a hectic time.   Fortunately, I have been able to take some breaks between the business. Last Monday of the school year and fortunately I have this Monday off from school.  These have not been fast times, but I always felt my greatest strength has been my consistency. I give the Lord the credit, because this strength is dependent on God giving me the health to continue. Last night I enjoyed my Father’s Day supper with my stepson Jace and his family and my daughters Ericka and Rebekah. God bless you!

Go With the Flow

 This morning I was not sure which workout that I was going to do. The truth is that many days I am unsure which workout I am doing until I am already my workout. I have a variety of routes and workouts and then I kind of let my instinct take over as I am working out. Sometimes I adjust my route based on a circumstance. I don’t like to be a slave to a plan, but rather I want the workout/plan to serve me.

This morning I headed to Raynor Hill for my workout. I did 8.63 miles in 2:08:40 for a 14:54 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 160 bpm with an elevation gain of 329 feet with an average cadence of 129 spm at a cloudy 64 degrees. Have a blessed day!

Unexpected

 Today has been good so far. It was unexpected that I would feel decent, after feeling tired for so long.  I decided to do the 3 x Woodlot Loop. I saw the two ladies from Apple Court walking, but I did not see the dog walker.  I was able to get my hex bar deadlifts in a day early along with a set of bench presses.  My pace was good by recent standards.  Unfortunately, on my way to work I passed a bus with it’s sign out because it was obstructed by a lawn service truck. I’m praying that I do not get ticketed. I did stop as soon as I noticed. Anyway…

Here are the stats: 9.06 miles in 2:15:26 for a 14:56 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 160 bpm with an elevation gain of 215 feet with an average cadence of 129 spm at 61 degrees.

This time of year is full of comfortable temps, beautiful fragrances, and beautiful sounds from the birds of spring. This is one of my favorite times of the year!

In A Fog

  I got out on the road after reading my Bible running on autopilot.  It seemed a bit strange starting the workweek on a Tuesday.  Seems like Tuesday is my scheduled slow day— not intentionally though, just happens that way.  I have been searching to find God’s will and direction. The answer has seemed to be silence.  A thought occurred to me though— God’s direction and leading is here and now and constant. It’s not our own self confidence or self direction, but our seeking Him constantly. His silent hand moving and directing— I just am not aware of all that God is doing in my present situation. I have to be constant in my seeking— it’s not a one shot deal.

 My workout was slow, but I felt okay. I did 8.47 in 2:14:16 for a 15:51 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 156 bpm with an elevation gain of 275 feet with an average cadence of 126 spm at 66 degrees— this on the Raynor  Hill workout. Off to teach! God bless!

A First

 Today I will be attending my youngest granddaughter’s kindergarten graduation. Because of the pandemic, Ruby and Violet were not able to have a graduation. I’m grateful for this opportunity. Each grandchild has his/her own personality.  Little Violet loves to perform.  Although she is the youngest of her sisters, she is not intimidated.  She always inserts herself into the equation.  I look forward to seeing her today!

  I also enjoy this little respite from work. This has been a trying year and yet it has been a year of milestones. 

  I did 3 x Woodlot today.  I enjoyed not having to rush through the workout. Here are the stats- 9.11 miles in 2:20:44 for a 15:26 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 127 bpm with an elevation gain of 243 feet with an average cadence of 125 spm at 66 humid degrees. My watch kept pausing on Woodlot on lap 1 , but it straightened out after that.

  Have a blessed day!

Round and Round I Go

 The end of the year is always full of surprises. This year however, is on a different level. Yesterday, we had two major threats against the school and a couple of teachers. Today we are already in lockdown because of another threat. The good thing that is coming out of this is that we are seeing our vulnerabilities. 

  I went to a new dentist yesterday, thanks to my new insurance from work.  I’m happy with my new dentist. Not much of a wait period and they kept things moving.  The dentist was thorough and put my old dentist to shame by providing much more feedback.

  The main point about anything extra, is that it pushes my evening routine back later. Extra things are definitely packing a stronger wallop as I get older.

  I did the three loops today again.  I did 9.9 miles in 2:21:17 for a 15:32 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 160 bpm with an elevation gain of 333 feet with an average cadence of 127 spm at 66 rainy degrees.

  I have enjoyed the wind and the light rain the past couple of days. Have a blessed day friend!

Just Went with It

 Today’s workout choice was the result of going with a reaction to a circumstance. I was heading out for the usual hill workout when it started to rain. I had to place my phone in a plastic bag to protect it. I decided to keep going down Raynor. It was raining and this route provides much shelter from the rain because of the trees hanging overhead.  The pace wasn’t great, but it wasn’t pathetic. I saw two ladies speed walking on my last lap and after passing them, I saw the dog walker.  It was a decent workout.

3 x Raynor/Woodlot: 9.02 in 2:19:37 for a 15:28 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 160 bpm with an elevation gain of 335 feet with an average cadence of 126 spm at a damp 66 degrees. 

On a weird note. The last two nights I have had vivid dreams , both with a presence of evil. Not usually a dream interpreter, but I feel a significance to these dreams . God bless!

The Gift of Perseverance

 Sometimes when you have to work hard for seemingly diminished returns you feel defeated and discouraged. This is how I have been feeling as of recent. It seems that despite my work, all my training results are ending with declining results. I then had a thought pop into my head during one of my hill sprints— “What would be the result if I couldn’t train?” This thought flash, brought about a great feeling of thankfulness. I suddenly became increasingly grateful for my training. 

Results today- 8.54 miles in 2:13:34 for a 15:38 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 169 bpm with an elevation gain of 264 feet with an average cadence of 126 spm at 63 degrees.

Thank you Lord for your many blessings and the gift of perseverance!

New Start

 I started today with some trepidation. Just not feeling confident today with some fearful feelings. I was slow today, but thankfully was out in good season. I did 8.64 miles in 2:17:07 for a 15:51 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 168 bpm with an elevation gain of 276 feet with an average cadence of 125 spm at 59 degrees. I finished with some increased feelings of positivity. Blessed to get this work in. Thank you Lord!

Early Friday

  I headed out early since I set my alarm earlier to account for my slow moving. It was a drizzly morning again. I did 8.66 miles in 2:15:44 for a 15:40 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of  161 bpm with an elevation gain of 335 feet with an average cadence of 126 spm at 62 degrees. Have a blessed weekend.

Slow Going , but No Problem with Early Start

 I did the hill workout. I payed no attention to my splits as I knew with my earlier start I should be okay. I did 8.59 miles in 2:17:35 for a 16:00 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 172 bpm with an elevation gain of 293 feet with an average cadence of 125 spm at 62 foggy/drizzly degrees. Have a blessed day! Happy with a good doctor’s visit last night. Thank you Lord!

Tuesday (Hills) / Wednesday Ridge / Woodlot Loop

  Tuesday was a tough day because it was back to school after a long weekend. Wednesday was better as I had a workout in light rain.

Tuesday: 8.6 miles in 2:13:48 for a 15:33 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 162 bpm with an elevation gain of 348 feet with an average cadence of 126 spm at 68 degrees.

Wednesday: 9.07 miles in 2:16:44 for a 15:04 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 163 bpm with an elevation gain of 319 feet with an average cadence of 128 spm at 59 degrees.

 Tonight I see Dr. Gupta. I was thinking I had this appointment next week, but I was mistaken. God is to be praised!