Ending the Month on a Low in the Snow

  I woke up to a snowy morning. This was the first time that we had any measurable snow this winter. I knew that Charlotte had to go to work, so I decided to cut back on my distance and come back and shovel before work. The local schools had a delayed start, so I knew that there would be fewer people out and around. I did two loops of Raynor, Kastal, Ridge for 6.30 miles in 1:53:12 for a 17:57 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 137 bpm with an elevation gain of 223 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 32 snowy degrees. I knew that I wasn’t getting to 200 miles for the month and with my age and the greasy conditions I just decided to keep things manageable instead of striving. I need to be a little more reasonable in my older age. I figured that with my work schedule that I could still meet all my goals on my watch closing all the circles. I also decided to cut out my physical therapy as my right flute was tight yesterday. Again, I need to cut back a little to ensure that I can keep going. Thank you Lord for a good day. I think that my depression medication is actually helping elevate my mood. God bless!

Back At It

 I did my return workout this morning and it went fairly smoothly. I did the Apple Court, Kastal, Ryan, Woodlot, and Randall Loop for 8.47 miles in 2:17:41 for a good 16:15 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 163 bpm at a cadence of 130 spm. I still had my setting on indoor, so I have no elevation gain. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my weight stayed the same after good eating on the ship. I have a dentist appointment tonight. God bless my family and friends!

Friday before Vacation

 As usual, when I’m in a hurry I forget to blog. I started a bit behind so I went for the standard route of out and back and then 2 x Woodlot and Ridge for 8.60 miles in 2:17:11 for a 15:56 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 81 bpm with an elevation gain of 245 l feet at an average cadence of  127 spm at 46 degrees. I was tired yet looking forward to the cruise with Char. Thank you Lord for good health.

Last day on Colder Waters

 I got out early hoping to get in bed after my workout before my wife woke up. I decided to go just 7 miles. I did accomplish my move goal thanks to the stairs on the boat. Now I’m on the train heading to Ronkonkoma after waking up in mid-town Manhattan. So today marked my first day walking in pants and a hoodie. No one was out this morning except for a couple and the men cleaning the deck. It was a good cruise just ended up with some irritations on my right foot. Here are my stats- 7.01 miles in 2:14:28 for a 19:10 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 72 bpm with an average cadence of 112 spm at a temp probably in the 50’s. It was a relaxing cruise with my gift for on God Charlotte. After a day off back to the old routine tomorrow. God is good- I’m missing Maine!

Tired Legs Keep Moving

 I am keeping my workouts to keep up with the good eating done here on the ship. I got out early once again doing 8.07 miles in 2:38:50 for a 19:41 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 69 bpm with an average cadence of 110 spm at a warm temp of around 68-70 degrees. I tried to get eight miles to try to meet my move goal. Tomorrow I will most likely try to get a workout in , but it’s not a definite. I am blessed and grateful to get the work in. Thank you Lord. I am enjoying a lot of reading time and down time including a lot of napping. I am using the internet provided on the ship for free. God bless you!

Wednesday—Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, Tuesday, Miami, Florida

 Wednesday- I got out early knowing that I had to get out early to head to the beach on the boat tender. I started doing a short sprint up an incline at the end of deck 7.  I usually do a combination of deck 7 and 8. I usually see deck hands and a few early risers. Early is the way to go on this ship. Here I sit now on my room deck looking at the port in Miami. I am so grateful for this relaxing time and this time with Charlotte. We are blessed to have each other. I see a cruise as a luxury item, but I have needed it since the commute and my job have been grinding me down. My Prozac has helped elevate my mood which was really dragging me down. Depression seems to be one of my weak spots, but I’ve learned to get help when it kicks in. I feel like this week I have been able to recharge my batteries a bit. Just not having to get in my car and head to work to get there in time after my workday has been a blessing. Now for the workouts.

Wednesday- Bahamas: 8.32 miles in 2:42:43 for a 19:33 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 71 bpm with an average cadence of 111 spm at a warm temp I’m guessing of 72 degrees.

Thursday- Had to get out early for my tour of Miami and my customs check. I finished my workout by going to the cafeteria to get cereal, a danish, and a couple of muffins. I did 7.68 miles in 2:27:49 for a 19:15 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 72 bpm at an average cadence of 112 spm at a warm probably 72-73 degree Miami temp. It was beautiful to watch us enter beautiful Miami harbor in the pre-dawn hours. Thank you Lord for your many blessings.

I probably will be off-line for a couple of days , so will most likely blog on Sunday. There is an outside change of an early blog time. We’ll see. God bless you my friends and family!

Monday at Sea, Tuesday Florida

 Monday- 7.04 in 2:27:29 for a 20:57 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 70 bpm with an average cadence of 105 bpm.

Tuesday- Florida, Cape C.- I did 7.22 miles in 2:21:48 for a 19:37 mile per minute pace with an average heart rate of 70 bpm at an average cadence of 110 spm at a temp of 63 degrees. Of to the Bahamas tomorrow. God bless you my friends.

The Power of Ordinary

 Each day we go through our daily routine doing everyday things and often complaining. BUT, to be able to do these things is truly a blessing that we should not take for granted. We don’t often see the blessings that we enjoy each day until they are taken away from us. So today I am grateful for the things that I do each day. Today I did the 3 x Woodlot/Raynor with a short out and back on Raynor and up the hill on Woodlot crossing the trail on the third lap. I did 8.89 miles in 2:17:38 for a 15:28 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 163 bpm with an elevation gain of 236 feet with an average cadence of 130 spm at 49 degrees. Have a blessed day!

Sometimes Ordinary is Great

 Today I decided to put my antidepressant journey on hold. You have to weigh the benefits with the side effects. I did the Kastal/Woodlot/Randall Loop doing 8.67 miles in 2:17:42 for a 15:53 minute per mile pace with a 172 average heart rate and an elevation gain of 201 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at 42 degrees. I am looking forward to our cruise and Long d willing a relaxing and restful time with Char. Thank you Lord for the strength that you give.

A Bit Behind

 Although my pace is close to last week’s pace , I have found myself to be a bit behind schedule in the morning. I think this is mainly due to fatigue. I pray that I stay healthy so that I can go on and enjoy my cruise. I started out doing the Apple Court/Woodlot/Randall Loop , but had to turn around to make a pitstop at home. I did the same loop as yesterday doing 8.74 miles in 2:16:20 for a 15:36 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 108 bpm with an elevation gain of 241 feet  with an average cadence of 130 spm at 40 degrees. Started on my Prozac today, hopefully it helps and doesn’t hurt. Have a blessed day!

Doing Well

 I am sore today after trying to resume my strength work after a shoulder injury. My arthritis and shoulder are both hurting. My depression meds are elevating my BP, but thankfully work is getting done. Lord willing we remain well so that we can go on our cruise. I hope to keep active, but there won’t be any weight lifting for a bit, which should help my injury.

I did the short out and back and 2 x Woodlot/Ridge for 8.59 miles in 2:15:39 for a 15:47 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 177 bpm with an elevation gain of 239 feet with an average cadence of 128 spm at 39 cloudy degrees. I’m about work and am relying on prayer and instinct to make some choices. Have a blessed day!

Bringing it Home

 I was tired again, but did the work anyway Praise God! I did the Medford/Randall Loop doing 9.03 in 2:21:50 for a 15:42 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 228 feet with an average cadence of 129 spm at a balmy 46 degrees. Good bless you, have a fantastic weekend.

Charific Day

 February 9th is my wife’s birthday. I was very tired upon waking up this morning. Fortunately, the habit took over and got me out on the road. I did 3 x Woodlot with an out and back and a cut across the trail. I did 9.14 miles in 2:18:59 for a 15:12 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 85 bpm with an elevation gain of 228 feet with an average cadence of 131 spm at 36 degrees. I’m starting an antidepressant today of Welbutrin . I’m a little anxious, but doing okay. Hopefully I can stay on this med. God bless you!

A Step Back Going Forward

 Today I felt a bit tired as I hit the road and was 1 minute behind. I didn’t feel like pushing, so I did the flatter slightly shorter Medford/Randall Loop . I didn’t listen to my splits, but based on other vehicles and when I usually see them on the route— I knew that I was faster than usual so I added a few little extra out and backs. Here are the stats 9.04 miles in 2:17:08 for a 15:09 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 88 bpm with an elevation gain of 7 feet at an average cadence of 131 spm at 40 degrees. By the time I was near home the temp dropped below freezing making for a bit of slipperiness. Have a doctor’s appointment tonight to make sure my BP is back down and to talk about depression. Have a blessed day!

Pushing

 I’ve been pushing these last couple of days to hurry up and get to school earlier. Just like every morning, it’s a lot of preparation and pushing to get things done before school. I did the summer version of the Longwood Loop doing 9.20in 2:23:09 for a 15:33 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 166 bpm with an elevation gain of 301 feet at an average cadence of 130 spm at 32 clear degrees. I saw the big dog walker as he was heading up Ridge road. It’s good to have been keeping up a better pace. Hopefully it lasts. God bless and praise Him!

Around In Good Season

 Each day regardless of how good is a grind to get to work. Preparation is the key to success if making it to work on time is to be. I did the Longwood Loop which I started this summer. I head up to route 25 between the Post Office and Seven/Eleven. I also do a very small out and back on Raynor before I head home. I did 9.14 in 2:22:17 for a 15:33 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 131 bpm with an elevation gain of 256 feet with an average cadence of 129 spm at 39 degrees. I think I have a hidden enemy at work who acts nice, but is devious. I will commit it to the Lord. God bless!

Beating the Cold

 Today concluded a good week of training. Each day I was able to get out a bit early with the exception of Monday. I did 3 x Woodlot/Raynor with a modification so that I could cut through the woods on the last lap. I saw a lot of deer moving about with a few scattered snow flurries. I did 9 miles in 2:16:20 for a 15:08 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 90 bpm with an elevation gain of 245 feet at an average cadence of 130 spm at 35 degrees. My wife and I are watching The Chosen tonight with some church friends. Thank you Lord for a good week. On a quick note, the wind kicked up at the very end of my workout ushering in the arctic air that is arriving.

Accepting the Good

 Some days you just hit that right rhythm where things seem to go the way you want them. I’m grateful that this week has been good. My cautious nature has me waiting for things to go to the tired and things not going quite right, but I’m learning that it’s good to accept and enjoy a good day. I’ve been feeling a bit more energized and this have gotten out a few minutes earlier. This positive trend has allowed me to go the Longwood Look the last couple of days. The Longwood Loop is good because you don’t see anyone until the very end of the workout. A few more hills in this loop. I did 9.09 miles in 2:18:36 for a 15:14 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 73 bpm with an elevation gain of 14 feet with an average cadence of 131 spm at 28 degrees.

        My daughter Kim has her wisdom teeth out today up in Presque Isle. I’ve been praying for her. I had a nice talk with my brother Todd this morning. God is so good! God bless you my friends and family this February 2 of 2023.

February arrives with Snow

 I woke up after a good long night’s sleep. I was a little sleepy at first, but I revived as time went by. I was slightly ahead of schedule, so I decided to try the Longwood Loop for the first time on a school day. I have as surprised to see the light snow coming down steadily. I prayed for steady footing and the Lord supplied. I enjoyed this loop, but have stayed away from it because of me slowing down and taking too long. I did 9.13 in 2:22:43 for a 15:37 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 103 bpm with an elevation gain of 117 feet with an average cadence of 130 spm at a temperature of 28 degrees.my first 3 miles we’re old school pace, but then kind of settled into my recent slower pace. Have a blessed day!