Mixed Results

 Today my workout went well. It rained, but no too hard. I created a new loop by combining old routes. Variety helps to keep things interesting. I maintained a decent pace and had no slowdowns. My strength work went well. My transition was moving but a little slow. All said, I made it to my car ahead of schedule. The problem was the rain and an accident put me behind schedule. This month was a bit disappointing as I was consistently a little bit late to work. In past years it would not be a problem, but this year things are a bit different. Lord willing it won’t be a problem. I did 8.50 miles in 2:18:34 for a 16:17 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 144 bpm with an elevation gain of 283 feet with an average cadence of 127 spm at a rainy 59 degrees. I like Friday’s as I have the weekend and sleeping in ahead of me— and I need some rest.

Our church has it’s 25th anniversary on Sunday. The Lord has a purpose for our church and Lord willing the purpose will be fulfilled. Tho Him be the glory! Have a great weekend!

Not So Bad for Slow

 Things with me are just a bit behind schedule. If I were not on a time clock the differences would be almost undetectable— but the time clock shows that I am slowing down. Yesterday was a long day and I’m still kind of reeling and today will be a long day. I have the strength it just makes me tired. Today I did the Medford/Randall Loop doing 8.85 miles in 2:28:40 for a 16:47 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 85 bpm with an elevation gain of 206 feet with an average cadence of 127 spm at 54 degrees. 

Medically speaking I’m doing all right thankfully. Boring is very good. Thank you Lord!

When You Don’t Have Your Best

 In my younger years I always went into a race wondering how my body was going to respond. You might have a great day, an average day, or a poor day— you didn’t know until you began the race. This week I have been working out and I know that I am not fast. Often you must face the day when you’re off from your best. That’s when you must persevere, stay focused, and stick with the plan without hesitation. Today I did the Apple Court, Kastal, Ryan, Woodlot, and Randall loop doing 8.77 miles in 2:26:38 for a 16:43 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 86 bpm with an average cadence of 127 spm at an elevation gain of 222 feet at a cool 52 degrees. I had to wear my sweatshirt this morning.

I’m grateful as I got the strength work in and made it to work in decent time. Have a blessed day friends!

You Never Know What a Day will Bring

 This morning I was definitely tired. I kept going— but it was slow. Each morning I try to have a focusing thought. Today’s thought was you don’t know how many more of these mornings you will be out on the road. We are not guaranteed anything in life except what the Lord has promised. It was quite windy, but despite my tiredness I had a positive mindset. Even though I was slow moving, I got out early enough to make this a typical morning. I did the short out and back plus 2 x Woodlot/Ridge doing 8.61 miles in 2:27:56 for a 17:11 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 125 bpm with an elevation gain of 276 feet at an average cadence of 125 spm at a windy 59 degrees. I was hoping to be ahead of pace , but I was just moving too slow. Looks like I will have the typical post school weight work to complete.

  A distant passed away about a week after suffering what appeared to be a stroke— he was only 62 years old. It’s appointed for us to die and then the judgment. I’m so glad that I trust my eternity to Jesus. Praise His name.

Friend 

Rainy Yom Kipper

 I got ups bit before 5. I had been experiencing a restful sleep, but this creature of habit got dressed and headed out the door into the rain. I was surprised to see a lot of debris and damage done by the rain and wind. Trees and wires were down all around Ridge. I certainly didn’t push the pace too much. I just kind of enjoyed the moment. I did the Longwood Loop since I had the extra time. I did 9.06 in 2:33:04 for a 16:53 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 90 bpm with elevation gain of 313 feet at an average cadence of 125 spm at a rainy 63 degrees. I was reminded as I went about the streets of Ridge that God is in control. I can trust His plan!

Weekend Blog

 I don’t often blog on the weekend. My wife informed me that she was working Saturday morning so I decided to go for a walk through Brookhaven. It was raining ever so lightly affording me the opportunity to get out on these tired legs. I love the fall and this is an opportunity to get out in my favorite season. I did a combination of loops. I didn’t see a single soul on my walk. My stats will not be impressive, but it is an extra workout. I did 8.15 miles in 2:52:23 for a 21:09 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 71 bpm with an elevation gain of 552 feet.with an average cadence of 108 spm at a temp of around 60 degrees. I was tired the rest of the day, but thankfully I didn’t have too do much.

Lots on my mind, but I don’t think I will post it. Jesus is Lord!

Falling

 I did the Medford/Randall Loop doing 8.87 miles in 2:23:35 for a 16:11 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 171 bpm with an elevation gain of 214 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at a cooler 52 degrees. I saw a couple guys out coming from Strathmore. I also noticed a walker at Leisure Village. I took a fall at the end of Woodlot on the sidewalk where the stone sticks out of the ground. I was tired from mowing last night. I think the fatigue slowed me a bit and caused me to fall. I’m looking forward to a little rest this weekend. My wife is out again tonight so I will probably watch cowboy shows tonight. Have a blessed weekend folks!

The Reward

 Every morning there is a short internal argument about whether to workout or not. Getting up so early seems crazy when the alarm goes off. But then your mind reminds you of that good feeling that you get as you walk down Raynor Road towards your house just before 6:30. The clarity of thought and time of prayer on the move is special. The reward is always worth the effort. I did the Apple Court, Kastal, Ryan, Woodlot, and Randall loop doing 8.73 miles in 2:18:56 for a 15:54 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 114 bpm with an elevation gain of 221 feet at an average cadence of 130 spm at 55 degrees. Off to the salt mines— God bless you!

Adrenaline

 Why is it that when you know you have your busiest days, you get your worst sleep the night before? When you wake up ridiculously early, it doesn’t take much to throw the balance off. Today I had to drop my car off at the garage, walk to work, have academic night, and go to Bible study. I started out my Medford/Randall/Woodlot workout with a fall on Medford road just at the beginning. I stepped into a hole camouflaged with grass. It just goes to show you that it doesn’t take much to upset things. The Lord protects us daily in ways that we don’t even see. I did 8.85 miles in 2:20:46 for a 15:54 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 120 bpm with an elevation gain of 208 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at 54 degrees. I managed to get both upper body supersets in before work and still made it in time.

The Lord provided this morning as He does each day. I am so grateful for Christian radio as I have the opportunity to listen to tremendous teaching on my daily commute. Oh, how I need this teaching. Have a God honoring day!

Fatigue

 The last couple of days have been slow. It seems as if I am moving in slow motion. I’ve learned to keep plodding forward even when you aren’t up to par. Eventually, things usually improve. I did my usual short out and back and then 2 x Woodlot/Ridge. It’s remarkable how rural Ridge appears in the early morning. You’re surrounded by the sound of crickets and the movement of animals. I did 8.62 miles in 2:23:26 for a 16:38 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 82 bpm with an elevation gain of 229 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at a comfortable 59 degrees. I’m amazed at how courteous drivers are especially since my odd looking power walking gate looks kind of silly. Off to work, God bless you!

Do The Right Thing

 I was reading this morning how a mother who was told to get an abortion so that she could receive radiation treatment for stage 4 cancer refused to. She instead received alternative treatments. The fact is, she made a principled decision even though it most likely will cost her life so that her child can be born. She made the choice because it was the right choice, even to her own detriment. It reminded me that as a Christian I should be making decisions based on the Bible and not based on what is easiest. Today I did 8.6 miles. Not a lot of information because of the my watch going a bit haywire. Have a blessed day— !!

Windy but No Hurricane

 This morning there was a touch of autumn in the air. A persistent wind continued throughout the workout. Although I was tired from the long day yesterday, I had a positive feeling knowing that the weekend is close. It’s funny how when I am at odds with my wife, my life seems awkward. In most cases it’s not a big deal, but it still has a way of making you feel a bit down.

I did the short out and back with two Woodlot/Ridge loops doing 8.61 miles in 2:23:15 for a 16:38 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 116 bpm with an elevation gain of 262 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at 62 degrees. I always look forward to the extra rest on the weekends. God ble!

Be Still

 If we’re not careful, we can have the feeling that we are constantly in some sort of time crunch. This can lead to a sense of anxiousness. I have been guilty of feeling this way. I have tried to change a bit by telling myself that it is okay to fail. This sense of freedom has been helpful. I do try to be prepared to be ready for each day—- but after that I try not to worry. This morning I did the Woodlot/Randall, Apple Court, Ryan loop doing 8.76 miles in 2:21:26 for a 16:08 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 116 bpm with an elevation gain of 220 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at 65 degrees. 

It wasn’t as warm or as humid this morning making for a pleasant workout. I felt today was a good workout. I had a nice conversation with my brother this morning. We have talked most school Thursdays for several years now. It’s always a time that I look forward to. Have a blessed day friends! Thanks for reading my blog.

Chorus of Crickets

 This summer I stopped listening to my ear buds every workout. In fact, lately I haven’t listened at all. It’s one less step to deal with in the morning and it allows me to be more aware of my surroundings out on the roads. Ridge is fairly wooded and especially early, it has the appearance of a rural area. I listen to a chorus of crickets as I travel the roads of Ridge. I did my short out and back and two loops of Woodlot/Ridge. I saw a fair amount of deer out this morning, catching a little snack before sunrise. It’s amazing how the inconvenience and annoyance of working out changes to a time of tranquility and communion with the Lord. It’s having faith in what you’re doing. Today I did 8.61 miles in 2:19:24 for a 16:11 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 159 bpm with an elevation gain of 267 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at an overcast 67 degrees. The sky was a pretty pink when the sun attempted to rise. Time to teach! God bless you my friends!

The Day

 I have tried to adopt a bit of a new philosophy—-appreciating the day and the moment. Often I start thinking ahead to Friday, but I lose track that today something good could happen. Today is unique and is an opportunity provided by the Lord. I was pleasantly tired. The quiet of the morning provides a unique time to pray and reflect. I did the same route as yesterday doing 8.75 miles in 2:23:33 for a 16:24 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 87 bpm with an elevation gain of 233 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at a humid 69 degrees. Looking forward to going home after work and hopefully watching a cowboy show or two. God bless you!

First at 59

 I woke up after a fairly restful night’s sleep. It’s funny how you always fight the going back to bed feeling. It never really goes away. I know that today is going to be a long day with open house tonight. I’m concerned about my wife. I feel like her bronchitis might have turned into pneumonia. It’s not like her to cough and cough for weeks. This morning I did the Apple Court, Kastal, Ryan, Woodlot, and Randall Loop doing 8.72 miles in 2:23:36 for a 16:28 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 127 bpm with an elevation gain of 238 feet with an average cadence of 126 spm at a foggy/humid 70 degrees. I’m thankful for day one at age 59–Thank you Lord!

Good Groove

 This week was busy, but thankfully things fell into place. I had a good feeling about each day this week. My walking pace wasn’t super fast , but it was quicker than last week. Work was busy, but not too busy. My workouts went fairly well. I am grateful for how this week went. Today was my last workout at age 58. Tomorrow I begin my last year in this decade. It seems like yesterday when I received my invitation to membership for AARP and now I am almost out of my 50’s. I am grateful and hopeful as I go into the next year. This morning I did the Woodlot/Kastal, Apple Court, Ryan, Randall loop doing 8.69 miles in 2:22:22 for a 16:22 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 170 bpm at an average cadence of 126 spm with an elevation gain of 231 feet at a humid 75 degrees. I was soaking wet when I finished my workout.

It’s funny that the people I tried to avoid seeing by doing this route, I just saw them going in the opposite direction. Have a blessed day!

Wednesday/Thursday

 I have been blessed to hit sort of a groove. I’ve stuck to doing the short out and back and two times Woodlot/Ridge.

Wednesday: 8.59 miles in 2:21:05 for a 16:25 minute per mile with an average heart rate of 171 bpm with an elevation gain of 275 feet at a cadence of 125 spm at 73 degrees.

Thursday: 8.59 miles in 2:21:38 for a 16:29 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 82 bpm with an elevation gain of 219 feet at an average cadence of 125 spm at 72 degrees. I saw a guy walking to work and passed him after exchanging a few words.

I have a good schedule, but I definitely need things to run smoothly for things to work. Thank you Lord for your peace and goodness.

Early in Ridge

 I woke up really early as I had some pressure in my right ear. I didn’t fall back asleep, but I did lay still for about an hour. We have Jace and his family staying with us until their air conditioner is repaired. Jace headed out the door a few minutes before I got up. Char was awake for awhile in the middle of the night. It seems as if everyone was a bit on edge. I did my typical short out and back and then 2 x Woodlot/Ridge for 8.57 miles in 2:19:31for a 16:17 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 129 bpm with an elevation gain of 231 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at a warm 72 degrees. Longwood didn’t have school so it was a quiet day on the streets of Ridge. Tomorrow I have to be in early to fill in for Mr. Halverson. It was nice to be on my normal schedule even though it is demanding in some ways. If I can keep this pace I should be okay as long as I get out a bit early. It takes work and persevering to maintain one’s workouts, but it is worth the effort. For now it seems as if I’m where the Lord wants me— Praise His Name!

2 Workouts in Maine

 I made an uncustomary Labor Day weekend trip to Maine. On one hand it’s a lot of travel in a short period of time. On the other hand it involves some peaceful alone time between my visits. I love being home, but it has been a busy home time for quite some time— so in some ways it’s less demanding being in Maine. I had good visit with friends mostly from church, but also some friends from school. I still feel a part of the Eastport community and they seem to look at me me as a person with some abilities. In New York I’m the old guy at work and the guy married to a really talented person with a rock star family. I know, this is a noted struggle that I have. For a short time I was that person who taught about everyone in town who coached for years, and was involved in church and special music. It felt nice.

Sunday- Eastport: I did the usual intown loop, dump road loop, with the couple of hills added in along with the hill in and out of Harris Point. I did 9.42 miles in 2:36:27 for a 16:36 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 88 bpm with an elevation gain of 486 feet at an average cadence of 125 spm at a comfortable 56 degrees. My stomach was kind of bothering me which made the workout so that I couldn’t enjoy it. I saw a few walkers and dog walkers out on this beautiful Sunday morning in the unsurpassed beauty of downeast Maine.

Monday (today) Hope, Maine: I did the Barnestown and Howe Hill Loops with the out and back down the Pastor’s road. I did 8.65 miles in 2:24:32 for a 16:42 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 145 bpm with an elevation gain of 559 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at a sunny 58 degrees. I didn’t see a soul out on the Labor Day Streets of Hope. I did my two upper body strength workouts in Hope. Thankfully my father had all the necessary workout equipment so that I can get the work in on the road. I was glad to get workouts in at Hope, but both days seemed kind of hurried— but it was still a blessing. I also had a nice visit with Kim, Antonio’s, and Oliver. Kim loves her family and animals. Off to my first day of school tomorrow. Things will be a bit more busy at home with Jace and his family there until their air conditioner gets fixed. Hopefully they can get their air conditioner fixed, but in the meantime we will provide shelter. God is good! Have a blessed rest of your day friends.