The Burden and the Blessing

 Getting out the door at around 4 five days a week is definitely a challenge. The funny thing is that it is also the best part of my day. The sacrifice is not without reward and the reward is not without sacrifice. I’ll take it. The prayer and reflection that is accomplished at this time are very rewarding. I did 8.54 miles in 2:16:33 for a 15:59 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 94 bpm with an elevation gain of 221 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at 32 degrees.  It’s been a blessed day and may God bless you!

Back at It

 Today it was a short trip into the usual routine. Thankfully I did alright. I was able to do a few small extra things since I was a bit ahead of schedule. I even made it to work on time. I did my usual modified loop doing 8.54 miles in 2:15:08 for a 15:49 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 218 feet at an average heart rate of 90 bpm and an average cadence of 129 spm at around 29 degrees. I lost my gloves at a pitstop. I will try to retrieve those on my morning walk on Sunday. Thankfully my wife is doing a bit better from her procedure yesterday.Kind of sleepy this morning thanks to my cold medicine for a cold for patients with high blood pressure. Have a blessed day friends!

Operation Operation

  Today I stayed home from school to take my wife to her medical procedure. This meant that last night I could be more relaxed. In order to get my workout in and make it to work on time requires a lot of preparation. I enjoyed my day , but I definitely felt sorry for my wife. The procedure was not pleasant and it took a lot out of her.

   I got up 15 minutes later and took extra time getting around. I did the Medford/Randall workout doing 8.89 miles in 2:25:33 for a 16:22 minute per mile pace with a 96 bpm pulse at an average cadence of 127 spm at an elevation gain of 225 feet at 31 degrees. I was able to mow the lawn, take the leaves, take my daughter home, and other small chores.Thank you Lord for a restful day!

Back to the Grindstone

 It doesn’t matter how many years that I have been teaching, but it is always an adjustment when coming back from a vacation. The pressure to perform and get to work on time definitely is demanding and requires some fortitude. I did my usual workout again this morning. I have been fighting off a respiratory issue, but besides being slow— I did alright. I did 8.56 miles in 2:22:37 for a 16:39 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 89 bpm with an elevation gain of 252 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 50 degrees. I made it to work on time so that’s a positive. I’m trying to be more calm and positive with the Lord’s help. Have a blessed Monday!

Recovery/Easy Yardwork/Reflection

 I did 3.45 miles on the Sunday recovery loop. I have been fighting a cold/respiratory issue. For the most part, for me, I have been handling it decently. I usually don’t do well with these things, but I am trying to be more positive and proactive. I did some mulching in my backyard along with some raking and blowing. I have tried to stay consistent on my strength work which has been the same workout that I have done since I hurt my shoulder in the spring. My shoulder has been okay, but definitely not what it was before I hurt it. I’m just thankful that I can workout and progress. I still feel out of place here in New York and at church. I try to do the good that the Lord puts in front of me. I know the Lord is not limiting by the circumstances. I just have to trust Him even though I don’t feel like anyone down here has much confidence in my abilities. I can’t even articulate properly how awkward I feel in these circumstances. But yet the Lord has met my needs and has blessed me with a great mate, family, and good health! Thank you Lord!

Thursday/Friday in Hope

 Maine will always be my home and this area is where I grew up. It’s the place I always visited when I was in distress or needed comfort. Through my divorce and depression— legal battles— the Camden area has been a place of physical and emotional protection. In my recent years I love coming here to get away from the bustle of Long Island. I did my new loop that I started this summer going to the end of the pastor’s road and back and then I do the Barnestown Loop up to the top of Howe Hill(the woodpile) and back to my parents. It was great not being rushed even though I have a very mild cold. Here are my stats: Thursday- 8.66 miles in 2:22:06 for a 16:25 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 83 bpm with an elevation gain of 532 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at around 45 degrees. Friday: 8.66 miles in 2:22:54 for a 16:30 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 83 bpm at an elevation gain of 502 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm. Thankfully I can also do my an and strength work here at my parents. Today we went to Port Clyde and Boothbay Harbor with Ryleigh. We saw the star in Camden which sits atop Mt. Batty. Thank you Lord for these good days. I’m sitting here with my beautiful wife, Ryleigh and my mom and dad. God bless you all!

Slow and Steady into the Storm

 This was of those mornings when the pitter patter of the rain seemed to whisper stay in bed, but the blindness of faith got me out of bed and onto the road. It was raining steadily, but thankfully not too heavily although the wind was blowing incessantly. I don’t have all my stats as my workout shut down just 2 miles plus into my workout. Thankfully the Apple Watch keeps track of overall mileage, so I know that I did around 9.4 miles at a pedestrian 16:45 minute per mile pace somewhere around 2:35 minutes at 50 stormy degrees. I’m grateful for good health and am looking forward to the peaceful pace of Maine and Lord willing a couple of workouts. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Diligence

 Today as I went through the motions of my workout and commute to school, there was nothing about it that felt successful. I was a bit faster than yesterday but nothing super. I was a bit tired on the weights. My GPS kept fluctuating and I had resolved myself that I would be late and turned my GPS off once my route was determined. The funny thing was, that I made it in time. Despite a wrong turn. I did the modified two lapper doing 8.46 miles in 2:16:20 for a 16:06 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 143 bpm with an elevation gain of 232 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at 31 degrees. Looking forward to vacation in Maine. God bless and Happy Thanksgiving.

Natures White Noise

 This morning was another one of those batch mornings when I wake up and go about my business without my life partner by my side. My morning went smoothly but fatigue made everything move in slower motion. I did my modified version of the two loop standard. When I went out the door into my backyard, I could hear the sound of the wind blowing. The sound is kind of comforting. There is always that little bit of fear that tugs at you in the morning telling you that you should just hunker down and stay inside. But faith gets you out the door. I did 8.48 miles in 2:19:26 for a 16:26 minute per minute pace with an average cadence of 127 spm with an elevation gain of 227 feet with an average heart rate of 82 bpm at around 36 degrees. This is Thanksgiving week and I look forward to picking Char up at JFK tonight at 5. I also look forward to our trip to Maine where’d I will see my parents, 2 daughters and their families— Lord willing! It’s a lot of effort, but it’s a blessing to have joyful things to look forward to. Have a blessed day!

Friday/Saturday

  Friday and Saturday have been days of early travel and unexpected opportunity. My father in law had to go into St. Vincent’s in Syosette for a heart procedure. I brought him in at 5:30 am and had a smooth trip to the hospital before I turned around for home. I took the day off from work to be available for my father in law when his procedure was finished. I was able to get a hike in at Brookhaven and mow the lawn. I was also able to take my daughter to get her badge for work. She and my granddaughter had lunch with me before heading home.  I ended up picking my father in law up late afternoon.Today I took my wife to the airport at 6 so that she could surprise her brother on his 50 th birthday. I headed home and got a coffee and a muffin before kicking back a bit. I decided to head back out to Brookhaven. I will attempt to sleep in a bit tomorrow. Here are the stats for my hikes.

Friday: I did 8.61 miles in 2:58:34 for a 20:43 minute per mile with an average heart rate of 71 bpm with an elevation gain of 370 feet at an average cadence of 109 spm at around 58 degrees.

Saturday: I did 8.75 miles in 2:58:45 for a 20:24 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 67 bpm with an elevation gain of 449 feet at around 55 degrees.

I’m grateful for the opportunities that the Lord provides. Especially when I can slow the pace of life down for a little bit. I do miss my Charlotte, but I have to share my amazing wife. God bless you my friends!

Evil Knievel

 My morning started off wonderfully. I was even ahead of schedule. But with my morning routine it seems that the margin between ahead of schedule and behind schedule is marginal. I was on the slow side of on schedule. Sunrise was slower than usual and full of cars. That means that there is no room to pass. Even Robert Moses was slow. This meant that I would have to drive 90 to 90 plus were able on the Ocean Parkway. Thankfully I just made it on time— even though my GPS agave me little hope. Thank you Lord. Here ar my stats on my modified double Loop—- 8.50 miles in 2:15:05 for a 15:53 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 88 bpm with an elevation gain of 225 feet at an average cadence of 128 spm at 44 degrees. Thank you Lord for little blessing!

Fatigue and the Choice to Persevere

  This morning I woke up with a willing spirit, but a tired body. As I started getting dressed , I wished to myself that there was an easy way to stay in shape—but there isn’t. You have to pay the price for fitness. I did the exact same loop as yesterday with the exception that I went in the opposite direction. Here are the stats : 8.49 miles in 2:17:22 for a 16:10 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 109 bpm with an elevation gain of 232 feet at an average cof 129 spm at 30 degrees. I made it to school on time, but definitely felt tired and got out 3 minutes later than yesterday. We have worship night at the church tonight. I am planning on having my daughter Ericka come with me. Grateful for success—- even when it doesn’t feel like succes! PTL!

Smooth Sailing

 Today my morning routine went smoothly thankfully getting me to school early. I’m grateful for these days that things go smoothly. I did my modified two lap with a short out and back with the change of doing 2 x Ryan Road instead of going past Kastal and back up the hill. I also was blessed to be able to get my strength work in. I did 8.49 miles in 2:15:43 for a 15:59 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 166 bpm. I’m not able to pull up any more information at this time. 

Life is a grind. If you persist and work hard, good things will happen. Have a blessed day friends!

Major Crash

 The workout was good and the timing for everything was good—but a major crash on 27 got me to work late. Oh well. I did my modified 2 x Loop with a short out and back for 8.41 miles in 2:18:24 for a 16:27 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 137 bpm with an elevation gain of 220 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at 30 degrees. During each workout there is a time when fear creeps in and makes you feel like going back home. The feeling doesn’t last long, but it happens almost every day. This is the year of fear. I could deny that it’s there, but that would be a lie. I keep on going and keep on trusting the Lord. Thank you for helping me!

Out of Synch but at least I don’t Stink

  I always find that with the switch to standard time, that I feel out of sorts for awhile. My energy has been decent, but emotionally I just feel off. Part of the feeling has to do with two factors: 1) The principle getting on my case if I am the least bit tardy 2) Feeling out of sorts with my father in law. The Lord is telling me, ever so quietly, to give these things to Him. I know the Lord is at work. Yesterday I decided to go on a leisurely hike at Brookhaven. I ended up doing the last 3 miles in the dark. I did 8.16 miles in 2:56:04 for a slow 21:34 min per mile pace with an average heart rate of 70 bpm with an elevation gain of 304 feet at an average cadence of 107 spm at around 48 degrees. I used the light from my phone for around 2 miles of the the three. Fortunately the path was straight and the footing was decent. I picked up my Charlotte at around 8:30. Did a little yard work this afternoon. I try to keep the leaf situation manageable so that I don’t have to do a lot of work to do at one time. Thank you Lord for your many blessings and thanks for you guidance when I don’t know my way!

Cocoon Feeling on Veterans Day

 There are those mornings when you feel like staying in the comfort of your own bed and the warmth of your own room. Thankfully I was able to sleep in a bit. This morning work routine certainly take’s its toll. It’s nice to be able to relax and recover. A day off means an opportunity to recharge my personal batteries. I have enjoyed the little outings with my daughter and granddaughters. Our time together has been a blessing. I have enjoyed having the liberty of having a bit more free time. I do miss my wife , but the time by myself has been productive. Today’s workout was definitely slower. I took advantage of the opportunity to take my time. I had good workouts this week. I did the Longwood loop doing the Red Maple version off from Medford road. I did 9.15 miles in 2:32:46 for a 16:41 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 83 bpm with an elevation gain of 290 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 46 cloudy degrees. My strength work went well. Later on the girls and I did a hike at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge after I mowed my back lawn. Looking forward to a bit more freedom before my Love comes home! God bless you my friends!

A Lot of Hurry for no Great Reason

 This was the morning of everything clicking. My workout flowed nicely despite being kind of tired initially. I got my weight work in quickly. My school preparation went well. I went outside with all my stuff and realized that my house and car keys were locked inside the house. I couldn’t get inside since Char was in her team devotions. I called my father in-law, but he had a Zoom meeting. Long story short, Char texted me telling me where I could find the key. After some time I did a 3 plus mile hike at Brookhaven county park. Lots I could say— like my father in law can rarely come through when I need him— and because of my petty administrator, I took half a day rather than let her mark me tardy again. The shame is, that I could have made it for class. I did 8.38 miles in 2:14:54 for a 16:05 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 168 bpm with an elevation gain of 238 feet at an average cadence of 130 spm at 37 calm degrees. Today was a bit frustrating, but it played out the way it had to. Mishaps happen. Looking forward to a three day weekend of no commuting and rushing around. Lord willing, I’m getting together for a hike with my daughter and granddaughters tomorrow afternoon. Have a blessed day!

Momentum

 I have been on a streak in my workouts where I have been able to keep up a decent pace for several weeks. I especially have avoided the really sluggish times. I think this is a product of the pressure put on us at work. Anyway… It was a beautiful breezy morning with just enough clouds in the sky to add beauty. I did my modified two loop workout. I was out on the early side of normal which allowed me time to compensate for a few mishaps. I wasn’t able to talk with Char last night as she was late getting back to her room and the wi-fi connection wasn’t good. Yesterday I took my granddaughter to the doctors because she got a tick bite with the bullseye— yes, Lymes disease. We finished our visit with two pizzas at Seven/Eleven-yummy! Here are my stats- I did 8.45 miles in 2:13:56 for a 15:51 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 85 bpm with an elevation gain of 170 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at around 49 degrees. It’s been a decent stretch of training, thank you Lord!

Election Day

  Today is a half day at school. Fortunately we had the luxury of coming in 15 minutes later. Which for me translated into coming in one minute later due to the barking this place does if you’re the least bit tardy. I tried a different route since I had a few minutes extra to play with. I did the three times Woodlot/Raynor with a 3 x Woodlot hill and a shortened third lap through the trail. I did 8.81 miles in 2:24:32 for a 16:23 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 86 bpm with an elevation gain of 301 feet with an average cadence of 128 spm at 54 drizzly degrees. I did a quick round of strength work before heading to the shower. I have been feeling pretty good physically. I’m very grateful to be able to do what I do. Have a blessed day friends!

Sometimes You’re As Good as You’re Breaks

 Today I was fortunate enough to be timely in my morning routine, but definitely not ahead of schedule. My wife Charlotte is down in the Dominican Republic leading a short term missions trip, helping to build a church in San Marcos. This gives me extra responsibility and extra freedom. I do miss her, but I just try to take advantage of the situation. I kind of have a schedule in my head, and in a relaxed way, I’m trying to stick to it. This morning I did the out and back and two loops doing 8.56 miles in 2:20:13 for a 16:22 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 216 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at an average heart rate of 171 bpm. 

 I usually don’t like this time change, but I’m trying to use that change and batching it this week as a motivation to meet my little goals. I’m thankful for the little things. Lord willing I am getting together with my daughter and girls a couple of times this week. Looking forward to it! Have a blessed day!

Good Flow

 For all the challenges of the week, my pace picked up for most of my workouts. I know that I can’t count on being fast all the time, but I will take it when I can. I did the shortened version of my two loop workout. I also got in all of my strength work before going to school. Although I do not like the pressure to get everything done quickly in the morning, I find that the pressure incentivizes my workout distracting me from its rigor and monotony. I did 8.46 miles in 2:11:49 for a 15:34 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 167 bpm with an elevation gain of 209 feet at an average cadence of 131 spm at a cool 35 degrees. Getting up so early means that everything that detracts from my sleep total is a loss. That said, I must still attack my workout regardless of how little sleep I got— I try to make up for my losses on the weekend— love those weekends! Have a blessed day and weekend!

A Lot of Effort for…

 … a marginal victory. I got out early and drove fairly fast and made a few maneuvers to make it to work on time with a minute to spare. Traffic is slowly approaching pre-pandemic woes of terribleness. My workout was good this morning however! I did my two looper with a short out and backs doing 8.61 miles in 2:15:46 for a 15:46 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 96 bpm with an elevation gain of 181 feet at an average cadence of 128 spm at 35 degrees. Kind of tired now. Have a blessed day friends!

Obstacles

 This school year and last have been good in many ways and challenging in others. For me, the challenge of not being tardy for work on at least some days seems impossible. Even allowing for some buffer time it seems as if I always have some obstacle that makes me unsuccessful. Frustrating. 

 My workout went well, I did 8.84 in 2:20 something for around a 15 something minute per mile pace. It’s difficult to get the data now. I felt good. I did a quick strength workout before showering. The distance to travel to work too and from present many challenges. Looking to the Lord , but always grateful. Last Bible study tonight in the series on James.