Before The Dawn

 Day 2 of operation slow down. I’m walking regularly as the speed walking right now seems to be aggravating my knees. Life is about adjustments. I’m trying to be more disciplined on my eating.  I definitely hurt my knees and have to make adjustments. This easier walking pace seems to be working. This is definitely a time for change. I did 8.75 miles in 2:37:01 for a 17:57 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 74 bpm with an elevation gain of 281 feet at an average cadence of 116 spm at 73 degrees. My weight has been at 200 this week. I just have to stay with the plan. Be patient with the changing variables in my life. Have a blessed day friends.

Wednesday-Tuesday

 Wednesday Longwood Loop(first day back at school)- 9.32 miles in 2:37:32 for a 16:54 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 150 bpm with an elevation gain of 346 feet with an average cadence of 123 spm at 71 degrees.

Thursday- 3 x Woodlot: 9.08 miles in 2:29:38 for a 16:28 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 156 bpm with an elevation gain of 275 feet with an average cadence of 124 spm at 72 degrees.

Friday: Raynor Hill Workout: 8.56 miles in 2:19:19 for a 16:16 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 151 bpm with an elevation gain of 382 feet at an average cadence of 125 spm at 73 degrees.

Monday- Longwood:  9.32 miles in 2:36:59 for a 16:50 minute per mile with an average heart rate of 153 bpm with an elevation gain of 290 feet with an average cadence of 124 spm at 72 degrees.

Tuesday: 8.70 miles at an average cadence of 115 spm. At an average pace of 18:08 minutes per mile. I’m switching to an easier pace until my knees feel better. The slow pace definitely made a difference. Just thankful to get the work in. God bless!

Sledging Through The Downpours

 Going out today was done with many thoughts of how am I going to get through the school year. This summer has been a summer of many positive things and blessings without the feeling of direction and purpose.  I am going to Rca Lord willing for my 13 th year.  I am thankful for the job and benefits, but the job itself is one of survival.  My heart is not in it as well, my heart is not into my church even with my wife and father in law serving as pastors and basically running the church guiding it’s direction.  I love my wife and she is the only reason that I attend.  It hasn’t always been this way, but it has progressed to this point over the years.  I know the Lord is in control and I my trust is in Him. 

My workout today was slow. I experienced several major downpours and kind of just survived. My pace has been slow of late. My knees have been an issue especially since camp. All those tag games seemed to tare up my knees and they have yet to recover. I have also been so tired and uninspired— the result has been slow paces. I did 9.3 miles in 2:37:09 for a 16:53 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 156 bpm with an elevation gain of 370 feet with an average cadence of 122 spm at 72 very humid degrees.  I hope that this workout is like the last dresses rehearsal— meaning a bad workout means a good year.  So I go into the year with my weight at the high end of normal and my pace at the low end of fast. That said, I am grateful for my health and my opportunities for some down time. I know there is not perfect place, but I do long for Maine and teaching and coaching in a small town. Being a member of a church where I feel a part and can use my abilities. Bless you Lord!

Saturday/ Monday

 On Saturday Charlotte went in to lead a Weight Watcher Site for the morning.  I decided to hike the Calverton loop. This coming weekend will be hectic with another granddaughter on the way with Jace’s wife expecting— so I took advantage of the opportunity to get some easy distance in. I did 9.31 miles in 2:56300 for a 18:57 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 70 bpm with an average cadence of 111 spm with an elevation gain of 301 feet at a temperature of 74 degrees.

Today I did the Red Maple version of the Longwood Loop doing 9.25 miles in 2:34:18 for a 16:41 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 134 bpm with an elevation gain of 391 feet at an average cadence of 123 spm at 71 humid degrees. One more day of freedom before school. Let’s see what the Lord has in store- Praise Him!

Friday

 This is the last Friday of Summer Vacation. I’m not complaining— teachers are blessed with summer vacation. It was a beautiful morning. I decided to head out on a route I haven’t used much— the Ridge Loop.  I saw two ladies a bit ahead of me who were speed walking. Yes, I passed them. They forced me to keep my pace going. I did 9.29 miles in 2:28:29 for a 15:59 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 170 bpm with an elevation gain of 252 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 69 degrees. I had a good visit with my daughter Ericka and my 3 granddaughters yesterday. I also was able to give my daughter Rebekah a ride home after her car broke down. It’s a blessing to be able to be involved in the lives of your family.

Yes

 Sometimes doing the workout is simply saying an inaudible “Yes” to yourself. The last two mornings I have felt like going back to sleep when waking up.  As always, I am always glad when I am out on my workout. Today I did the longer version but slightly altered Longwood Loop. I headed up Red Maple Road off Medford up to Middle Country and down Ridge Road.  There was a walker that I would have passed, but I didn’t feel like saying my “Good Mornings “ to her. I did 9.22 in 2:31:23 for a 16:24 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 167 bpm with an elevation gain of 295 feet at an average cadence of 124 spm at 66 degrees. A nice pleasant workout! God bless!

Pleasant Sleep

 I was having a nice dream and then woke up for a minute and noticed that it was 4:30. I still try to get out early to avoid traffic and other people being out and around.  I had pleasant thoughts and felt decent as I walked along these quiet summer streets. Soon the quiet will be replaced with school buses and the usual scurrying of the school year.  For now I will approve the slower less rushed pace of life. I did the longer version of the Longwood Loop.  I did 9.38 miles in 2:33:49 for a 16:24 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 160 bpm with an elevation gain of 308 feet at an average cadence of 124 spm at 66 degrees. The Lord is teaching me to enjoy the positives of my present circumstances.  I of course have things that I look forward to in the future. Thank you Lord for your goodness!