Eating Late

  These past few weeks I have been teaching after school. I’ve noticed that on week days that my weight goes up with no change in diet. I think the factor that seems to be in play is eating at 7:30 as opposed to 5:30. Today I was a bit slow, but it seemed fast in comparison to yesterday. I did 6.69 miles in 1:50:14 for a 16:28 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 92 bpm with an elevation gain of 318 feet at an average cadence of 128 spm at a cooler temp of 53 degrees. Food things going on, just too tired to write about in God bless!

Easy Button

 It’s important to design your workouts so that you have flexibility to change and adjust. For me I have options that are slightly easier that I use when tired, pinched for time, or just need a change. Today I did a shorter, but steeper sprint. I did 8 x Raynor Hill at a slower pace doing 6.52 in 1:52:52 for a 17:14 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 99 bpm with an elevation gain of 296 feet at a cadence of 125 spm at a light rainy 59 degrees. I was super tired, but enjoyed the beauty and peace of the morning. With a shorter workout, it is easier to complete a workout when you are tired or uninspired. Thank you Lord for providing wisdom!

No Rhythm

 My wife and I have had some changes in our lives. My mother in law has been progressing in her Alzheimer’s disease. This means my wife having to help out with her mother extensively. Also, my wife has been dealing with some women’s medical issues. Needless to say these things have affected her life and indirectly and to a lesser extent my life. This morning I felt several times the hard shove of my wife which means I’m snoring. She only knows this because she can’t sleep. This morning she was awake when I got up, which I don’t like much. I did 8 x the hill for 6.57 miles in 1:50: 12 for a 16:46 minutes per mile pace with an average heart rate of 80 bpm with an elevation gain of 322 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 59 degrees. Have a blessed day friends!

Thrill of Routine

 Today I was looking forward to being back at school and doing my normal routine. I like the different parts of the workday— the early hill workouts, the weight workouts, the getting tea for my wife, the Christian radio programs, and the alone time. There will be a time for the summer, and I like that routine also. Each change helps refresh the mind and body. Today I did 8 x Raynor Hill. I got out a little earlier, which was good, since I was as slowed by several things that came up. I did 6.65 miles in 1:51:18 for a 16:43 minute per mile pace, with an average heart rate of 90 bpm, with an elevation gain of 359 feet, at an average cadence of 125 spm , at 65 degrees. I didn’t go fast, but I wasn’t stinking slow either. Have a blessed day  friends!

Commitment

 It came to me that this time of year the energy will drag no matter what. So what will get me through( with the Lord’s help and good health) is just a commitment to get the workouts and the work done. Follow the plan and just stay with it. On day’s when I don’t have school, I have done more distance and old standby 8 plus miler routes and on school days, I usually do my 8 hill interval workout. In the summer, I do plan on sticking to mostly the intervals workout. I have a little more zip throughout the day doing it. Today I did my new version of the Longwood loop doing 8.49 in 2:21:17 for a 16:38 minute per mile pace at an average heart rate of 154 bpm with an elevation gain of 367 feet at a cadence of 123 spm at 63 degrees. It is an overcast day with not a lot on the to do list thankfully. Have a blessed Memorial Day!

Dread

 I have been struggling with my motivation lately. I mean, dedication is more important than motivation— but I have been struggling with seeing the positive because of fatigue. When this occurs, it’s important to stay in the moment and just keep going forward. Today I did the old 2 loop standard with a short out and back for 8.55 miles in 2:21:20 for a 26:32 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 136 bpm with an elevation gain of 235 feet at an average cadence of 125 spm at 61 degrees. I didn’t have the best pace, but my mindset was decent.  I was grateful to make it to the weekend. I’m grateful for good training. Gave a blessed weekend!

Wednesday/Thursday Personal Days

  Charlotte had to have a procedure yesterday, so I took the day off from work to take Charlotte too and from her procedure. After talking to her doctor, I decided to take today off as well. I had to stop by my school after she was released, to fill out a leave permission sheet. I was able to do the two loop workout yesterday with a short out and back for 8.63 miles in 2:21:55 for a 16:26 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 113 bpm with an elevation gain of 250 feet at an average cadence of 125 spm at 58 degrees.

Today I did the Red Maple version of the Longwood loop doing 8.40 in 2:19:15 for a 16:34 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 91 bpm  at an average cadence of124 spm at a temperature of 63 degrees.  Kind of tired now. Have a blessed day!