Machias/Hope

 I took Saturday off as a scheduled rest day. Then headed to Blue Hill to visit Katie and her family. We took a lunch break in Ellsworth and then a trip for coffee and TJ Maxx. I had a nice visit and headed for Machias just before 6. I had a nice cozy evening and a decent bedtime. I got up the next morning and headed up Route 1 and then turned at Varney’s towards Marshfield. I headed towards East Machias and headed back to the Ridge road and did 3 short out and backs off from side roads. I then headed down the Northfield Road to Court Street and back to the Motel. Here are the stats 8.2 miles(Monday, Hope Maine) 16:33 mpm with an average heart rate of 93 bpm with an approximate elevation gain of 600 feet at an average cadence of 122 spm at an average power of 139w at a hard efficient of 8 at 45 balmy degrees on a surprisingly nice Monday morning-  now back to Machias- 8.93 miles in 2:29:24 for a 16:44 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 83 bpm at an average cadence of 125 spm at an average power of 132w with an elevation gain of 506 feet at a moderate effort of 4 at 29 degrees. There were a few greasy spots on the road, so I had to keep it under control and be aware. Overall, I’m satisfied with my Mai e visit and my Mai e workouts. Getting ready to board the ferry to Long Island. Be blessed. It’s difficult to blog, travel, and visit— but I tried. God bless you!

Early Start, Maine in my Site

  I got around early to try to get my workout in before leaving to my parents’ in Hope, Maine. Things went pretty well and thankfully my cold is getting better. Getting much needed rest and having a slow pace has been helpful in recovering. The best thing with getting time off from work is the break from the daily commute, which is exhausting. I have altered my workout schedule a bit working out on Sunday and  Wednesday and Saturday off. Doing more hikes and less speed walking workouts has been a change allowing more sleep. Getting proper rest as I age is more important than ever. I did the figure 8 adding an extra hill sprint for a total of 5 and two short out and backs for 6.92 miles in 1:52:06 for an average pace of 16:12 minutes per mile with an average heart rate of 113 bpm with an elevation gain of 240 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at an average power of 137w at a moderate effort of 6 at a temperature of 24 degrees. It will be nice to see my daughters and their families and of course it will be great to see my parents. It’s a lot of traveling, but it is nice doing things at my pace and visiting my home state. We’ll see what the Lord has in store. Of course, I wish Charlotte could have gone with me. I will try to focus on the positives. Have a blessed couple of days. Hope to ost on Sunday.

The Day after Christmas

 I am feeling pretty good, but am definitely fighting off a cold or something. I don’t do well when I am a bit under the weather,  but thankfully I am functioning decently regardless. I slept in a bit and then headed to the trail in Rocky Point. Today I headed east. It was cold, but not bitter. I feel like I am doing pretty well regardless of feeling a bit off and under. I did 8.23 miles in 2:36:38 for a 19:02 minute per mile pace at an average heart rate of 73 bpm. with an elevation gain of 149 feet at an average cadence of 114 spm at an average power of 108w at a moderate effort of 4 at a sunny 27 degrees. I am looking forward to Lord willing staying at the Machias River Inn. I am looking forward to a rare Machias workout. I am working out, but making sure that I get my rest. Be blessed friends. 

The Day before Christmas

  I slept in again, going on a hike rather than the usual morning workout. I have made it a point to try to get consistent sleep and rest this vacation. I am fighting off some respiratory thing— mild cold , who knows. I have done okay so far, but I am trying to stay prayed up and on top of it. It seems as if this time of year I am always at a low point prior to Christmas break. I am always a bit worried that I will get sick and not be able to make it to Maine. I’m trusting the Lord that I will make it up there. I did 9.34 miles in 3:01:03 for a 19:22 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 71 bpm at an average cadence of 112 spm at an average power of 107w at an moderate effort of 4 at an elevation gain of 243 feet at 29 degrees. 

  Tomorrow is Christmas and things seem to be settling down before the big day. Char and I are going out for dinner tonight. We have the family over for lunch and presents. In all of this, I am trying to remind myself of the Lord and His dealings with my family. He is at work. I am just trying to keep my focus on Him. Have a merry Christmas friends. I am taking tomorrow off from training.  Be blessed!

Calverton

  I headed out later as my wife asked me to head out later, so I did. I headed out around 9 o’clock. I decided to try my former popular route. I realized that this was my first time on this route in my 60’s. I haven’t done many 9 milers lately. My stats- 9.32 miles in 2:59:02 for a 19:11 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 69 bpm at an average cadence of 113 spm at an average power of 109w with an elevation gain of 213 feet at an easy effort of 3 at 18 sunny degrees. I am grateful for getting the workouts I when my motivation and vision are a little off!

Unexpected Blessing

 The day that seemingly started off on the wrong foot ended well. I got out the door later than I wanted for a walk on the Rocky Point trail when I received a phone call from my wife. She had left her iPad at home and needed me to bring it in to church. I was not in the best of attitude at the time. I said something a little irritating to my wife when dropping off the iPad. I was convicted of my bad behavior and sent an apologetic text. In addition, I was pleased that the trail didn’t have snow on it. I walked at a faster than expected pace and got in my eight miles and change. My wife had an inspiring message and then we brought our friend Joe home for the afternoon. Here are the stats: 8.2 miles in 2:20:37 for a 17:08 minute per mile pace at an average heart rate of 76 bpm at an average cadence of 119 spm at an average power of 123w at an elevation gain of 169 feet at a moderate effort of 4 at a windy freezing 17 degrees.  It was a good workout and my friend Mr. Cesar went to church with his family.

Smooth Sailing, Sort Of

 I had a good start to the day. I got back a little early. I was able to get my strength training in. I got out the door in good season, but I said one little thing that made my wife angry— and she sent me an unhappy text— which I expected. I also got to school, and I somehow can’t get into PowerSchool. Well, here is my 8 x Raynor Hill workout: 6.63 miles in 1:49:02 for a 16:27 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 129 bpm at an average cadence of 125 spm at an average power of 139w with an elevation gain of 289 feet at an all out effort of 9. Things worked out through the course of the day. Lord willing, looking forward to a break away from the commute and some peace and quiet in Maine.