Maxing Out on the Minimum

 Each year the end of the school year brings a combination of fatigue and nostalgia. For as many years as I have been teaching each year had its own identity and feel. This has been a good year, but I also feel like it takes all my strength to get through the day. This means that I plan on taking my rest when I am home and not doing much extra work. I am doing the 2 x Woodlot/Ridge plus my short out and back most likely most mornings. I did 8.63 miles in 2:19:33 for a 16:10 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 162 bpm with an elevation gain of 203 feet with an average cadence of 128 spm at 49 overcast degrees. I am grateful to get the work in even though it has been a bit of a struggle. God bless my friends!

Burnt Out on Fun

 Yesterday it seems as if things for the most part went smoothly. There was a skip in my step and a bit of optimism coming with a day off from work. Today was a step into the fog. My legs were stiff and I just mentally felt a bit off. Family get togethers are great, but often require a lot of effort. My wife of course put tremendous work into everything and I less joyously joined in. The result was a day of fun and a day of exhaustion for today. I did the Randall/Medford Loop doing 8.89 in 2:22:11 for a 15:59 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 164 bpm with an elevation gain of 241 feet at an average cadence of 130 spm at 48 sunny degrees. No buses out from Ridge , but they are back tomorrow. Grateful for the opportunity to workout. Thank you Lord!

Memorial Movement

 I headed out a bit after 5 am. I was simultaneously looking forward to the workout and the future family time, and not looking forward to all the work of putting a get together, together. I did the Longwood Loop doing 9.19 miles in 2:18:05 for a 15:01 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 171 bpm with an elevation gain of 294 feet with an average cadence of 129 spm . The Celtics play the Heat tonight in game 7 - deal like it could go either way after winning 3 straight. God bless!

Pleasant Morning

 I headed out the door full of optimism and joy as I bound out the door for my morning power walk. I did the Medford/Randall Loop again. It was a very quiet morning in which I came upon no one else. I did 8.90 miles in 2:17:41 for a 15:28 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 74 bpm with an elevation gain of 217 feet with an average cadence of 130 spm at a pleasant 48 degrees. It was a good finish to the week with the rest and medicines helping me feel better. Thank you Lord.

Back At It

 I have a sinus infection which has stymied my voice and lessened my energy stores— so I took yesterday off from my workout.  Today I hit the roads and definitely felt better, but my voice is still about 50 percent. I did the Medford/Randall Loop doing 8.89 miles in 2:14:36 for a 15:08 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 101 bpm with an elevation gain of 276 feet with an average cadence of 130 spm at a cool breezy 51 degrees.

 Some random thoughts. There are lots of rabbits out and around this time of year. The streets of Ridge were quieter with no school until next Wednesday in Ridge. I’m glad that I went to the doctor as soon as I started feeling poorly. The medicine has definitely helped me feel better, praise the Lord. My shoulder has been feeling a bit better also. I increased my bench by 5 pounds. I have an active teachers workshop. I will try to stay practical with protecting my shoulder and knees. God bless you!

Off The Roads

  I took the morning off as I am tired with this sinus infection. I woke up at the same time with the usual feel of urgency, but I rejected the impulse to get up and stayed in bed. I am such a creature of habit that it is difficult to change, but I’m learning that test is as important as work and today I needed a break. I did my kettlebell leg workout of rdl’s and goblet squats and then headed out the door. Lord willing tomorrow I will resume my workout— always subject to change. Have a blessed day my friends!

Struggles

 This has been a year of struggle and a year of blessing. I have definitely felt age effecting me in a more noticeable way. I have to cut back in some areas and prioritize my efforts. I don’t have the energy to do my workouts and then do additional physical activity like I used to. At times extra activity is needed, but I can no longer do the extra activity very often. I also have had many little ailments and arthritis. I have had to change my workouts a bit but thankfully I can still workout. The bench slingshot has enabled me to get back benching. I am so grateful for that. This morning I did Apple Court/Woodlot/Randall doing 8.77 miles in 2:20:34 for a 16:01 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 167 bpm with an elevation gain of 216 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at 49 degrees. I saw Kevin and Elaine getting in their car to leave for the airport at 4:06 am. I’m only a half a day at work as my voice is tenuous and I have an afternoon doctor’s appointment. God bless you my friends!