Once Again in Ridge

 As good as it is to visit other places, it is also good to return home and come back to everyday routines in the familiarity of home. Home to me is here in Ridge and also back in Eastport, Maine. After my standard two days off from last week, I did the Medford/Randall loop. It was a joyous workout. After a day of jet lag, I attempted my last formal workout of the week. I am trying to keep my standard rest and workout days. Recovery is just as important as working out. I did 8.92 miles in 2:23:41 for a 16:06 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 159 bpm with an elevation gain of 231 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 70 degrees. The Lord has given me joy in my life and gratitude for the many daily things that He graciously provides! Thank you Jesus!

Last Workout In Nottingham

 I have truly enjoyed the beauty and solitude of Nottingham and the trails of the local park. I have seen the same people out most days. They are quietly pleasant and friendly with typical English charm. Today I headed out earlier as we are headed to London for the last leg of our English visit. England is busy but not rushed like New York. I have become appreciative of their reserved demeanor. All things must come to an end and so it is approaching time to re-enter every day life back home. I will take enjoyment in our last almost two days here in England in London. This is my second time in London. 

 For the workout- I did 7.37 miles in 2:20:40 for a 19:05 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 72 bpm with an elevation gain of 25 feet with an average cadence of 115 spm at 50 clear degrees. In my mind I was transitioning to my regular workouts back home, thankfully meeting my internal goals—PTL- for this vacation. I am thankful for good health and feeling good during our visit here. I am grateful for not feeling rushed for most of the time. The Lord has other plans for the summer. Thank you Lord for your many blessings and for your presence to those of us who bless your name!

Countdown, blessed

 I have deviated from my normal workout routine slightly. God has given me wisdom in how to plan things. I have worked out more frequently, but not as intense or as long. I want to get the benefits of working out , but cutting back a bit so I can enjoy working out more frequently and to be more rested to enjoy my visit here in England. I have enjoyed my reflexive sling shot to protect my shoulder while doing pushups— it definitely has worked. The plan is to do no formal workouts on Wednesday and Thursday. Today I headed out to clear cool bright skies doing 7.35 miles in 2:18:56 for an 18:53 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 81 bpm with an elevation gain of 240 feet at an average cadence of 114 spm at 51 degrees. Lord willing one more sleep In Nottingham and one more walk in the beautiful park. Looking to you Lord for success and two more sleeps in England.

Beautiful Sunday In Nottingham

  I headed out seeking to enjoy the outside beauty of England while I’m still here to enjoy it. I am blessed and grateful for this opportunity. I headed to the park and was out there by mostly myself for most of the walk. I saw a Fox and several rabbits. I was a bit slower this morning doing 7.15 miles in 2:17:28 for a 19:14 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 70 bpm with an elevation gain of 161 feet at an average cadence of 111 spm at a windy 52 degrees. The weather here is perfect for workouts— I will miss this— but at the same time I am grateful for the opportunity. Lord willing off to Nottingham forest to see Robin Hood with Char and Mandy.

Workouts In England

 Monday- In Milton Keynes, UK- Having gotten lost on my 3.54 mile hike on Saturday on the beautiful grounds of Milton Keynes, I took to the sidewalks on Monday. I got some work in by doing 30 plus flights of stairs most days at the hotel in attempting to challenge myself a bit. I did 6.22 miles finishing up the 11 flights of stairs. I passed by some interesting people and neighborhoods. 6.22 miles in 2:00:33 seconds for a 19.21 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 71 bpm with an elevation gain of 382 feet at an average cadence of 110 spm.

Tuesday- Southampton, UK- I just walked around until I made it to approximately a 10 k. A combination of beauty and congestion. Lots of people walking their dogs and school children dressed in their uniforms waiting for the bus. I did 6.31 miles in 2:02:33 for a 19:25 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 70 bpm with an elevation gain of 514 feet with an average cadence of 111 spm. 

Thursday - Southampton, UK- I did 7.36 miles in 2:21:14 for a 19:11 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 76 bpm with an elevation gain of 354 bpm at an average cadence of 116 bpm at 59 degrees.

Wednesday: Southampton, UK doing 7.17 miles in 2:12:01 for an 18:24 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 74 bpm with an elevation gain of 415 feet at an average cadence of 115 spm at 62 degrees.

Friday- Nottingham, UK - I circled around beautiful scenic trails doing 7.24 miles in 2:17:14 for an 18:56 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 72 bpm at 181 foot elevation gain at a 112 spm average cadence at 51 degrees.

Saturday- Nottingham, UK- I did 7.58 miles in 2:2:23:57 for an 18:59 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 71 bpm with an elevation gain of 230 feet at an average cadence of 113 spm at a damp 58 degrees.

I hope to write more later, but I wanted to share and catch up a bit. God bless you my friends.

Finishing/Beginning

 This week I have been doing the end of the school year things as my 36th school year comes to an end. At the same time I am preparing- Lord willing to leave North America for the first time in my 58 years. My workouts have been good, thankfully. I have been at a fairly decent pace and getting back in decent season. I’m looking forward to my next adventure and trying to simultaneously be prepared, but also being willing to change to take advantage of the circumstances. Today I did the Raynor, Kastal, 2 Ryan version of the 2 x Woodlot/Ridge loop with a short out and back. I did 8.75 miles in 2:15:37 for a 15:29 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 152 bpm with an elevation gain of 259 feet at an average cadence of 129 spm at a slightly drizzly 59 degrees. So much of what I do is on a whim. I’m not sure exactly what my workout will be, I just adapt to how I feel and keep plugging. Lord willing off to England tonight. Will try to do some blogging in the King’s country. God bless you!

The Same Seeming Different

  The morning routine is the same, but it seems kind of different. I have learned the art of preparing in advance for long trips away from home. It’s important to plug away so that when the time comes, most of the difficult work is mostly finished. I have been finishing up a he school year and simultaneously preparing for my departure to England the same day— Lord willing. I have been getting in a lot of steps the last two days— today I will try to keep it more reasonable. I did the Randall/Medford Loop doing 8.74 in 2:20:08 for a 16:02 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 9 feet with an average cadence of 128 spm at 58 degrees. Looking forward to my trip to England with my Char! Lord use and bless us both!