A Quiet Walk in the Woods

  I was coming back after taking Char to pick up our car rental. Char was then heading to the Rockaways for a Spa day. I wanted to do a walk, but I wanted a change. I wasn’t filled with much motivation. I was headed by the Ridge trail near Woodlot, when I decided to give it a try. Initially, I was going to do the basic loop , and then do the Randall loop later. But, as I headed along I saw trail markers that I hadn’t seen before. The lead me to Whiskey Road and across to the other side. The trail was narrow and took me miles through the pine barrens towards Rocky Point. It was a cool overcast late winter late morning, early afternoon. I did 7.17 miles in 2:45:15 for a lazy 22:45 minutes per mile at an average heart rate of 69 bpm at an average cadence of 103 spm with an elevation gain of 468 feet at 42 degrees. It was a nice relaxing time on a new trail. Nice surprise. God bless.

More of the Same-Almost

  I just have so much going right now, that I cut back on my morning workouts to give me more leeway to deal with everything. I just don’t have the energy to grind it out right now. What I’ve Lost in workout volume, I’ve gained in intensity. I did the same workout as yesterday, but I added a seventh hill repeat. I was tempted to do more, but that would work against my overall idea of cutting volume and adding intensity. Here are my results for the workout- 6.32 miles in 1:40:03 for a 15:50 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 150 bpm with an elevation gain of 287 feet at an average cadence of 130 spm at 39 degrees. I’m hoping to get some rest this weekend. I turn in my rental today and pick up a different rental from Hertz tomorrow, Lord willing. Have a blessed weekend!

Easy Button

  I have been tired lately. Fighting off a cold , fatigue, achy, muscles, and an incessant schedule. I woke up dreadythe grind, trying to achieve my workout goals, and making it to work on time in the rain. So I listened to that little voice in my head, do Apple court and 6 x the hill and head back home. That little voice got me out of bed with some optimism. My instinct was telling me that not operating with a little surplus of energy could lead to sickness and injury. I was also able to get my strength work in. I just need to do the auxiliary strength work when I get home— Lord willing. Here are the stats for my hill work: 5.92 miles in 1:30:46 for a 15:19 minute per mile pace with an elevation gain of 309 feet at an average heart rate of 114 bpm with an average cadence of 128 spm at 48 degrees. I left my phone home as it was raining and I didn’t have a plastic bag. My watch thankfully tracked everything without the aid of the phone. 

  I had a good talk with my brother this morning. I told him about my pipe dream of working for CEF hopefully in Maine. My brother assured me that he talked with the director Mr. Romano and that there are opportunities. I’m not sure how the Lord will lead. I am making a decent wage here in New York. I do feel like there is another career step for me. There is always room for your faith to grow in the God Gap! Have a blessed day!

One Foot Forward

 Sometimes you just feel like letting up on your workouts. Your energy just seems low and your morale is down. I decided to cut back ever so slightly on my morning workout. I did the two lap workout minus the short out and back. I needed to cut back just enough to lighten my load without totally messing with my workout plan. I think that I succeeded. I did 8.37 miles in 2:14:09 for a 16:01 minute per mile pace at an average heart rate of 96 bpm with an elevation gain of 209 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 45 degrees. I am finding ways to adjust to the setup of our house right now. Today is my mother in laws 79 th birthday. Bible study tonight. Have a blessed day friends.

The Beginning

 Today was the first day of our kitchen renovation. It’s also the first day of a rainy few days. From my workout perspective, things were about the same. From the getting to work, it was a little slow. I am always looking for ways to get the work done and to streamline the process. It’s not easy, as much attributed to my stubbornness as anything. I did the Red Maple version of the Longwood Loop doing 8.48 miles in 2:18:55 for a 16:22 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 130 bpm with an elevation gain of 286 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 41 foggy degrees. I am trying with the Lord’s help to have a positive attitude.

Meeting the Challenge

 Today my main ambition was to get a bit ahead of schedule and to stay there. Thankfully, things worked out— I am feeling the grind. I did the Red Maple version of the Longwood Loop doing 8.41 miles in 2:17:10 for an average pace of 16:18 minutes per mile with an average heart rate of 94 bpm with an elevation gain of 240 feet at an average cadence of 126 spm at 40 degrees. My daughter had a baby girl last night— Little Indie! This week, I am going to try to get extra rest as they are rebuilding our kitchen. Thank you Lord for victory in your son Jesus!

Marching Forward

 Today was marked by little positives. I got out a little early to workout. I was a little bit faster on my workout. I got a little extra strength work in. I got to school a little early. These things happening after a busy week on a Friday is even better. I heard a number of owls hooting on Medford Road. I even heard a few turkeys gobbling. It’s nice to have some positives, especially while starting up a new month. I did the Medford Road version of the Longwood Loop doing 8.51 miles in 2:15:50 for a 15:57 minute per mile pace with an average heart rate of 126 bpm with an elevation gain of 245 feet at an average cadence of 127 spm at 28 degrees. Looking forward to the weekend and not being on such a rigid schedule. Have a blessed day!