Trip to Maine, Lighthouses, and St Anthony

Just got back from a whirlwind tour of Maine on a day off. I visited some friends and blessed their cottages on the way up to see my good friend Patrick, who is a DRE for the parishes in Lewiston. Besides some beautiful Churches (like the Basilica of Sts Peter and Paul), I got to see some beautiful lighthouses. (5 in total)

At one lighthouse we had to disembark from the ferry onto a small inner tube boat and literally washed ashore onto the dockless island. Seguin Island Light is spectacular, with 360 degree views from the highest island point on the Maine sea coast. It was breathtaking. I couldn't help thinking that 100lbs ago, I probably could not have made the trip up the steep hillside, let alone fit on the spiral staircase or through the window to the lighthouse deck. I am so overjoyed that I love the outdoors and I am so active now!

On my way back from Seguin, I stopped at Portland Head Light. It is probably my favorite spot in the world. 

After celebrating a friend's 6 year anniversary as a priest tonight, I went for a jog. Partway into my last mile of a 4 mile course, I realized I lost my fitbit. I slowed down considerably as I contemplated having to run the course in the morning and gradually was filled with a depressing pessimism. I prayed to St Anthony. 

When I got home I got in my car and headed out on a whim. Remember, it is pitch black by now. But halfway through I found the fitbit on the sidewalk, just around a bend turning up a hill. I am so overjoyed and have to confess I didn't think St Anthony would pull through. He's the man! 

Haha, I just remembered I pretended to be St Anthony preaching to the fish at Seguin. Enjoy this last bonus pic! 

Colorvibespringfield 5k!

Today I accomplished a major goal on the first day of Summer! I jogged the colorvibespringfield 5k in Greenfield, Ma. in my best time yet! My first real 5k was soooooo fun! 

I was thinking as I was running how I used to come to these fairgrounds in Greenfield as a kid. No fried dough here! Just frying some of my fat off in the sun. As I was jogging, so many people saw the back of my shirt that said "my first 5k" and "-125lbs since oct 2013!", and they patted me on the shoulder or gave me a high five. The people were so encouraging and their attitude kept me going. 

Continuing down the road, we passed the cemetery where my grandparents are buried. I prayed for them as I jogged by. I found myself walking every now and then, but kept a good pace with my music. It seemed every time I would slow down, there'd be another person giving me a high five and routing for me to begin jogging again. 

I was doused in color! Several times. I had goggles that I would put on whenever running through the color throw areas. It kept me motivated to run through those color zones. 

I finished just over 15 minutes a mile, which is really good for a person my weight, and my best so far. I finished the first mile in 13 minutes and was overjoyed. 

At the end people were asking me when my next one is. I told them I'm climbing a mountain. We'll see!!!! 

Morning walk and a new Bishop!

Last afternoon we learned that we would receive a new bishop today. This morning I got up to see the news posted at 6am that Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Mitchell Rozanski of Baltimore as the 9th Bishop of Springfield! 

Of course, I'm uber excited! I went out for a walk/jog, but it quickly turned into a leisurely walk as I watched videos of the new bishop. I am extremely excited that he is Pro-life and into media for evangelization!!!

It's odd that I'm already done with 4miles and over 10000 steps for the day, all before my second cup of coffee. Full of excitement,  I raced down with our seminarian to the Cathedral where we could greet the new Bishop. He is very personable and happy to be here. I got to meet him and I immediately thanked him for his pro-life work. He asked me where I was stationed. After telling him I asked him if he took selfies. He said sure. I'm pretty sure this is the first selfie taken with the new bishop!!!

Legitimate addiction...the outdoors

Yesterday I spent the morning with my sister up my new favorite spot on Mount Holyoke. The Summer House is now open (it hasn't been opened since 2010!) and the view is spectacular in all directions. On a clear day you can see Mounts Greylock and Monadnock. My sister, being an amateur photog, brought her camera and took some great photos. 

I trained with my trainer for the last time before my upcoming 5k this Saturday. He says I'm getting stronger, and I can feel it. He's all about me starting to train to climb the trail to the Summit House. That's the next goal after this 5k.

Good news! I've worked through a plateau, and the weight has started coming off again. Down 126, and within striking distance of ordination weight. I feel great. 

Let's see, a little truth. God is faithful. He'll help you be faithful. Persevere through those plateaus! Keep striving for your goals! 

One week til Color Vibe 5k

I tried to figure out whether a new area I wanted to jog in was doable via mapmyrun, but quickly found out it wasn't really conducive to jogging. Goose poop, holes in road, and not many sidewalks = not coming back. But it served its purpose for the morning!

Realizing I've got a week til my first 5k, I have to work on my jogging intervals and get my overall time down. My legs have been hurting lately, especially my ankle. I'm trying to get enough rest in between runs so as not to overdo it. Getting older stinks. 

I'm blogging from my 12 step group room, eager to continue my step work. Today's step is step 9, made direct amends to [people we have harmed] wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 

Our own spiritual tradition teaches us this concept. "So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23-24 

Making amends is definitely part of spiritual growth, and so my recovery and spiritual development relies on this concept and step. I look forward to progressing in the steps and making strides forward spiritually, one day at a time. 

It's been a while, and new initiatives

I'm attending a conference on Addiction and Recovery by Guest House here at Elms College in my Diocese, and was interviewed today by our wonderful Catholic Communications team..shout out to my good friend Peggy Weber...

It's been a while since I've blogged, I told her, and so here I am. I'm not without my little faults. People with addictive personalities tend to procrastinate. If I could start a group called Procrastinator's Anonynous, I'd go tomorrow. But all it takes is a recommitment, and I'm back blogging. Actually, at the moment I'm blogging and taking my fitbit out for a walk. 

I've been doing a little more than just walking these days. I signed up for a Color Vibe 5k! It will be on June 21st at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield, Ma, starting at 9am. To prepare, I've been walking/jogging daily 5ks around the parish neighborhood. The transition to the road has been hard but enjoyable. The weather has been perfect for it, which is a plus. It's so awesome to take in the beauty of God's creation. 

Recently I was able to take some magnificent pictures at the summit of Mount Holyoke. I drove up in my car, but I think I want to get up there by the end of the summer to say I've climbed a local mountain. The top is so rewarding. The air, the sun, the view. It's where our Lord met his people so many times in salvation history. Think of Noah on Ararat,  Moses on Sinai, or Jesus on the mount, on Tabor, or on Calvary. I intend to offer a prayer of thanksgiving on the top if this mountain later on this year. To all of you, take the time to set some summertime goals, and get to work! Please pray for me as I begin my road races and hiking initiatives.

 Still at -120, but feeling great and motivated!