Training Log Archive: Nadim

Bloomington, MN. From American Blvd. E., down to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge on a gravel Road to the first side trail on the left that overlooked the Minnesota River; returning, I took a detour past the Minnesota Valley Visitor Center, then finished-up on American Blvd., E. to our hotel. We'd flown-in early so I was somewhat tired. I took my time trying not to fall on the way down to the river flood plain--the grave road was iced over and to make it worse, the dusting of snow that they'd gotten the night before was covering the ice. There were similar stretches on the road on the flood plain. I saw a few people as the sun was getting pretty low and an almost full moon was rising. It was 8 F and there was a breeze. I thought I was dressed pretty well and didn't feel very cold. I was warming-up along the way, and sweating slightly by the end. However my feet got numb. I had to get ready for dinner with Peggy's siblings soon, so I jumped into the shower--that turned out to be painful. The ends of my feet were a bit white (I've had frostbite before and know what it looks like). Even in the shower they didn't fully warm. The pain subsided as I started drying off and normal color returned to my feet.

Glen Echo, MD. From the Lock 7 parking lot, to the C&O Canal Towpath, then south to the pumping station below Lock 5, then back. I had passed Lock 8 when driving away from Carderock yesterday and thought about going there today. I forgot that I would have had to join the Clara Barton Pkwy. outside the beltway to make it to Lock 8 so I parked at Lock 7 instead. It was actually fortuitous since the towpath had been officially closed (still passable) above Lock 7 for rehabilitation construction. I'd actually seen the other end of this at Carderock.

Today the towpath was better to run on. It was a mix of ice, slush, and gravel. My foot hit the gravel often but that happened probably only about 1/4 of the run or less. The weather was in the 30s F; 36 F when I finished. I rarely run this section of the towpath but should do so more often. The one-way driving access to it, had been part of the problem but it's actually the closest stretch of towpath to my home. I'd forgotten how many little islands were visible in the Potomac River, and pretty much forgotten about the low dam 1.25 miles into the run too. Lack of foliage gave me great views most of the way. Like yesterday, the river was looking cold and beautiful. There were hints of green, white and blue in the water. I had opportunity to make a loop if I wanted to tackle the steep and snowy hills across the parkway and run into the neighborhoods. I also could have taken some small dirt trails along the flood plain, closer to the river. The trails along the flood plain showed evidence of a mountain biker track, but I figured the added slipperiness, ups and downs, and wetness, wouldn't have been worth it. I felt stronger running back, than running on the way out, but I still felt like my legs were pounding too hard.

From Carderock Park, C&O Canal Towpath north toward Great Falls to Mile Marker 13, then back. The towpath was covered in ice and snow. I think I only touched ground for about 1% of the run. Most of it was solid ice, made from footsteps crushing partly melted snow, and then re-frozen. Thus it was often uneven. I expected it'd be worse by the Widewater, but it actually got snowier in texture after Angler's Inn bridge. I'd passed a XC skier when he was stopped on the ice and I'm sure he appreciated the nicer snow at the Widewater. I had on my Ice Bugs and they worked well. Not many were out, but there was still someone to see most of the time. It was around 35 F and cloudy. I'd done various projects around the house the last few days with it being snowy and icy on our streets, so naturally it felt good to do some running. I also had a productive day getting up earlier and getting a bunch of things done.

Max and I cleared off our driveway and car before going out to finish the errands we couldn't do the day before. There was another 5 inches on top of what had fallen earlier but my van was pretty clear since I'd driven it while most of the snow was falling the day before.

Event: QOC Cabin John - CANCELLED
 

We got 5-6 inches of nice snow! It was good to see. The roads were cleared off by 2pm. Max and I went out on some errands and the snow started-up again while we were out. Roads were getting to be tricky but few people were out and we had a good time.