Training Log Archive: cfosp1In the 31 days ending Dec 31, 2017:
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Sunday Dec 31, 2017 #
9 AM
Hiking 36:56 [1] 2.5 km (14:46 / km) +2m 14:43 / km
shoes: Salomon Speedcross 3
Bayview Park Hike
9:26 AM; Bayview Park Beach
-22.0 °C; Clear
Took Roux out, hoping to walk on FROZEN and DRY ice. Had talked to neighbor Mike, earlier that morning, he told me the ice was still no good. Imagine my surprise when I got to the lake and the lake had started to pile up floes along the beach. We wer mostly able to take advantage of a narrow ledge along the beach, where the ice was not broken up and we could avoid the deep snow. but roux decided he'd had enough in the brutal cold. So we headed back to continue packing before heading home.
9:26 AM; Bayview Park Beach
-22.0 °C; Clear
Took Roux out, hoping to walk on FROZEN and DRY ice. Had talked to neighbor Mike, earlier that morning, he told me the ice was still no good. Imagine my surprise when I got to the lake and the lake had started to pile up floes along the beach. We wer mostly able to take advantage of a narrow ledge along the beach, where the ice was not broken up and we could avoid the deep snow. but roux decided he'd had enough in the brutal cold. So we headed back to continue packing before heading home.
Saturday Dec 30, 2017 #
8 AM
Hiking 47:31 3.72 km (12:46 / km) +2m 12:44 / km
shoes: Salomon Speedcross 3
Bayview Park Beach
8:34 AM; Washburn, WI
-18.2 °C; Snow
Walk with dogs, decided to push to the connector between beach and RR grade halfway between Bayview Park and Friendly Valley Beaches. I had to roll out the extension on my NEOS to keep the knee-high snow at bay. The dogs didn't care, sometimes it almost looked like they were tunneling under the snow. They did want to get home quickly, though and I had to run to keep up.
8:34 AM; Washburn, WI
-18.2 °C; Snow
Walk with dogs, decided to push to the connector between beach and RR grade halfway between Bayview Park and Friendly Valley Beaches. I had to roll out the extension on my NEOS to keep the knee-high snow at bay. The dogs didn't care, sometimes it almost looked like they were tunneling under the snow. They did want to get home quickly, though and I had to run to keep up.
3 PM
XC Skiing Classic 1:30:16 13.47 km (6:42 / km) +186m 6:16 / km
ahr:138 max:181 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Classic '13
Raven-Deerpath-Sugarbush Trails Classic Ski
3:11 PM; Mt. Ashwabay
-17.8 °C; Clear
Yay, I had my favorite classic ski around Mt. Ashwabay after beein thwarted trying to skijor on the lake. There was still water sandwiched between ice and snow and after I had chiseled off the snow caked around my boot attachments and stood on skis, I was growing by a couple of cm per stride or rather step, as I kept collecting snow. Roux looked at me, declaring me nuts. The Nordic trails at Mt. Ashwabay had not been groomed, but skiers had broken trail on the classic tracks, which all had about 5 cm of fresh powder. I took it, even though it was pretty bumpy in places. I love that circuit route, There were four skiers coming towards me on Raven, just after starting. Was treated to a lovely sunset and entered my "cathedral," tall trees reaching towards the sky. Did not see anyone else till I got back on Sugarbush trail, where I passed a father-sun duo. Skiing was now a lot easier as the trails had been groomed a couple of days ago and had been well skied in. Made it back just before nightfall. Great outing!
3:11 PM; Mt. Ashwabay
-17.8 °C; Clear
Yay, I had my favorite classic ski around Mt. Ashwabay after beein thwarted trying to skijor on the lake. There was still water sandwiched between ice and snow and after I had chiseled off the snow caked around my boot attachments and stood on skis, I was growing by a couple of cm per stride or rather step, as I kept collecting snow. Roux looked at me, declaring me nuts. The Nordic trails at Mt. Ashwabay had not been groomed, but skiers had broken trail on the classic tracks, which all had about 5 cm of fresh powder. I took it, even though it was pretty bumpy in places. I love that circuit route, There were four skiers coming towards me on Raven, just after starting. Was treated to a lovely sunset and entered my "cathedral," tall trees reaching towards the sky. Did not see anyone else till I got back on Sugarbush trail, where I passed a father-sun duo. Skiing was now a lot easier as the trails had been groomed a couple of days ago and had been well skied in. Made it back just before nightfall. Great outing!
Friday Dec 29, 2017 #
8 AM
Hiking 1:18:27 5.37 km (14:37 / km) +6m 14:32 / km
shoes: Salomon Speedcross 3
Onion to Sioux River
8:55 AM; Washburn, WI
-14.9 °C; Snow
Much milder today, no complaints from the dogs. Tried the ice and found it solid, covered with just a thin layer of snow. took advantage of this smooth surface over using the uneven stomped out track on shore. The only ridge we saw was on the sand banks at the mouth of the Sioux. Looking south, I cold make out a good dozen of fishermen off Bodin's Resort. On the way back, Mellie stirred up a pileated woodpecker. The black of its back and red of the crown provided a stark contrast to the otherwise drab background.
8:55 AM; Washburn, WI
-14.9 °C; Snow
Much milder today, no complaints from the dogs. Tried the ice and found it solid, covered with just a thin layer of snow. took advantage of this smooth surface over using the uneven stomped out track on shore. The only ridge we saw was on the sand banks at the mouth of the Sioux. Looking south, I cold make out a good dozen of fishermen off Bodin's Resort. On the way back, Mellie stirred up a pileated woodpecker. The black of its back and red of the crown provided a stark contrast to the otherwise drab background.
3 PM
XC Skiing Skijor 13:39 3.37 km (4:03 / km) +44m 3:48 / km
ahr:127 max:147 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Sugarbush Dog Trail Skijoring Mellie Roux
3:47 PM; Washburn, WI
-15.2 °C; Snow
Be fore we started, the couple with the two chocolate labs arrived. We had a chance to chat and were joined by John, the new coordinator for the Mt. Ashwabay ski area, taking over from Carol. Dennis, the husband in the two-lab couple, turned out to be a volunteer groomer, who appeared to have had a hand in working to get additional trails open for skijoring. Once we got going, I did half the distance of the Sugarbush dog trail with Mellie and Roux together. The old girl did great, my plan had been to leave her at home but she looked so sad and was so excited when I put the harness on her. I could tell she enjoyed it.
3:47 PM; Washburn, WI
-15.2 °C; Snow
Be fore we started, the couple with the two chocolate labs arrived. We had a chance to chat and were joined by John, the new coordinator for the Mt. Ashwabay ski area, taking over from Carol. Dennis, the husband in the two-lab couple, turned out to be a volunteer groomer, who appeared to have had a hand in working to get additional trails open for skijoring. Once we got going, I did half the distance of the Sugarbush dog trail with Mellie and Roux together. The old girl did great, my plan had been to leave her at home but she looked so sad and was so excited when I put the harness on her. I could tell she enjoyed it.
XC Skiing Skijor 27:23 7.37 km (3:43 / km) +66m 3:33 / km
ahr:141 max:165 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Sugarbush Dog Trail Skijoring Roux
3:09 PM; Washburn, WI
-15.0 °C; Snow
Took Mellie and Roux for a quick ski at Mt. Ashwabay. Left Mellie in the car to wear Roux down a little bit. Roux pulled like he had never before and I wondered why that would be the case. I decided that there must be some dogs ahead of us and sure enough, on the stretch between the Jolly Long junction and the start of the loop portion of the Sugarbush classic trail, a couple skiing abreast with their excited (and young as I later found out) chocolate labs blocked the trail for us. Of course Roux loved it, social guy he is. We laughed and disentangled the dogs and off we went again. We did the turn around at the sugar shack and headed back, me wondering if we were able to catch up with the couple. We did, and this time we passed them, hardly slowing down. An excellent run on much better snow. Amazing what a difference a few degrees warmer makes.
3:09 PM; Washburn, WI
-15.0 °C; Snow
Took Mellie and Roux for a quick ski at Mt. Ashwabay. Left Mellie in the car to wear Roux down a little bit. Roux pulled like he had never before and I wondered why that would be the case. I decided that there must be some dogs ahead of us and sure enough, on the stretch between the Jolly Long junction and the start of the loop portion of the Sugarbush classic trail, a couple skiing abreast with their excited (and young as I later found out) chocolate labs blocked the trail for us. Of course Roux loved it, social guy he is. We laughed and disentangled the dogs and off we went again. We did the turn around at the sugar shack and headed back, me wondering if we were able to catch up with the couple. We did, and this time we passed them, hardly slowing down. An excellent run on much better snow. Amazing what a difference a few degrees warmer makes.
Thursday Dec 28, 2017 #
12 PM
XC Skiing Classic 1:19:39 12.68 km (6:17 / km) +201m 5:49 / km
ahr:138 max:158 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Classic '13
Mt. Ashwabay Classic
12:06 PM; Washburn, WI
-17.2 °C; Snow
Meant to ski my favorite classic-only trail, Deerpath. It looked promising, the track hat been set but at the Raven intersection it stopped. So I climbed up Raven to the top of the ski hill, first time I took this trail on skis. Now, I had been banking on Seagull, I arrived at the same time as an older gent coming up Swiss Miss. We both were disappointed but forged on. I went down Swiss Miss and took a left onto Anchor, where Dallas and my imprints were still the only skate tracks. It was slow going, even downhill. But the glide improved as I descended. Thwarted yet again at Jolly Long, not groomed. So Sugarbush past the shack for the full loop. Actually mostly skied on already with decent glide. I finished up by a couple of little loops on Sugarbush, Anchor and the dog trail and met my friend from the top of Mt. Ashwabay, who was just switching to classic skis.
12:06 PM; Washburn, WI
-17.2 °C; Snow
Meant to ski my favorite classic-only trail, Deerpath. It looked promising, the track hat been set but at the Raven intersection it stopped. So I climbed up Raven to the top of the ski hill, first time I took this trail on skis. Now, I had been banking on Seagull, I arrived at the same time as an older gent coming up Swiss Miss. We both were disappointed but forged on. I went down Swiss Miss and took a left onto Anchor, where Dallas and my imprints were still the only skate tracks. It was slow going, even downhill. But the glide improved as I descended. Thwarted yet again at Jolly Long, not groomed. So Sugarbush past the shack for the full loop. Actually mostly skied on already with decent glide. I finished up by a couple of little loops on Sugarbush, Anchor and the dog trail and met my friend from the top of Mt. Ashwabay, who was just switching to classic skis.
Wednesday Dec 27, 2017 #
1 PM
XC Skiing Skijor 35:26 7.58 km (4:40 / km) +79m 4:27 / km
ahr:139 max:171 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Sugarbush Dog Trail Skijoring Roux
1:23 PM; Washburn, WI
-19.3 °C; Clear
Dallas messaged in the morning that he'd be in Bayfield, checking on his boat. You know what that means: skijoring with Comet and Roux. We decided on 1:00 PM and by then, the trails were partially groomed. Roux did a great job helping me to keep up with Dallas and Comet. We even took the lead a few times. I had learned that Jolly Long had been opened for dog use but when we got to the intersection, Jolly Long had not been groomed yet. So we did the Sugarbush sugar shack in and out and had a good time. When we were zipping down the hill, we encountered the Washburn HS ski team. I think I recognized one of our friend's daughter's best friend and her dad in the group. Comet and Roux were super well behaved and went "on by" this big group. No issues for the rest of the trip, either, They seemed to be pulling harder when we got close to the parking lot and the cars promising warmth.
1:23 PM; Washburn, WI
-19.3 °C; Clear
Dallas messaged in the morning that he'd be in Bayfield, checking on his boat. You know what that means: skijoring with Comet and Roux. We decided on 1:00 PM and by then, the trails were partially groomed. Roux did a great job helping me to keep up with Dallas and Comet. We even took the lead a few times. I had learned that Jolly Long had been opened for dog use but when we got to the intersection, Jolly Long had not been groomed yet. So we did the Sugarbush sugar shack in and out and had a good time. When we were zipping down the hill, we encountered the Washburn HS ski team. I think I recognized one of our friend's daughter's best friend and her dad in the group. Comet and Roux were super well behaved and went "on by" this big group. No issues for the rest of the trip, either, They seemed to be pulling harder when we got close to the parking lot and the cars promising warmth.
XC Skiing Skate 30:23 4.24 km (7:10 / km) +75m 6:35 / km
ahr:135 max:178 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Mt. Ashwabay Anchor Trail Skate
2:05 PM; Washburn, WI
-19.0 °C; Clear
After dropping off the dogs at the cars, Dallas and I went for a "quick" ski, doing the Anchor loop. I am putting quick in quotations because with the cold, the snow was anything but. Fortunately Seagull trail was not yet groomed, so we were not tempted to take it. That would have been tough. Made t back, said our good byes and headed home.
2:05 PM; Washburn, WI
-19.0 °C; Clear
After dropping off the dogs at the cars, Dallas and I went for a "quick" ski, doing the Anchor loop. I am putting quick in quotations because with the cold, the snow was anything but. Fortunately Seagull trail was not yet groomed, so we were not tempted to take it. That would have been tough. Made t back, said our good byes and headed home.
Tuesday Dec 26, 2017 #
1 PM
XC Skiing Skijor 46:22 7.56 km (6:08 / km) +82m 5:49 / km
ahr:138 max:163 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Sugarbush Dog Trail Skijoring Roux
1:45 PM; Washburn, WI
-21.3 °C; Partly cloudy
Pretty nippy, but fortunately in the valley, thus sheltered from the westerly wind. Roux was ready to go but the trail (like the ski trails as well) was not groomed. About 10 cm of powder on top of the base. Skating was a chore and Roux was unnerved by the slower pace and cold and would not pull. I finally stepped into the indentations of a track and started to double pole and lo and behold, Roux started pulling. So I chalk this one off as an assisted double pole workout! I wasn't sure if we'd make it all the way to the sugar shack turn-around but we did! And since I had prepped the trackon the way up, the way back was a bit faster, too! The final 200 m made me appreciate the windchill and the sheltered location of most of the trail. The wind was biting. Very happy with my little man Roux, to hang in there on such a cold afternoon!
1:45 PM; Washburn, WI
-21.3 °C; Partly cloudy
Pretty nippy, but fortunately in the valley, thus sheltered from the westerly wind. Roux was ready to go but the trail (like the ski trails as well) was not groomed. About 10 cm of powder on top of the base. Skating was a chore and Roux was unnerved by the slower pace and cold and would not pull. I finally stepped into the indentations of a track and started to double pole and lo and behold, Roux started pulling. So I chalk this one off as an assisted double pole workout! I wasn't sure if we'd make it all the way to the sugar shack turn-around but we did! And since I had prepped the trackon the way up, the way back was a bit faster, too! The final 200 m made me appreciate the windchill and the sheltered location of most of the trail. The wind was biting. Very happy with my little man Roux, to hang in there on such a cold afternoon!
Sunday Dec 24, 2017 #
7 AM
XC Skiing Skate 1:33:12 22.48 km (4:09 / km) +308m 3:53 / km
ahr:143 max:187 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Hyland Skate Workout
7:12 AM; Hyland Park Reserve
-8.4 °C; Cloudy
Picked up Karl at 6:30 for a skate ski follow-up to yesterday. Comparatively fewer people and the same perfect conditions. I dressed a little lighter and needed to move to warm up. My hands needed three laps to get all fingers out of the pain zone, but then they were fine. No sunrise today, overcast, but the clouds had a beautiful texture. Did lap 6 no poles. I ended up getting away from Karl to the point that he was no longer visible. I decided to do a lap around chutes & ladders to catch him up. of course, I saw him flying down the hill when I was just past Jan's Place. No way to catch him, because he was going fast to try to catch up with me. So I skied up to start of Frogtown Loop and did a couple of mini no pole laps, waiting for him. He came by so fast that he did not see me. I caught up to him, skiing the rest together again. Only person I knew today was Joe.
7:12 AM; Hyland Park Reserve
-8.4 °C; Cloudy
Picked up Karl at 6:30 for a skate ski follow-up to yesterday. Comparatively fewer people and the same perfect conditions. I dressed a little lighter and needed to move to warm up. My hands needed three laps to get all fingers out of the pain zone, but then they were fine. No sunrise today, overcast, but the clouds had a beautiful texture. Did lap 6 no poles. I ended up getting away from Karl to the point that he was no longer visible. I decided to do a lap around chutes & ladders to catch him up. of course, I saw him flying down the hill when I was just past Jan's Place. No way to catch him, because he was going fast to try to catch up with me. So I skied up to start of Frogtown Loop and did a couple of mini no pole laps, waiting for him. He came by so fast that he did not see me. I caught up to him, skiing the rest together again. Only person I knew today was Joe.
1 PM
Hiking 56:56 [1] 4.58 km (12:26 / km) +34m 11:59 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
1:53 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-6.2 °C; Partly cloudy
I snowed quite hard earlier, unfortunately only for a short time. But it refreshed the white of what was already there. By the time I starte my walk, the sun was out. Modified our usual route to cross Energy Park Drive and walk along the northern BNSF spur. The dogs love this stretch, A thick cover of vetches, sumach and other shrubbery creates lots of hiding places for mice and rabbits, unfortunately for the dogs and luckily for the rodents, an almost impenetrable barrier. Picked up a nice 10' aluminum profile from a dumpster along the way. Craig and Joel who were returning from a movie saw me along Snelling and turned around to say hi. Nice walk!
1:53 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-6.2 °C; Partly cloudy
I snowed quite hard earlier, unfortunately only for a short time. But it refreshed the white of what was already there. By the time I starte my walk, the sun was out. Modified our usual route to cross Energy Park Drive and walk along the northern BNSF spur. The dogs love this stretch, A thick cover of vetches, sumach and other shrubbery creates lots of hiding places for mice and rabbits, unfortunately for the dogs and luckily for the rodents, an almost impenetrable barrier. Picked up a nice 10' aluminum profile from a dumpster along the way. Craig and Joel who were returning from a movie saw me along Snelling and turned around to say hi. Nice walk!
Saturday Dec 23, 2017 #
7 AM
XC Skiing Classic 2:08:57 29.34 km (4:24 / km) +405m 4:07 / km
ahr:152 max:203 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Classic '13
Hyland Classic Workout
7:09 AM; Hyland Park Reserve
-11.3 °C; Clear
Jamie and I rode along with Karl for a good ski at Hyland. Colder temps and fast snow! Took me about 2.5 laps to have my hands at working temperature. Last weekend, out lap times hovered around 13-14 minutes, today, it was more like between 11 and 12. Did a couple of laps with no pole sections after my hands warmed up. My kick wax, which was the one I had put on for the City of Lake Loppet, was still in working order. Only during the last 2 laps I noticed that the kick was not as good anymore. Saw John K. and Kitty. Karl sported some massive icicles in his beard and one making a bridge between his eyebrow and his glasses.
7:09 AM; Hyland Park Reserve
-11.3 °C; Clear
Jamie and I rode along with Karl for a good ski at Hyland. Colder temps and fast snow! Took me about 2.5 laps to have my hands at working temperature. Last weekend, out lap times hovered around 13-14 minutes, today, it was more like between 11 and 12. Did a couple of laps with no pole sections after my hands warmed up. My kick wax, which was the one I had put on for the City of Lake Loppet, was still in working order. Only during the last 2 laps I noticed that the kick was not as good anymore. Saw John K. and Kitty. Karl sported some massive icicles in his beard and one making a bridge between his eyebrow and his glasses.
2 PM
Hiking 42:50 [1] 3.78 km (11:20 / km) +22m 11:01 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
2:40 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-5.8 °C; Clear
Only a short one with the dogs today. Trains hauling.
2:40 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-5.8 °C; Clear
Only a short one with the dogs today. Trains hauling.
Friday Dec 22, 2017 #
6 AM
Hiking 9:59 [1] 1.09 km (9:10 / km)
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:48 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-7.9 °C; Cloudy
Just a fast walk this AM. Very rare that I am the only one at the station like today. Walked the length of the platform while waiting, noticed all sorts of odds and ends, a couple of shopping carts, clothing and spilled food. A melancholy still life.
6:48 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-7.9 °C; Cloudy
Just a fast walk this AM. Very rare that I am the only one at the station like today. Walked the length of the platform while waiting, noticed all sorts of odds and ends, a couple of shopping carts, clothing and spilled food. A melancholy still life.
1 PM
Hiking 15:34 [1] 1.46 km (10:40 / km) +8m 10:23 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home
1:18 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-4.5 °C; Cloudy
1:18 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-4.5 °C; Cloudy
2 PM
Hiking 1:11:39 [1] 6.52 km (10:59 / km) +49m 10:35 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
McMurray Field
2:59 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-4.2 °C; Cloudy
Taking advantage of the not too cold and not too windy weather with a slightly longer walk. I am pretty sure I saw a snowy owl at Oscar Johnson Arena, there are various raptors that are almost white, but the round big head and absence of a neck tipped me off. I looked up the way I noticed the wing tip feathers curl up, too, a total match. It was a fleeting impression but from fairly close. Got a little chilled on the home stretch while walking W, into the wind, with just a fleece and no shell. Glad to make it home.
2:59 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-4.2 °C; Cloudy
Taking advantage of the not too cold and not too windy weather with a slightly longer walk. I am pretty sure I saw a snowy owl at Oscar Johnson Arena, there are various raptors that are almost white, but the round big head and absence of a neck tipped me off. I looked up the way I noticed the wing tip feathers curl up, too, a total match. It was a fleeting impression but from fairly close. Got a little chilled on the home stretch while walking W, into the wind, with just a fleece and no shell. Glad to make it home.
Thursday Dec 21, 2017 #
6 AM
Running: Interval 7:14 1.1 km (6:35 / km) +2m 6:31 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:41 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-7.2 °C; Cloudy
Had to run. The entire way. Just barely made it. My lunch, a mashed-potato based stew, decided to move from tupperware to bottom of my backpack as I found out when I was almost at work. Was able to salvage most of it ...
6:41 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-7.2 °C; Cloudy
Had to run. The entire way. Just barely made it. My lunch, a mashed-potato based stew, decided to move from tupperware to bottom of my backpack as I found out when I was almost at work. Was able to salvage most of it ...
4 PM
Hiking 53:37 [1] 5.04 km (10:38 / km) +36m 10:16 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Lexington to Snelling
4:14 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-5.5 °C; Cloudy
Gave the dog a little extra this afternoon. They got more than they hoped for: when we crossed the scrubland near Lexington north of the tracks, I noticed movement near the hobo camp and called the dogs back the gentleman who was outside the considerable warehouse of supplies called back "I don't bite," to which I replied "The dogs don't bite either" and allowed the dogs to move forward. They were each rewarded with a hunk of bread he tore out of a loaf from top of one of his piles. We exchanged a few friedly words and I and the dogs moved on.
4:14 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-5.5 °C; Cloudy
Gave the dog a little extra this afternoon. They got more than they hoped for: when we crossed the scrubland near Lexington north of the tracks, I noticed movement near the hobo camp and called the dogs back the gentleman who was outside the considerable warehouse of supplies called back "I don't bite," to which I replied "The dogs don't bite either" and allowed the dogs to move forward. They were each rewarded with a hunk of bread he tore out of a loaf from top of one of his piles. We exchanged a few friedly words and I and the dogs moved on.
6 PM
Running 9:12 1.03 km (8:56 / km) +8m 8:36 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:25 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-5.7 °C; Cloudy
Headed over to friends Mary & Jim for solstice bonfire and dinner. Caught the 21 bus right where i typically take the Green Line to work during the winter. Got there just as the bus arrived, no time to spare and promptly forgot to turn off my Garmin. Was able to edit this in SportTracks but not on GC.
6:25 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-5.7 °C; Cloudy
Headed over to friends Mary & Jim for solstice bonfire and dinner. Caught the 21 bus right where i typically take the Green Line to work during the winter. Got there just as the bus arrived, no time to spare and promptly forgot to turn off my Garmin. Was able to edit this in SportTracks but not on GC.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2017 #
6 AM
Hiking 12:20 [1] 1.15 km (10:43 / km) +3m 10:35 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:26 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-8.2 °C; Cloudy
Just a dusting of snow, depressing ...
6:26 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-8.2 °C; Cloudy
Just a dusting of snow, depressing ...
4 PM
Hiking 41:47 [1] 3.76 km (11:07 / km) +27m 10:44 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
4:31 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-8.0 °C; Cloudy
The full short route after a shortened walk yesterday. Dogs were appreciative, I was watching for ice under the thin layer of fresh snow ...
4:31 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-8.0 °C; Cloudy
The full short route after a shortened walk yesterday. Dogs were appreciative, I was watching for ice under the thin layer of fresh snow ...
Hiking 13:40 [1] 1.33 km (10:17 / km) +9m 9:56 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home
4:01 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-7.8 °C; Cloudy
Musing about the tracks in this morning's snow: so few of them. Departing from the green line, only 2 set of tracks going north on Simpson. Others join and then depart. Gravely surface where snow has been scraped away by steps mean safety, black or grey means slippery ice. I keep my guard up.
4:01 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-7.8 °C; Cloudy
Musing about the tracks in this morning's snow: so few of them. Departing from the green line, only 2 set of tracks going north on Simpson. Others join and then depart. Gravely surface where snow has been scraped away by steps mean safety, black or grey means slippery ice. I keep my guard up.
Tuesday Dec 19, 2017 #
6 AM
Hiking 11:40 [1] 1.12 km (10:25 / km) +13m 9:51 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:36 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
0.5 °C; Clear
First time in a while I did not have to hurry. Good thing, since it was rather icy.
6:36 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
0.5 °C; Clear
First time in a while I did not have to hurry. Good thing, since it was rather icy.
4 PM
Hiking 31:26 [1] 2.89 km (10:53 / km) +5m 10:47 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Hamline U Campus
5:03 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-1.1 °C; Clear
Got home rather late and did not feel like dealing with Snelling and Pierce Butler in the dark, with rush hour in full swing. So the dogs had a shortened on-leash walk. They did not seem to mind. Getting colder after another above freezing day. Don't mind the short thaw but really bummed out that the snow is going to mostly miss us yet again. Back to the man-made loop and looking forward to a week in N Wisconsin, where there is plenty of snow.
5:03 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-1.1 °C; Clear
Got home rather late and did not feel like dealing with Snelling and Pierce Butler in the dark, with rush hour in full swing. So the dogs had a shortened on-leash walk. They did not seem to mind. Getting colder after another above freezing day. Don't mind the short thaw but really bummed out that the snow is going to mostly miss us yet again. Back to the man-made loop and looking forward to a week in N Wisconsin, where there is plenty of snow.
Hiking 14:10 [1] 1.33 km (10:39 / km) +7m 10:23 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home
4:44 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-0.7 °C; Clear
Getting colder, meltwater on light rail platform one sheet of ice.
4:44 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-0.7 °C; Clear
Getting colder, meltwater on light rail platform one sheet of ice.
Monday Dec 18, 2017 #
6 AM
Running: Interval 10:26 [1] 1.14 km (9:09 / km) +3m 9:02 / km
shoes: Ecco Hybrid
Green Line to Home
6:39 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-3.2 °C; Cloudy
6:39 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-3.2 °C; Cloudy
3 PM
Hiking 13:02 [1] 1.32 km (9:52 / km) +9m 9:33 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home
3:47 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
2.7 °C; Cloudy
3:47 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
2.7 °C; Cloudy
Hiking 41:32 [1] 3.77 km (11:01 / km) +22m 10:42 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
4:16 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
2.9 °C; Cloudy
First walk since Thursday morning, skied all weekend , including 3 skijoring sessuons. Warm, I will definitely skip tomorrow's workout and head for Hyland Wednesday or Thursday night. Still a little sore on the inside of my thighs from the classic workout yesterday.
4:16 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
2.9 °C; Cloudy
First walk since Thursday morning, skied all weekend , including 3 skijoring sessuons. Warm, I will definitely skip tomorrow's workout and head for Hyland Wednesday or Thursday night. Still a little sore on the inside of my thighs from the classic workout yesterday.
Sunday Dec 17, 2017 #
7 AM
XC Skiing Classic 1:55:57 22.6 km (5:08 / km) +317m 4:48 / km
ahr:144 max:177 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Classic '13
Hyland Classic ski
7:12 AM; Hyland Park Reserve
-5.4 °C; Cloudy
First classic workout of the season, did use my skis having the kick wax still left from my ill fated City of Lakes race, the solid klister-type stuff. A little too grippy on the downhills but all in all it worked pretty well. Appreciated the good kick on the uphills. Saul from our EU Tuesday night group was just leaving and gave us the good news that Frogtown was open.
8 laps total:
The 3 initial laps had a no-pole section on the more level part of the Frogtown loop.
Then 4 laps with poles. lap 5 and lap 7 were fast.
Last lap again with the no-pole section on the Frogtown loop.
Some observations:
Staying in the tracks downhill from the chutes and ladders hill always intimidates me a little. By lap 5, I was not even thinking about being intimidated any more.
Striding during the no-pole section at the end felt so much more comfortable and efficient then the three at the beginning.
Good workout!
7:12 AM; Hyland Park Reserve
-5.4 °C; Cloudy
First classic workout of the season, did use my skis having the kick wax still left from my ill fated City of Lakes race, the solid klister-type stuff. A little too grippy on the downhills but all in all it worked pretty well. Appreciated the good kick on the uphills. Saul from our EU Tuesday night group was just leaving and gave us the good news that Frogtown was open.
8 laps total:
The 3 initial laps had a no-pole section on the more level part of the Frogtown loop.
Then 4 laps with poles. lap 5 and lap 7 were fast.
Last lap again with the no-pole section on the Frogtown loop.
Some observations:
Staying in the tracks downhill from the chutes and ladders hill always intimidates me a little. By lap 5, I was not even thinking about being intimidated any more.
Striding during the no-pole section at the end felt so much more comfortable and efficient then the three at the beginning.
Good workout!
3 PM
XC Skiing Skijor 26:57 7.39 km (3:39 / km) +84m 3:27 / km
ahr:147 max:158 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Highland Skijoring Roux 2 Laps
3:57 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-2.7 °C; Cloudy
Left Mellie at home, yesterday she was dragging. Need to take care of my old dog! The young one, on the other hand, was ready to go. two laps with some minor distractions, on from a lab, who was walking close to the trail, the other, just too much to investigate, trailside. But they were truly minor. We were filmed by another skier and one guy was in awe over taking a dog skiing. Good ski!
3:57 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-2.7 °C; Cloudy
Left Mellie at home, yesterday she was dragging. Need to take care of my old dog! The young one, on the other hand, was ready to go. two laps with some minor distractions, on from a lab, who was walking close to the trail, the other, just too much to investigate, trailside. But they were truly minor. We were filmed by another skier and one guy was in awe over taking a dog skiing. Good ski!
Saturday Dec 16, 2017 #
7 AM
XC Skiing Skate 2:46:17 36.63 km (4:32 / km) +275m 4:23 / km
ahr:150 max:180 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Phalen Long Skate Ski
7:38 AM; Phalen Park Golf Course
-3.9 °C; Cloudy
Rode along with Karl to Phalen, met up with Jeff, Andy, Jamie and Bill. A good half lap without poles, then serious skiing, Two laps counterclockwise, three clockwise. Saw Bruce and later Karen along the trail. Most of us did four laps, Jamie, Karl and I did a fifth, part of that last lap again without poles. We had a couple of cm of fresh snow overnight, which nicely freshened up the course. A couple of spots had blacktop showing but they were easy to avoid. Tired legs at the end, very nice ski, thinking this would have been 20+ laps on the current Hyland snowmaking loop and 18.5 laps at Elm Creek.
7:38 AM; Phalen Park Golf Course
-3.9 °C; Cloudy
Rode along with Karl to Phalen, met up with Jeff, Andy, Jamie and Bill. A good half lap without poles, then serious skiing, Two laps counterclockwise, three clockwise. Saw Bruce and later Karen along the trail. Most of us did four laps, Jamie, Karl and I did a fifth, part of that last lap again without poles. We had a couple of cm of fresh snow overnight, which nicely freshened up the course. A couple of spots had blacktop showing but they were easy to avoid. Tired legs at the end, very nice ski, thinking this would have been 20+ laps on the current Hyland snowmaking loop and 18.5 laps at Elm Creek.
3 PM
XC Skiing Skijor 14:27 3.66 km (3:57 / km) +40m 3:45 / km
ahr:143 max:152 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Highland Skijoring Roux 1 Lap
3:45 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-2.0 °C; Cloudy
Quick lap with Roux after dropping of the Mellster. Stopped to say hi to Jamie, his two-year old was delighted with the big brown dog. There were a couple other dogs on the trail but we were offset from them after our first lap.
3:45 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-2.0 °C; Cloudy
Quick lap with Roux after dropping of the Mellster. Stopped to say hi to Jamie, his two-year old was delighted with the big brown dog. There were a couple other dogs on the trail but we were offset from them after our first lap.
XC Skiing Skijor 15:22 3.69 km (4:10 / km) +39m 3:57 / km
ahr:138 max:148 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Highland Skijoring Mellie and Roux 1 Lap
3:27 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-2.1 °C; Cloudy
Winding down the day with my favority dogs at Highland 9-Hole. Saw Jamie and his family, he was pulling a pulka sled with the youngst one, his wife was carrying a backpack. The dogs were raring to go so I planned to stop to say hi when I was alone with Roux.
3:27 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-2.1 °C; Cloudy
Winding down the day with my favority dogs at Highland 9-Hole. Saw Jamie and his family, he was pulling a pulka sled with the youngst one, his wife was carrying a backpack. The dogs were raring to go so I planned to stop to say hi when I was alone with Roux.
Friday Dec 15, 2017 #
6 PM
XC Skiing Skijor 15:12 3.73 km (4:05 / km) +14m 4:00 / km
ahr:143 max:156 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Stijoring Hyland Roux 1 Lap
6:36 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-3.2 °C; Snow
Roux was still a willing participant, keeping the line tout most of the time and always out of my way. He was especially enthusiastic when the UPS truck drove along on Edgecumbe. The snow was getting slower, I'd say about a cm fell while we were there. Could have done two laps with Roux but for the first time this winter, I did not want to overdo it.
6:36 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-3.2 °C; Snow
Roux was still a willing participant, keeping the line tout most of the time and always out of my way. He was especially enthusiastic when the UPS truck drove along on Edgecumbe. The snow was getting slower, I'd say about a cm fell while we were there. Could have done two laps with Roux but for the first time this winter, I did not want to overdo it.
XC Skiing Skijor 13:52 3.64 km (3:49 / km) +12m 3:45 / km
ahr:135 max:155 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Skijoring Highland Mellie and Roux 1 Lap
6:19 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-3.2 °C; Snow
Good effort by both dogs, after Mellie got her usual dickens out of the way. she actually kept up the entire lap, good old girl! There was just one other skier out, with a free-range dog, who fortunately listened to his master. He let us pass, waiting for us to come by well off the trail, holding his dog. I snowed throughout, the flakes felt wet and sloppy.
6:19 PM; Highland 9 Hole
-3.2 °C; Snow
Good effort by both dogs, after Mellie got her usual dickens out of the way. she actually kept up the entire lap, good old girl! There was just one other skier out, with a free-range dog, who fortunately listened to his master. He let us pass, waiting for us to come by well off the trail, holding his dog. I snowed throughout, the flakes felt wet and sloppy.
Thursday Dec 14, 2017 #
6 AM
Hiking 59:54 [1] 5.62 km (10:40 / km) +38m 10:19 / km
shoes: Asolo FSN 95
Energy Park Lexington to Snelling
6:26 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-9.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Time without wind for a change, completely calm. Started out partially clouded then cleared by the time we got back home. Rabbits out along the trail, Roux very excited but came out empty.
6:26 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-9.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Time without wind for a change, completely calm. Started out partially clouded then cleared by the time we got back home. Rabbits out along the trail, Roux very excited but came out empty.
6 PM
XC Skiing Skate 1:42:09 22.32 km (4:35 / km) +33m 4:33 / km
ahr:143 max:161 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Skate Skiing Phalen
6:26 PM; Phalen Park Golf Course
-5.5 °C; Cloudy
Karl suggested Phalen, he had vetted it by Kathleen and Bill S. I would have gone to Hyland, so glad we went here. My first ski on natural snow since Martin Luther King weekend earlier of this year. Pretty decent, Some areas with leaves, some areas where grass poked through but nothing bad. We did not have the lay of the land and blindly skied till we hit the trail. Great ski!
6:26 PM; Phalen Park Golf Course
-5.5 °C; Cloudy
Karl suggested Phalen, he had vetted it by Kathleen and Bill S. I would have gone to Hyland, so glad we went here. My first ski on natural snow since Martin Luther King weekend earlier of this year. Pretty decent, Some areas with leaves, some areas where grass poked through but nothing bad. We did not have the lay of the land and blindly skied till we hit the trail. Great ski!
Wednesday Dec 13, 2017 #
6 AM
Running: Interval 8:58 1.11 km (8:05 / km) +1m 8:03 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:20 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-2.6 °C; Cloudy
6:20 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-2.6 °C; Cloudy
4 PM
Hiking 44:09 [1] 3.95 km (11:11 / km) +29m 10:47 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
4:27 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-5.0 °C; Cloudy
Decided to check out the snow conditions along the possible route of my personal skijoring circuit. While on top along the tracks the wind had scraped away the snow and the lawn grass was poking through, at the roundabout, the snow was deposited in the lee of the hill. Some sharp turns, too and a steep embankment to climb. We will see.
4:27 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-5.0 °C; Cloudy
Decided to check out the snow conditions along the possible route of my personal skijoring circuit. While on top along the tracks the wind had scraped away the snow and the lawn grass was poking through, at the roundabout, the snow was deposited in the lee of the hill. Some sharp turns, too and a steep embankment to climb. We will see.
Hiking 14:43 [1] 1.37 km (10:45 / km) +4m 10:35 / km
shoes: Ecco Hybrid
Green Line to Home
4:00 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-4.7 °C; Clear
A cold northerly wind. Temp dropped throughout the day and just the slightest dusting of snow.
4:00 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-4.7 °C; Clear
A cold northerly wind. Temp dropped throughout the day and just the slightest dusting of snow.
Tuesday Dec 12, 2017 #
6 AM
Hiking 9:34 [1] 1.14 km (8:24 / km)
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:28 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-14.1 °C; Clear
A little more time this morning.
6:28 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-14.1 °C; Clear
A little more time this morning.
3 PM
Hiking 39:52 [1] 3.71 km (10:45 / km) +28m 10:21 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
4:22 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-7.1 °C; Cloudy
Snow is adding up, slowly. Thinking about a personal skijoring loop in the open area near Snelling. would be short, no more than 500 m. Track workout for the dogs. Or of the gods?
4:22 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-7.1 °C; Cloudy
Snow is adding up, slowly. Thinking about a personal skijoring loop in the open area near Snelling. would be short, no more than 500 m. Track workout for the dogs. Or of the gods?
Hiking 14:06 [1] 1.33 km (10:36 / km) +8m 10:18 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home
3:58 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-7.2 °C; Cloudy
3:58 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-7.2 °C; Cloudy
Monday Dec 11, 2017 #
6 AM
Running: Interval 9:26 1.08 km (8:44 / km)
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:30 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-2.1 °C; Snow
The usual shuffle jog to the train. This morning on 2 cm of fresh snow covering the slipperiness. Started snowing fat flakes, the streetlights projecting reversed discoball patterns onto the white ground. Made it with 2 minutes to spare.
6:30 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-2.1 °C; Snow
The usual shuffle jog to the train. This morning on 2 cm of fresh snow covering the slipperiness. Started snowing fat flakes, the streetlights projecting reversed discoball patterns onto the white ground. Made it with 2 minutes to spare.
4 PM
Hiking 1:15:36 5.63 km (13:26 / km) +45m 12:55 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home to Energy Park Short
4:02 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-2.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Above freezing when I started but it got gradually colder, eventually starting to re-freeze the meltwater. A strong wind, too but beautiful evening sky. Mellie was relegated to staying on leash, since she would not listen and come. I lat her off in open area between the steam plant and Snelling, Roux immediately punished her for her bad behavior.
4:02 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-2.1 °C; Partly cloudy
Above freezing when I started but it got gradually colder, eventually starting to re-freeze the meltwater. A strong wind, too but beautiful evening sky. Mellie was relegated to staying on leash, since she would not listen and come. I lat her off in open area between the steam plant and Snelling, Roux immediately punished her for her bad behavior.
Sunday Dec 10, 2017 #
6 AM
XC Skiing Skate 1:34:22 24.12 km (3:55 / km) +83m 3:51 / km
ahr:150 max:165 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Skate skiing Elm Creek Man-Made Loop
6:59 AM; Elm Creek Park Reserve
-3.5 °C; Cloudy
Pretty sore from yesterday, quads and glutes. Any time a different type of workout gets started, the body has to learn and adapt, hence soreness. Did not really feel like going, but did. It's all about overcoming one's weaker self, or as the German much more bluntly state, "den inneren Schweinehund ueberwinden" (Schweinehund=pig-dog, no direct equivalent in English, means to overcome one's inner bastard). Soreness did not bother me at all during the ski. Started out with a no-pole lap. The effort was much more evenly distributed and I focused on my V2 on the flats and the gentle climbs. I definitely have trouble with balancing on my left ski, tried to work on that. Seems like it's coming along. Saw Eric again and Andy was starting as I was doing a cool-down no-pole half lap. Good workout.
6:59 AM; Elm Creek Park Reserve
-3.5 °C; Cloudy
Pretty sore from yesterday, quads and glutes. Any time a different type of workout gets started, the body has to learn and adapt, hence soreness. Did not really feel like going, but did. It's all about overcoming one's weaker self, or as the German much more bluntly state, "den inneren Schweinehund ueberwinden" (Schweinehund=pig-dog, no direct equivalent in English, means to overcome one's inner bastard). Soreness did not bother me at all during the ski. Started out with a no-pole lap. The effort was much more evenly distributed and I focused on my V2 on the flats and the gentle climbs. I definitely have trouble with balancing on my left ski, tried to work on that. Seems like it's coming along. Saw Eric again and Andy was starting as I was doing a cool-down no-pole half lap. Good workout.
4 PM
Hiking 44:52 [1] 3.85 km (11:39 / km) +20m 11:22 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
4:07 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-2.4 °C; Clear
Beautiful evening, a little past sunset. Snelling still busy but Energy Park was dead. Played good samaritan at the highrise down the street from us. From afar, I had noticed someone standing over his bike. As we got closer, he started to awkwardly shuffle towards and then up the walkway to the main entrance. I went up to him and asked if I could help. He could not get his leg over the bike. With some effort and back and forth, we were able to extract the bike from under him, with him leaning on my shoulders and me maneuvering the bike. Dogs were of exemplary behavior during the procedure.
4:07 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-2.4 °C; Clear
Beautiful evening, a little past sunset. Snelling still busy but Energy Park was dead. Played good samaritan at the highrise down the street from us. From afar, I had noticed someone standing over his bike. As we got closer, he started to awkwardly shuffle towards and then up the walkway to the main entrance. I went up to him and asked if I could help. He could not get his leg over the bike. With some effort and back and forth, we were able to extract the bike from under him, with him leaning on my shoulders and me maneuvering the bike. Dogs were of exemplary behavior during the procedure.
Saturday Dec 9, 2017 #
7 AM
XC Skiing Skate 1:36:18 23.58 km (4:05 / km)
ahr:150 max:196 shoes: Atomic Worldcup Skate '11
Skate Skiing Elm Creek Man-made Loop
7:22 AM; Elm Creek Park reserve
-7.1 °C; Snow
Went to Elm Creek with Jamie. Because we were chatting and not paying attention, we missed not one but several turns and even got a little lost in Anoka at one point. But we made it. The Elm Creek man-made loop, 2 km of which were open, lived up to Three River Parks usual standard of excellence. Snow on skis is slipperier than asphalt for roller skis and it took me 100 m and three falls on my rear end to hammer that home. But I was a quick study and had no other falls. I recall from previous years that my shins always hurt but like last year, there was no indication for that to still happen. Per Karl, this is the effect of putting m skis down flat. The snow was super fast to ski on but gradually, the crowds were getting thicker. Saw Charlie, Eric, Amy, John and Elizabeth this morning. Even collected a free buff. Just a great time to be out!
7:22 AM; Elm Creek Park reserve
-7.1 °C; Snow
Went to Elm Creek with Jamie. Because we were chatting and not paying attention, we missed not one but several turns and even got a little lost in Anoka at one point. But we made it. The Elm Creek man-made loop, 2 km of which were open, lived up to Three River Parks usual standard of excellence. Snow on skis is slipperier than asphalt for roller skis and it took me 100 m and three falls on my rear end to hammer that home. But I was a quick study and had no other falls. I recall from previous years that my shins always hurt but like last year, there was no indication for that to still happen. Per Karl, this is the effect of putting m skis down flat. The snow was super fast to ski on but gradually, the crowds were getting thicker. Saw Charlie, Eric, Amy, John and Elizabeth this morning. Even collected a free buff. Just a great time to be out!
3 PM
Hiking 53:10 [1] 5.11 km (10:24 / km) +39m 10:01 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Lexington to Snelling
3:45 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-6.4 °C; Partly cloudy
Running around all day, starting with rounds around the 2k loop at Elm Creek Park. Did sit down maybe half an hour to log my ski and then went grocery shopping, put in some newfangled (or not so newfangled) outlets with USB chargers and thought "Shall I take dogs for their walk or sit down for a while?" Did the dog walk ... It was fun, active hobo camp at Lexington and RR tracks. Still no Kemps cow for lil' Roux ...
3:45 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-6.4 °C; Partly cloudy
Running around all day, starting with rounds around the 2k loop at Elm Creek Park. Did sit down maybe half an hour to log my ski and then went grocery shopping, put in some newfangled (or not so newfangled) outlets with USB chargers and thought "Shall I take dogs for their walk or sit down for a while?" Did the dog walk ... It was fun, active hobo camp at Lexington and RR tracks. Still no Kemps cow for lil' Roux ...
Friday Dec 8, 2017 #
6 AM
Hiking 8:36 0.72 km (11:57 / km) +45m 9:06 / km
ahr:107 max:136 shoes: Hoka One One Tor Summit Low
DT Target to TCC
7:23 AM; Downtown Minneapolis
Walking back from the barber. 12 floors today.
7:23 AM; Downtown Minneapolis
Walking back from the barber. 12 floors today.
Running: Interval 8:32 1.13 km (7:33 / km) +1m 7:31 / km
ahr:120 max:142 shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:19 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-6.4 °C; Clear
Can't quite make my train without jogging. Just as well, it's my mini interval.
6:19 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-6.4 °C; Clear
Can't quite make my train without jogging. Just as well, it's my mini interval.
3 PM
Hiking 1:01:34 [1] 5.19 km (11:52 / km) +96m 10:51 / km
ahr:93 max:111 shoes: Hoka One One Tor Summit Low
Green Line to Home to Energy Park Short
3:28 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-2.2 °C; Cloudy
Decided to make this the other Energy Park Short hike, becuase I just didn't have the heart to deal with loud and busy Snelling Ave. It's actually quite amazing that going from our house to Lexington and back across the Hamline pedestrian bridge is almost exactly the same distance as going across the bridge via snelling. A little slippery in places but the dogs were happy. Roux was disturbed that he did not find the Kemps cow, which he likes to point, stalk and attack. Must have been put out to pasture for the winter.
3:28 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-2.2 °C; Cloudy
Decided to make this the other Energy Park Short hike, becuase I just didn't have the heart to deal with loud and busy Snelling Ave. It's actually quite amazing that going from our house to Lexington and back across the Hamline pedestrian bridge is almost exactly the same distance as going across the bridge via snelling. A little slippery in places but the dogs were happy. Roux was disturbed that he did not find the Kemps cow, which he likes to point, stalk and attack. Must have been put out to pasture for the winter.
Thursday Dec 7, 2017 #
6 AM
Hiking 9:46 1.7 km (5:45 / km) +12m 5:33 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:30 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-13.3 °C; Clear
Another jog. Made it in 8 minutes, just in time but forgot to turn off Garmin immediately.
6:30 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-13.3 °C; Clear
Another jog. Made it in 8 minutes, just in time but forgot to turn off Garmin immediately.
4 PM
Hiking 55:29 [1] 5.18 km (10:43 / km) +34m 10:22 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Summit Low
Green Line to Home to Energy Park Short
4:09 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-8.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Felt colder than yesterday but we did not mind. Fun to see the dogs tearing through the snow, Mellie forgetting that she is an old girl. And so much to sniff out by poking those big noses deep into the snow.
4:09 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-8.8 °C; Partly cloudy
Felt colder than yesterday but we did not mind. Fun to see the dogs tearing through the snow, Mellie forgetting that she is an old girl. And so much to sniff out by poking those big noses deep into the snow.
Wednesday Dec 6, 2017 #
6 AM
Running: Interval 9:48 [1] 1.14 km (8:36 / km) +1m 8:34 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Home to Green Line
6:29 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-9.2 °C; Clear
Today, I looked at the time and saw that I would have to hurry. Covered the distance in a jog/shuffle over icy sidewalks and intersections to make it just in time.
6:29 AM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
-9.2 °C; Clear
Today, I looked at the time and saw that I would have to hurry. Covered the distance in a jog/shuffle over icy sidewalks and intersections to make it just in time.
4 PM
Hiking 57:38 [1] 5.1 km (11:18 / km) +32m 10:57 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home to Energy Park short
4:00 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-8.9 °C; Snow
Dogs are getting into this winter thing. Roux has his nose glued to the snow, wonder if this is because there are fewer scents and he has an easier time isolating the ones that interest him. Who knows, read once that the part of a dog's brain that's tied to the sense of smell is hyper-developed. They also had fun tearing through the snow and climbing the budging mounds piled up by the Energy Park car lots.
4:00 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-8.9 °C; Snow
Dogs are getting into this winter thing. Roux has his nose glued to the snow, wonder if this is because there are fewer scents and he has an easier time isolating the ones that interest him. Who knows, read once that the part of a dog's brain that's tied to the sense of smell is hyper-developed. They also had fun tearing through the snow and climbing the budging mounds piled up by the Energy Park car lots.
Tuesday Dec 5, 2017 #
4 PM
Hiking 37:02 [1] 3.44 km (10:46 / km) +12m 10:35 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Green Line to Home to Hamline Campus
4:37 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-6.8 °C; Clear
Decided not to go to EU tonight and made this a rest day. Felt a little sore and tired. Even a shortened trek home/dog walk combo through campus after applying deicer to the most slippery spots around the house. Roux is really sensitive to road salt, he's fine when walking in clean snow, so that's where I try to keep him.
4:37 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
-6.8 °C; Clear
Decided not to go to EU tonight and made this a rest day. Felt a little sore and tired. Even a shortened trek home/dog walk combo through campus after applying deicer to the most slippery spots around the house. Roux is really sensitive to road salt, he's fine when walking in clean snow, so that's where I try to keep him.
Monday Dec 4, 2017 #
6 AM
Biking Commuting 42:27 17.63 km (2:24 / km) +81m 2:21 / km
ahr:133 max:167 shoes: All-City Space Horse
Home to TPC via Dunn Bros
6:28 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
Cloudy
Considering the temps hovering above 10 °C, I dressed lightly. Still managed to arrive at work dripping wet. Lucked out on the rain, felt a few drops here and there but except where condensation was reacting with previously applied deicer, the pavement remained dry. A fast ride, too. Forgot to turn off my Garmin inside Dunn Bros and even so, I managed an average speed of almost 25 km/h. In spite of being on the late side, I was the first bike parking inside TPC. If it rains, I will take the train home this PM. And snow in the forecast overnight. I know the forecast is dry again for the rest of the week, but I hope I can put the bike away soon to focus on skiing!
6:28 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
Cloudy
Considering the temps hovering above 10 °C, I dressed lightly. Still managed to arrive at work dripping wet. Lucked out on the rain, felt a few drops here and there but except where condensation was reacting with previously applied deicer, the pavement remained dry. A fast ride, too. Forgot to turn off my Garmin inside Dunn Bros and even so, I managed an average speed of almost 25 km/h. In spite of being on the late side, I was the first bike parking inside TPC. If it rains, I will take the train home this PM. And snow in the forecast overnight. I know the forecast is dry again for the rest of the week, but I hope I can put the bike away soon to focus on skiing!
3 PM
Hiking 37:20 [1] 3.79 km (9:51 / km) +23m 9:34 / km
ahr:95 max:118 shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Short
4:46 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
8.7 °C; Cloudy
Still warm and no rain. A SPPD officer was sitting in his car at the Hamline foot bridge, I hope he was there for the drivers ignoring the blinking pedestrian crossing light on Pierce Butler, I gave him a wave and he waved back. I was secretly hoping that cars would not stop to see what would happen but the first car, a huge pickup truck stepped on the brakes to let man and beasts cross.
4:46 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
8.7 °C; Cloudy
Still warm and no rain. A SPPD officer was sitting in his car at the Hamline foot bridge, I hope he was there for the drivers ignoring the blinking pedestrian crossing light on Pierce Butler, I gave him a wave and he waved back. I was secretly hoping that cars would not stop to see what would happen but the first car, a huge pickup truck stepped on the brakes to let man and beasts cross.
Biking Commuting 30:18 13.76 km (2:12 / km) +67m 2:09 / km
ahr:134 max:157 shoes: All-City Space Horse
TPC to Home
3:56 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
11.1 °C; Cloudy
Well, it did not rain and I rode the bike instead of the train. Super fun ride, too, the wind picked up along the way, felt like I hardly needed to pedal. I should add that I dropped the wind breaker for the ride home, wearing only a lightweight thermal undershirt and my reflective vest.
3:56 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
11.1 °C; Cloudy
Well, it did not rain and I rode the bike instead of the train. Super fun ride, too, the wind picked up along the way, felt like I hardly needed to pedal. I should add that I dropped the wind breaker for the ride home, wearing only a lightweight thermal undershirt and my reflective vest.
Sunday Dec 3, 2017 #
8 AM
Hiking 2:14:45 12.2 km (11:03 / km) +85m 10:40 / km
ahr:98 max:164 shoes: Hoka One One Tor Summit Low
UMN Ag Campus
8:01 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
2.4 °C; Cloudy
Early morning had clear sky but by the time I left the house high clouds were coming in. Felt mild, hiking north, but when I turned back, a light but cold southerly wind chilled me. Dogs made friends with a pooch they met on the ag campus. Roux had fun chasing crows on the freshly plowed fields.
8:01 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
2.4 °C; Cloudy
Early morning had clear sky but by the time I left the house high clouds were coming in. Felt mild, hiking north, but when I turned back, a light but cold southerly wind chilled me. Dogs made friends with a pooch they met on the ag campus. Roux had fun chasing crows on the freshly plowed fields.
Saturday Dec 2, 2017 #
10 AM
Biking Commuting 30:00 8.86 km (3:23 / km) +34m 3:19 / km
shoes: All-City Space Horse
Home to Aldi via Menards and USPS
10:40 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
4.1 °C; Clear
Various errants. Lithium back-up batteries for the new weather station (we're on Wunderground now, "Hamline Midway") at Menards, package pickup and the post office and Christmas cookies at Aldi. Beautiful weather, I got warm rather quickly and stuffed the windbreaker into my bike bag after the first stop. Saw neighbor Diane at the post office she's on the Y's board. Put in my plug for a nordic skiing poling machine. We'll see if she holds any sway.
10:40 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
4.1 °C; Clear
Various errants. Lithium back-up batteries for the new weather station (we're on Wunderground now, "Hamline Midway") at Menards, package pickup and the post office and Christmas cookies at Aldi. Beautiful weather, I got warm rather quickly and stuffed the windbreaker into my bike bag after the first stop. Saw neighbor Diane at the post office she's on the Y's board. Put in my plug for a nordic skiing poling machine. We'll see if she holds any sway.
4 PM
Hiking 48:16 3.69 km (13:05 / km) +21m 12:43 / km
shoes: Hoka One One Tor Summit Low
Energy Park Short
4:49 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
5.4 °C; Clear
Walked with Lynn and the dogs under a beautiful clear evening sky with rising full moon.
4:49 PM; Hamline Midway/Frogtown
5.4 °C; Clear
Walked with Lynn and the dogs under a beautiful clear evening sky with rising full moon.
Friday Dec 1, 2017 #
7 AM
Biking Commuting 31:46 14.04 km (2:16 / km) +41m 2:14 / km
ahr:139 max:160 shoes: All-City Space Horse
Home to TPC
7:37 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
0.0 °C; Clear
Got a late start this morning, probably the latest I have ever ridden to work, aside from doctor's appointments or similar delays. A different perspective, much more traffic, both cars and bikes, but quite manageable. Probably good that this is a Friday. A swift ride, too, a little bit of a tailwind. Took the RR service road because I wanted to avoid the boardwalk as I had noticed frost on cars and roads when I took the dogs out early. Arrived at the TPC gate together with another bike commuter. Over chatting with him, I promptly forgot to turn off my Garmin. He flattered me by saying that he knew my bike. I guess it's easy to see because it always get a choice spot in the front of the row, near the exit door because I am generally one of the first in. Surprisingly, my spot was still available today. I took it!
7:37 AM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
0.0 °C; Clear
Got a late start this morning, probably the latest I have ever ridden to work, aside from doctor's appointments or similar delays. A different perspective, much more traffic, both cars and bikes, but quite manageable. Probably good that this is a Friday. A swift ride, too, a little bit of a tailwind. Took the RR service road because I wanted to avoid the boardwalk as I had noticed frost on cars and roads when I took the dogs out early. Arrived at the TPC gate together with another bike commuter. Over chatting with him, I promptly forgot to turn off my Garmin. He flattered me by saying that he knew my bike. I guess it's easy to see because it always get a choice spot in the front of the row, near the exit door because I am generally one of the first in. Surprisingly, my spot was still available today. I took it!
3 PM
Hiking 59:09 5.53 km (10:42 / km) +33m 10:23 / km
ahr:92 max:121 shoes: Hoka One One Tor Tech Mid WP
Energy Park Lexington to Snelling
4:26 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
8.4 °C; Clear
Always a nice way to start the weekend. Checked on the 14 ft boat on trailer, it was gone :-( they are for sale all the time, though. Dogs enjoyed the extended of leash time almost 2 km on this stretch.
4:26 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
8.4 °C; Clear
Always a nice way to start the weekend. Checked on the 14 ft boat on trailer, it was gone :-( they are for sale all the time, though. Dogs enjoyed the extended of leash time almost 2 km on this stretch.
Biking Commuting 32:22 14.13 km (2:17 / km) +69m 2:14 / km
ahr:134 max:159 shoes: All-City Space Horse
TPC to Home
3:35 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
8.6 °C;
Lovely afternoon for a ride home. I'd prefer snow, but colder weather is in the forecast.
3:35 PM; Hamline Midway/Como Park
8.6 °C;
Lovely afternoon for a ride home. I'd prefer snow, but colder weather is in the forecast.