Training Log Archive: Nadim

From Montrose Rd. in St. Paul, MN, I went out Montrose to Mt. Curve Rd., to Woodlawn Rd. to Cretin Rd. to Mississippi River Blvd., then took the trail to Randolph Rd. and Montrose Rd. It took about 5 minutes to get my stomach into it but I started feeling good and ran quickly with it being the last day and hours of a nice vacation. I felt strong the whole way but just couldn't move my feet quick enough. The vacation was rejuvinating and helped me believe in my waning athletic ability again--though slower, I felt myself getting stronger and faster again. If only I can get to the point of working fewer hours again.

From Rte. 34 in the Chippewa National Forest, MN. I ran cross country ski trails to Rte. 50 and back; then more cross country ski trails. The trails were somtimes steep, somteimes boggy but mostly pleasant and rolling through dense forest and along some marsh. I heard a big animal snort and hoof it through the trees--probably a moose from the weight of the sound.

From Eleventh Crow Wing Lake resort in MN, Peggy and I rode one-way to Park Rapids, MN to return our rented bicycles. The railroad grade Heartland State Trail was nice with several lakes and marshes and farm fields and towns along the way.

From Eleventh Crow Wing Lake resort in MN, a troop of us rode to Hackensack, MN and had lunch. We used the Heartland State Trail along Rte 34 and the Paul Bunyon Trail through the Chippewa National Forest. Only Jim L., Graydon Royce and I rode back. For a while we set a good pace line averaging about 19 mph into the wind. I pulled between 20 and 22 mph (according to Jim's cycle computer) on the hybrid without even toe clips. In the hilly section we rode more at our own paces though we slowed for Jim some.

From Eleventh Crow Wing Lake resort in MN, Paul Dickison and Graydon Royce rode toward the town of Hackensack using the Heartland State Trail and the Paul Bunyon Trail. We turned around at an intersection because Graydon had to be back for a golf match. The ride was hillier and faster and we dropped Paul. I pulled quickly on the last 4.5 miles back into the winds.

From Eleventh Crow Wing Lake resort in MN, Cynthia Dickison, Peggy and I rode on the Heartland State Trail to a little north of Walker, MN, did a small loop and then rode back. Cynthia's pace was about 12 mph and she slowed coming back. My rear end was sore.

In Itasca State Park, from the Headwaters of the Mississippi River parking lot to the "headwaters" where I did sprints across the river. Each sprint took about 10 seconds if I didn't slip hopping on the rocks. After a few photo opportunities with Peggy's family, we walked back... The elevation was 1,475 ft.

I rented a hybrid bicycle and took it back to our cabin at Eleventh Crow Wing Lake resort. From the resort, Paul Dickison and I rode to the town of Nevis, MN and back mostly on the Heartland State Trail. I spun a lot going at Paul's pace in the wind and occasional shower.

In St. Paul, MN. From Montrose Rd. to the river trail and Mississippi River Blvd. with Peggy. This part was at about a 1 or 2 intensity. As Peggy turned around, I proceeded much quicker up to the bridge, over the Mississippi River into Minneapolis, then down river on the trail to the Ford Bridge where I crossed the river again, up the trail to Hartford Rd. and Montrose. I felt good in the lower altitude (~1,200 ft.); not having to hop sage made it easy too. My knees lifted on their own.

RMOC 1000-Day east of Laramie, WY: Day 5. The cummulative 4-day time chase start format had me go at 9:06am. Peter Gagarin lead off at 8:50, Jeff Watson was about 9:00, Steve Gregg around 9:04, Erin Olafsen was at about the same but started late (and sick) at 9:05; young Will Enger started about 20 seconds in front of me. Early small blunders kept me trading leads with Will--we often took different routes. Finally he made an error and I got ahead for good with 2 controls to go. It was a physical day at around 8,000 ft. elevation with icky deep marsh crossings and long runs up reentrants. I'm glad I finished on a higher note with the second fastest time on Red for the day (a European in my age group, here for only one day was 8.5 minutes faster). Overall, I was 2nd in +M40 to Jeff and 5th overall. See the Split List.

Day 5: Red - Splits