Training Log Archive: Nadim

From Northfield Rd Bethesda, MD., to Old Georgetown Rd. via Greenwich Park, to Johnson Ave. to Heamsteadt Ave. to McKinley Ave. to Garfield St. to Roosevelt. Ave. to Jefferson St. to Northfield Rd.

From Northfield, Rd., Grant St., to McKinley St., to Old Georgetown Rd., to W. Cedar Ln. to the Beach Dr, to Jones Mill Rd., to the Georgetown Branch Trail, to East-West Hwy., to to Old Georgetown Rd., to Huntington Pkwy., to Custer Rd., to Northfield Rd. I had just enough time to get some final mileage. I had coasted on the mileage since October, but that had a lot to do with being rather busy at work, and with some other activities on the weekends. This mileage got me to where I'd gotten in years past but it was also nice to just get out for a ride where I wasn't commuting. The winds were slowing me down in places.

From Northfield Rd., to the Bethesda Metro Station. It was about 33 F this morning. My right leg was feeling a little weaker and my back hurt a little.

From the Bethesda Metro Station to Northfield Rd.

Washington, D.C. At lunchtime I did a version of what I call the Memorial Tour from my office (From 14th St., SW to Independence Ave. SW, to 15th St. SW., past the Tidal Basin, and Jefferson Memorial over 14th St. Bridge to the Mt. Vernon Trail, past Lady Bird Johnson Memorial to Memorial Bridge, along Lincoln Memorial Circle. to Daniel French Dr., along Independence Ave. past the Martin Luther King Memorial, over the Kutz Bridge, to 14th St.). It was 46 F and damp. A breeze was kicking up and as I was finishing, I got lightly showered on. I felt pretty good the first mile but had to keep a focus to keep up the pace. Overall, this felt easier, being in the relatively warmer east coast weather. My new shoes seem to help with that too.

Bloomington, MN. From Metro Dr., American Blvd. E, to 28th Ave. S, to E Old Shakopee Rd., to American Blvd. E, to the Long Meadow Lake Trail head, then American Blvd. E. to Metro Dr. It was warmer and drier today. We weren't busy so I went for a run after breakfast. This was a rather casual run. I sped up and slowed down for icy spots on the sidewalks. There was a good breeze going but it was in the upper 30's F or close to 40 F.

Maple Grove, MN. Christmas Day 5K. Peggy, Max, and I started the traditional holiday race together while Samantha waited inside. The whole course was a sheet of wet ice. I thought about not running. It was 33 F with a strong wind. Iran as much as I could on the side of the trail where there was granular snow/ice. Some had spikes or strap-on Yak Tracks they could grip the pavement with. There were some small hills. We had three loops to do, of roughly a mile each. I hit the mile in 10:49! I got lapped about 1/3 of the way around the second loop. I think the only people ahead of me had spikes or Yak Tracks. A few more passed me then half way through the second loop I lapped others. My 2 mile split was better due to some packed snow but still only giving me a 10 minute mile. I pushed a little more on the 3rd lap to pass back but as I was about to catch-up the trail narrowed. I hit an icy spot on the pavement and a gust of wind blew me over. I got up and renewed my effort and did pass the all back. I stayed in the snow or icy pavement the whole way. There was an option to get on a drier road for a stretch but I was worried about being disqualified and didn't. I'm surprised I finished and didn't get hurt (my back was hurting yesterday, our travel day). It was a nice way to start the day. Afterward I got a Skype call from my mom and visited with Peggy's family at her brother Paul's house.