Training Log Archive: Nadim

Glen Echo, MD. From the Lock 7 parking lot, to the C&O Canal Towpath, then south to the Potomac River Belvedere Viewpoint trail. I moved okay; a little tired but not so sore from my Saturday run. From the Belvedere Viewpoint trail, I used the side trails to head back north. The side trails come back to the towpath a few times on the route back, where streams and other obstacles exist. The sinewing and gently rolling, soft side trails were fun--nice with a warming sun. I got a good view of the rapids below the dam. On the second return to the towpath, 3.55 miles into the run, where the ground is hard packed gravel, after a few steps I felt a strain in my left outer calf. I slowed immediately--this kind of thing has happened many times previously. Unfortunately each has been at least a slight setback. I'd been stretching after runs to help prevent it. I kept jogging slowly, using the dirt trails where possible. I moved more slowly. On a slight rise at about 4.8 miles into the run, I felt a small snap and that was about it. I needed to walk after that. I tried to restart a couple of times but realize it would just make my recovery longer so I returned to walking. On the last return to the towpath, I skipped the side trail since it crossed a stream that I wasn't sure would be crossable again before Lock 7.