Training Log Archive: Nadim

In Greenbelt Park, MD. From the Sweetgum Parking Lot, the Perimeter Trail with Bob Grumbine and John White of PGRC. I wanted to run easy and enticed Bob to run the trail. I didn't expect it to be this slow but I stayed with Bob and John--it was a PR slow time for me. I've done this 18 minutes faster. Downed trees and puddles still make an obstacle course.

Peggy and I walked from the Fran Uhler Natural Area parking toward the railroad underpass to see if the water was still blocking it. It was and this time I took pictures. My legs feel sore even just walking.

In Fran Uhler Natural Area, Bowie, MD. I went to confirm what I was nearly sure of. Trying to somewhat follow the Blue course I set, I got to 7 out of 19 attempted. Nearly all the land east of the Race Track Trail was free flowing river. Much of the central part of the park was flooded too, compliments of beavers and record setting rain. One control which I'd moved earlier for the water was again under water. For training, I tried taking Spike's advice from the Possum Trot in running hard where the running is good and slowing where it wasn't. I was successful as I tried to stay out of the water though my legs were tired from yesterday. Little splashes were okay but once I got in above my ankle it was over. My heavy soaked shoes and numb feet would not functioning right except for transmitting pain from each gravel stone under foot. Running was then more like throwing my leg below the knee in front of me. Some of it was perhaps being tired. I wish I'd brought my camera but forgot to bring it. The railroad underpass was completely blocked so I scampered over the tracks and found a silly looking sign pointing to the Fran Uhler Trail head where only river flowed. I gave-up going to the north side as even the Refuge Trail had some flowing water and it was getting darker and colder... It took hours to warm-up afterward. With more rain expected Saturday night, I'm sure I made the right decision to postpone the Sunday meet.

From Quill Point Dr., Bell Station Rd. to the WB&A Trail, to Glen Dale Rd. to Rte. 450, to the WB&A Trail, to Hillmeade Dr. to Quill Point Dr. I'd postponed the run hoping for the strong winds to die down. They did just a little as it got dark and colder but I hope the winds can explain why I was so dead. I was struggling in the first mile; albeit uphill and into the wind (with heavy Gortex top & mittens). It was better coming back. Splits on the trail: 7:37, 7:21. Post run weight (after sweating a lot): 169.5lbs--that's where the Halloween chocolate went. My knee didn't hurt today but afterward my neck did. Peggy massaged it and made it better--that's why I got married... I was planning a long day tommorow to put controls in Fran Uhler but we've postponed the meet until 2/4/04 due to flooding.

From 14th & Independence Ave. SW DC: Memorial Tour: To the Jefferson Memorial, across the 14th St. Bridge to Memorial Bridge, to the Lincoln Memorial down the Reflecting Pool, around the WWII Memorial construction and up Independence Ave. I was late starting so I saw more runners out. Catching a few I went a bit faster. My left knee hurt a bit.

In Bowie, MD. From Quill Point Dr. Quilt Patch to Fletchertown Rd. to Quetzal to Quill Point Dr., back to the top of Fletchertown Dr. and back via Quiet Owl. I was stiff after the flight back and didn't think I was running this quick. I didn't have much time to run either. At the 2.36 mile loop point I was 15:57.

In Overland Park, KS. From Nall Ave. and 110th St. to Roe Ave. and back. It was very late after a long day working and a big dinner. I was stiff and my shins hurt some. Earlier in the day I had planned to go longer and would have if I'd gotten out earlier. I'd slept in in the morning and in the evening drove into town to see the Plaza lights--very nice and festive.

Warm-up at West Bend Park, MO for the Possum Trot.

Possum Trot VII, at West Bend, MO. I took a while to get into the map and thus orienteered badly. Probably it was being distracted by the other runners or just running faster than I can navigate alone. The hills were steep and often thorny too. Mikell Platt took a bold move skipping #3 & 4 with 23 more to go (He went on to win). Spike dumped the cluster of us orbiting around him by skipping #9 just before the first water control. It saved distance but he missed the good trail running. Dave Frei (eventually 2nd) pulled ahead of me taking a better route choice to #11. I last got ahead of Eric Buckley who was nursing a leg injury at #15. Mike valiantly almost caught me at #21 but I skipped #22 (Mike had skipped 2 at this point and couldn't skip again). I dragged myself in the last few controls which were a bit easier. I felt better than yesterday and navigated okay the last half probably because I was going slower. I came close to cramping when stuck in thorns on the way to the now infamous #24, and again on the last slog up the hill to the GO control. I didn't expect to finish 3rd. I am fairly happy as well as lucky. Now I can continue to work more on training for the half-marathon in February. See the Split List.

Possum Trot - Splits