Training Log Archive: Nadim

Patuxent River Park, MD. I did a loop of control setting. It took me a little time to get fully organized. However it was fun being out and I was glad that rain which had been forecast earlier in the week was now not expected.

Patuxent River Park, MD. This was my second loop of control setting, and I did it on both foot and mountain bike. I missed on one control by being a bit to the left, hitting a trail, then coming back in around the rhododendron. It was fun to have the mountain bike to get across the flatter parts with long straight trails.

Patuxent River Park, MD. I did a 3rd loop of control setting on bicycle and on foot.

Patuxent River Park, MD. I did a 4th loop of control setting. This one was all on foot. The first 3 controls were through areas with significantly thick vegetation. I knew that I was running out of daylight so I tried to rush my way through this. I was able to get to most of the controls without needing to look at my map. As I finished, I was very tempted to do another loop for the last 4 controls, however, I still had work to do at home too. I realized that I'd have to retrace my steps to some of the control areas and deposit drinking water.

From Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD, to 13th & C St. SW, Washington, D.C.

From 13th & C St. SW, Washington, D.C. to Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD.

From Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD, to 13th & C St. SW, Washington, D.C. I got started at about 8am. Once I hit the CCT, there was a steady stream of cyclists to pass, all the way to Fletcher's Boathouse. At one point, I think I had 3 of them drafting on me. One moved-up but I didn't get to draft on him immediately as he sprinted ahead. I did catch him later for a draft, and at Georgetown, I went ahead.

In West Potomac Park, where lanes had been narrowed by cones (a big stage setup caused this), a car came-up from behind and tooted his horn. He wanted to pass but with the lanes too narrow, I stood my ground. Next he rolled down his window to yell and I told him yes, it's a roadway, since bicycles are vehicles in DC too. Once the lanes opened up again he passed. After the bridge over the Tidal Basin inlet, he stopped ahead to yell some more and I was glad that my regular route took me left toward the Jefferson Memorial. The driver was a young male with a muscle car.

From 13th & C St. SW, Washington, D.C. to Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD. Ohio Dr. was blocked off for an evening show--the one I'd been seeing preparations for all week. I had to go around the FDR Memorial and go slow for the pedestrians. I also had to route to the sidewalk along Independence Ave. before I hit the usual route.

From Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD, to Folkstone Rd., with Samantha on her trail-a-bike. The kids had gotten themselves quickly for a change so we were able to ride again. Samantha said the ride was fun after we got to school. It was in the 60s F. On the way back, I had to tow Max's bike along with the trail-a-bike and with my right hand holding onto Max's bicycle, that kept me from shifting out of a rather low gear. I spun faster to compensate.

From Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD, to 13th & C St. SW, Washington, D.C. I estimated my time on this. Initially, since I hadn't ridden the last 2 days (rain and the threat of Pope related traffic made me think better of it), I felt stronger. Pretty soon however, soreness set in again. I did move pretty well once on the trail and no one passed me. The big setup in West Potomac Park that I had seen getting built last week had a tall stage added--I guess it wasn't for the Pope after all. The stage had curtain-like walls way high and it looked like if a storm had come that it would have knocked it over. However, the winds were fairly calm. In addition to my usual backpack with a change of clothes, I had my work laptop too. By the time I was past the Lincoln Memorial my back was aching.

From 13th & C St. SW, Washington, D.C. to Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD. I hit the traffic lights just right when leaving my office and to my surprise, there was hardly any traffic. A religious holiday and the warnings about the Pope's visit causing a lot of traffic seemed to take care of that. My office building had been fairly empty and some lunch restaurants were closed. The big setup in West Potomac Park was still closing some lane space on Ohio Dr. but I got through that without a car or bus coming up from behind me. Even Georgetown was quick to get through. I was on the CCT in 13 minutes. After that I took it a little easier anticipating the climb wearing me out. It wasn't bad but after the MacArthur Blvd. tunnel, I discovered that I was riding into a headwind. I geared down. Few people were on the trails either running or riding.

From Northfield Rd., Custer Rd. to Park Ln. to Battery Ln. to Cordell Ave. & Norfolk Ave., then back via Glenbrook Rd. I towed Samantha while Peggy and Max rode along. We ate dinner and were riding back in the dark.