Training Log Archive: Nadim

Bloomington, MN. Since our flight back home this morning was cancelled due to the weather, we hunkered down for another night in a hotel. We went for an evening swim. The water was colder than at our other airport but eventually all was well. Max borrowed an innertube and managed to do sort of some aqua jogging out of the kiddie inlet to the deep water that was over my head and then go back. I treaded around and swam a little with a few tows.

Como Park, Saint Paul, MN. Continuing what may be the continuation of new tradition from last year, Peggy, Max and Peggy's brother Paul ran the Christmas Day - Joyful 5K race. Continuing the tradition from last year, Peggy, Max and I arrived late. It's a matter of inertia after a night of being Santa's helper and driving across town from closer to Bloomington than a desire to start behind everyone. We arrived with about 3 minutes to go before the race start, I took my wallet and keys and ran to the registration area with Max in both arms for my warm-up. Peggy was going to do the one-trip-around-the-lake run with Max while Paul and I did the two loops. By the time we were registered, there was no time to go back and drop stuff off at the car. I just ran to the start of the race that I found already to be in progress. I wore everything; sweats, wallet, hat, etc... I hadn't run for a while before this on account of being sick and prior to that because of all the nasty weather in the D.C. area. As I started, I felt immediately that I'd have to pace myself to get through it. I was a bit weak from still being sick but my sinuses had been drying up some. It was right at about 0 F with bright sun and mostly calm winds. I was unsure of where the exact start was and ended up both running and starting my watch too early. It was fun weaving through the crowd on the sometimes narrow path. I passed a woman neatly dressed-up as a Christmas tree early on. Like last year, the trail had been plowed but had thin layers of snow and ice almost the whole way. The distance markers were way off. The first one seemed to indicate a 4:05 mile for me but was probably closer to 1km even though it said 1 Mile. As I finished the first lap around the lake, I found myself right behind Paul Dickison. It was easy to tell who he was from behind since he ran in his trademark cold weather attire of shorts and a t-shirt with no sweats. I also found from the race clock as I finished the first loop that my watch was about 2:05 off from the official start time. Meaning to take a split, I mistakenly stopped the watch for the next tenth of a mile on the second loop until starting it again at a sign for the official start area. On the second lap, I passed people steadily but at a slower rate. At the almost half way around point, I suddenly felt very short of breath and had to slow for a little bit. No one ever passed me the whole race. I soon passed Max and Peggy who were making their way around on their first lap very slowly with another woman. I used my stride to continue to catch others. I found it to be motivating but still a struggle. I was just too weak. I suppose I finished at about 23:30 but don't have my official time yet, from which I can subtract 2:05.

Bloomington, MN. Here for visits with Peggy's family, we've spent a lot of time shopping and getting ready for Christmas celebrations. While Peggy wrapped gifts, Max and I hid away at the pool in our hotel. I'd been too busy to run but with a nagging cold, and it being quite cold outdoors, I thought better of it. I towed Max around in the pool and did some underwater laps in-between tows. The 85F pool room and warm water felt great! I think the chlorine was helpful for my sinuses too.

From Northfield Rd. to the playground at Bradley Hills Elementary School and back. Max was on the Trail-a-Bike. It was coldish and sometimes windy but the sun helped. We took indirect routes going and returning. Though I've gotten much better the last 2 days, I was made aware of how weak I am from being sick. My balance was off right on the first pedal stroke and the little hills were felt. Max pedaled sometimes when going uphill and I'm always surprised at how much a difference he makes when doing so.