Training Log Archive: Nadim

Algongian Sports Complex/Algonkian Regional Park, VA. While visiting my family, I took some time out for a run. It had been a while since I'd run in the parks and flood plain lands here. After crossing the Cascades Pkwy., I went out along the park border headed west on a sort of dyke. When the trail on that ran out, I cut right and that trail took me to a pipeline ride with a rough gravel road over it. The gravel was the type which is so big (fist sized) that it was slowish running over it. It was very flat however.

As usual I kept analyzing whether or not the area would be worth mapping and I was rather encouraged. Most of the woods were nice and very open. It was so flat that I figured a 1-2m contour would be appropriate. Most of the features were root stocks ditches and streams but the further I went, the more variation I found. There were enough odd bluffs, hills and even some stony ground. There also were several oddly placed fields. The trail network was pretty good too.

I reached a fielded area at the west end and headed north on a nicer gravel road toward the river. After passing a lot of trails on my right, I eventually cut right on the green blazed Heritage Trail. There were lots of bluffs along a creek that eventually wound to the Potomac River. I had to go up one side of the stream (turning southward without even knowing it, then crossing to a white blazed trail and heading north again. I reached the river where the creek flowed in and ran along the river until the trail cut south again and crossed a bluff. I followed, going eastward and passing the cabin area and pool. I finally left the Heritage Trail where it cut across the golf course. I was looking for a trail to take me back and ended up doing a loop back to the west. Finally I took the Cascade Pkwy. back.

C • 4

Lake Bernard Frank, MD. Having finished the up conference, I took advantage to being able to stop off and do some more field checking. It was in the upper 50s. I covered a lot of ground in a short time. A lot of that had to do with being in generally whiter woods. Besides covering new areas, I made some corrections to my earlier drafting.

Shepherdstown, WV. My office had an off-site planning meeting this week at the Bavarian Inn. The somewhat fancy Inn overlooking the Potomac River is known for hosting conferences as well as being frequented by many politicians and celebrities. The surrounding countryside is rather scenic. In the registration building of the hotel there were lots of pictures of the Kennedy's and Nancy Reagan was said to "hang-out" there frequently). It was all for a cheaper price than I pay at hotels elsewhere. We worked late yesterday but got out at a reasonable time our second day.

Hopping over the picturesque Rte. 480 bridge, I descended over 100ft. to the C&O Canal Towpath as quickly as I could. It was warmish compared the the last few days--no sweat bottoms or gloves were needed but I was happy to have a nylon jacket. I ran upstream passing two locks (37 and 38?) but not not really gaining much elevation. The woods I passed were often runnable but had thickish areas and enough features. The views of the river were great but the surprise was seeing the numerous cliffs. I was surprised not to see evidence of climbers top roping on them. Though the rock was often not "pristine" or "clean" from a climber's point of view, there were plenty of potential routes of over 120ft. or more. I believe I ran up to Mile Mark 76. About half a mile downstream of the turnaround there were several cave-like openings. I'd seen a picture of Killian's Cave before leaving and from the distinctive two openings in one cliff wall, I think I happened to see the real thing.

My running was rather slowish. I just haven't been running enough to get any speed going. I'm probably too heavy too but lingering congestion from my cold had an effect. I really enjoyed the run. Available splits: 8:01--1.02m, 7:46--0.95m, 8:20--1.05m, 7:34--1.05, 7:42, 0.95m, 8:03--1.02m.

C • Looks about right pace to me! 2

I worked late and was too lazy to go outside. It was a bit cold out there and I also had been feeling like my cold was coming back stronger again.

It turned out to be a day of errands and shopping mostly. Late in the day it turned cold and my own cold had been threatening to come back. I stayed in and spun while watching a movie. I caught some of the Oscar's too but that's too long and drawn out to hold my attention on a stationary bike. After riding, I also got some more work done on drafting the Lake Frank field checking from Saturday.