Training Log Archive: Nadim

From the Ken-Gar parking lot, I ran the Rock Creek Trail to Cedar Ln. to the Elmhirst Trail, to Cedar Ln. to Rockville Pike, to the Bethesda Trolley Trail, to Maple Ridge Rd. to Old Georgetown Rd. to Huntington Pkwy. to Custer Rd. to Northfield Rd. Unlike November 19th when I ran this last, I have been running more the last week and I've actually been feeling more tired and slow during the last few runs and I otherwise might have been. Of course, being 2.5lbs. heavier has something to do with that. Last November, it was a little breezy and 52F. Today, it was between 57 and 60 F while running.

45 situps. I worked much later than I should have and was lazy after dinner.

Bloomington, MN. From Killebrew Dr. across from the Mall of America, I ran the long way to 86th St., then down to Bass Ponds Park. I ran along Long Meadow Lake (Minnesota River), under Cedar Ave. (Rte. 77), to the old train trestle bridge, then a somewhat parallel but shorter route back to a hotel. This was a nice slowish run on a bright sunny day. The last time I ran here, there was snow covering most of the ground. I got on a few different trails this time. I was a bit overdressed.

C • Minnesota River 1

Buck Hill, MN. Peggy, Max, and I were able to get some easy morning ski runs down the beginner slopes with Max. Max did well getting down most of the time without falling. However the one time that he got out of control and fell harder, he hurt his thumb. We hadn't brought any proper ski clothes but we managed to stay comfortable.

Afton State Park, MN. Erin Binder showed Peggy and myself around the state park while her daughters fought Nerf gun wars with Max :). This was a treat. it was a bright sunny and warmish day for the season. We were on snowshoe trails for much of the time without any snow. The park had some deepish valleys and beautiful rough open areas. There were some ditches but not a lot of features in the valleys. The valleys were sometimes filled with saplings but other areas would have been fast for orienteering/terrain runs. Erin has a great place to do trail running and it was great to get to know her better as we ran along and afterward. We finished the run along the St. Croix river looking at the state of Wisconsin on the other side and boulders/cliffs in Minnesota. There was a short climb back up the bluff too.

Event: Christmas Day Joyful 5K (6th Annual)
 

Christmas Day - Joyful 5k - Saint Paul, MN. Warmup on the lake trail.

Christmas Day - Joyful 5k - Como Lake, Saint Paul, MN. Having flown up to MN yesterday and stayed up late getting ready for the big day, Peggy, Max, and Peggy's brother Paul got in our annual family exercise outing. This year, Peggy ran with Max, and I got to run free. Conditions were good in the low 30s F and almost no ice. I hoped to beat 20 minutes but given my training and lack of sleep, I did about as well as I probably could. I also ran in training flats. I started out too fast though only 6:20 for the first mile. It was flat but there was a little bit of headwind on the far side of the lake. I was 9:25 when I crossed the finish line area which was less than a full lap. I felt I had a chance to make my goal but soon into the second lap, I lost 2 places. My second mile was around 6:40. Hearing footsteps behind me I got passed on e back stretch before mile 3. I made a surge and gained but in the final stretch, I couldn't pull it off. On another day I might have been better but I felt okay running hard before Christmas party eating ensued.