Training Log Archive: Nadim

I took a walk at lunch across The Mall in Washington D.C. and through Freedom Plaza. It was cold and windy like much of the rest of the east coast--about 16F with winds 15-28mph. I walked fast as I often do but was a bit surprised to see at least one other person going nearly the same pace. That doesn't happen much except for when walking New York City streets. I guess the cold gets a lot of people going faster. The walk was 1.6 miles by the time I was back; a very common distance for me to walk at lunch so it's not worth logging as a hike.

I wanted to see the preparations for the Inaugural celebrations since I'm not planning on fighting the crowds. There were walls of toilets along portions of The Mall. These can't help but become obstacles and funnels for the visitors. Sometimes they were arranged as 3 sided canyons or forts. Police were buzzing about. On the Mall also, there were audio and Jumbotron towers being erected. I didn't see many tents put up yet though I saw one on top of the Willard, a 5-star hotel near the White House on Pennsylvania Ave., the parade route Several bleachers were setup on Pennsylvania Ave. too. One viewing stand setup in front of what once was the Washington D.C. Government Excutive Building at Freedom Plaza was tented over with canvas and an integrated clear plastic window. They also had paper and digital banners promoting statehood including a digital display that continuously counted the tax dollars raised in the district. The street poles were dressed-up but they often look as good at other times of the year when it's warmer. Moderate numbers of tourists were taking it all in. I bet there will be a lot more interesting people to see on Tuesday.

The inaugural celebrations might be fun to attend but I'm not yet convinced they will overtake the nations passion for watching football or going orienteering.

I watched movies and spun.