Training Log Archive: Nadim

Event: West Point A-Meet
 

I had hoped to run with MCRRC from Ken Gar Palisades Park but it was busy there and we were a bit late. Starting from Garrett Park Rd. on the Rock Creek (Maryland) Trail I pushed Max in the baby jogger up to the park beyond Randolph Rd., the on spur trail to Dewey Rd. We turned around at Gaynor Rd. It had been a long time since I'd taken Max along on a run. My lapse in running last spring and summer had a lot to do with it as does cold weather but I was also figuring that Max would no longer sit that long in it. It worked fine. He only complained about which playground he'd go to and I think it was either his lack of sleep or his hunger talking. The complaints didn't last long. I ran okay and took it easy. I was without left knee pain so I'll aim to do more running again. In the time since the Flying Pig, my knee has been more apt to pop but it seems to have settled down a bit.

From Northfield Rd. to Maple Ave. with Max in his trailer, then to C St., SW, Washington, D.C. via the Capital Crescent Trail and Ohio Dr. The weather is predicted to be nice enough so I'm finally getting around to riding all the way in to work again. I was somewhat bundled up but felt good wearing full gloves, long tights, and a jacket all except for the last 4 miles. I tried not to push too hard.

From 12th St . SW, Washington, D.C. to Maple Ave., then to Northfield Rd., Bethesda, MD. For my first ride all the way home in a long while, I negotiated the heavy pedestrian traffic while getting out of D.C. and had some modest headwinds until getting to the water treatment facility. I kept a steady ride and tried to keep things spinning easy enough. There were lots more runners wearing earphones and in the middle of the trail than usual and they often were oblivious to traffic like me that was trying to get around safely. The weather was great. I packed my jacket, wore shorts, and rolled up my sleeves. The smell of pollen reminded me of Max's quote of the day while on the ride yesterday. He surprised me when he said: "MMmmm, flowers. I can just taste the suger in the air."

From Northfield Rd. to Maple Ave. with Max in his trailer, then to the Bethesda Metro Station via the Georgetown Branch tunnel. It was a bit damp on the roads and trail but pretty nice overall. I was tempted to ride all the way in but I only prepared for going to the metro station. I had been a bit busy the last few days; we celebrated Peggy's birthday last night.

From the Bethesda Metro station to Maple Ave., then to Norwood Park via via the Georgetown Branch Trail, then to Northfield Rd. via Glenwood Rd. and some side streets. As I was getting to Max's day care to pickup the trailer, I passed Peggy stuck in traffic. She was going to pickup Max but instead he came with me so that he could go to a playground. It was a great evening; full of sunshine and pleasant temperatures.

From Northfield Rd. to Maple Ave. with Max in his trailer, then to the Bethesda Metro Station via the Georgetown Branch tunnel. Max was more tired than I getting going this morning and his stated concern as we were leaving was to wear his new jacket because it was warmer (it was in the upper 40s F). The old and new jackets are virtually the same warmth and have the same colors and patterns. I took it to be a case of the Monday morning blues.

I also realized that in about a year or so, Max may be too big for the sheltered two person trailer that we now use. His head already brushes the top when his helmet is on and sitting back makes his helmet push forward. I suppose we can switch to using his trail-a-bike in the the future but for a while it'll mean slower and fewer rides with him. I think he'll be too small for going in colder or potentially rainy weather without the enclosure of the trailer. I'm not looking forward to Max outgrowing the trailer since my already training is already minimal and this is one thing we can do together. One thing in my favor will be shorter rides with him since he'll go to a kindergarten eventually that's nearer our house.

From the Bethesda Metro station to Maple Ave., then to Northfield Rd. via the Georgetown Branch Trail. It was sprinking a bit on my ride home. I took a short detour just to add variety.

From Northfield Rd. to Woodmont Ave. via side streets and back. I needed to pickup some things to take to an adoption pot-luck dinner. This was the 3rd party in 3 activity full days.

From Northfield Rd., to Grant St. to Sonoma Rd. to Old Georgetown Rd. to W. Cedar Ln./Summit Ave. to Plyers Mill Rd. to St. Paul St. to University Blvd. to Hillsdale Dr. to East Ave. to University Blvd. to Georgia Ave. to Layhill Rd. to Bonifant Rd. to Carona Dr. I rode over to an adoption pot-luck dinner hosted by some friends who have done it for at least 3 years in a row. It was complete with an egg hunt. Max was much more adept at it this year. It was fun to get on my road bike outside even if it was on a traffic filled route. Riding it is so much more pleasant (smooth and efficient) than riding my commuter is. Part of it is that I'm often not riding with cleats when I commute but I nearly always have them on when I ride my road bike. I got a head start on Peggy and Max and they passed me about a third of the way there. There was a mix of mostly side and head winds with gradual climbing. The last bit was with the wind and downhill. Weeee!