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 Welcome to Nordic Walking US.com
 Friday, May 09 2008 @ 10:01 PM EDT

My Nordic Walking Diary

    
Saturday, October 29 2005 @ 03:46 PM EDT
Contributed by: Admin
Views: 4535

It is easy to lose track of one's mileage, so I will try to keep it current here. This part covers the period from May 16, 2005, to October 28, 2006

Mileage, locations, comments.

Feel free to post your own comments, or better yet join me for a walk!

Results, so far - with no dieting - as of October 28, 2006 lost 28 pounds and 5.2% body fat since May 16, 2005. Have also gotten faster, as proven by steadily tumbling personal records.



May 16, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles. One hour, 40 minutes. Beautiful day. About 65 degrees F. Horse trail going west, return on bike path. Swix CT4 poles.

May 17, 2005 - 5.5 miles. One hour, 14 minutes. Manassas Battlefield Park. Manassas I Trail. Another gorgeous day. About 70 degrees F. Swix CT4 poles.

May 18, 2005 - 5 miles. One hour, 10 minutes. W&OD Trail, from W&OD Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 63 degrees F. New Swix CT3 poles. Nice, noticeably better shock absorption on the way back, on asphalt. Time equal to my record. Will have to push a bit harder next time.

Sunday, May 22, 2005- A big day! In the morning, after the class and demo, a Nordic walk with three participants from the old Vienna Railroad Station on the W&OD Trail, to Hunter Mill Rd. and back. Six miles - one hour, 21 minutes. In the afternoon, a five- mile walk with Ania along the C&O Canal, from Violette's Lock, to Pennyfield Lock and return. About two hours. So it was 11 miles in a day. Nothing that a single Advil won't fix, though. Gorgeous weather all day!

May 23, 2005- Burke Lake - 4.5 miles. Swix CT3 poles. Wasn't able to break my record of 1:01:15, but still had a respectable 1:04:05. 68 degrees F. I would love to do it in less than an hour, but that's going to take some serious training!

May 26, 2005- Streets of Vienna, part of the W&OD Trail - 3.0 miles, 51 minutes. Not very fast, with Ania.

May 29, 2005 - Hawksbill Mt., Shenandoah. With Ania and Ewa. About 3 miles, with marked elevation gain. Swix CT5. Watched Peregrine Falcons and Turkey Vultures on Hawskbill's cliffs. There is a succesful Peregrine Falcon restoration project going on in this area and on Stony Man Mt. as well.

May 30, 2005- Great Falls, NP, VA. Park circuit, including the Difficult Run Trail. About 5 miles. 1:20. Swix CT3s. With Ania and Ewa. Another beautiful day.

May 31, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Michael Faraday Dr., to Elden St. in Herndon and return. 7 miles, 1:41.30. A bit warm at 77 degrees F, but a super workout! Swix CT3s, with Smart Cue pavement rubber tips.

June 1, 2005 Streets of Vienna + 0.5 mile of W&OD Trail. About 3 miles - 43 minutes. 75 degrees F. Swix CT3s.

June 5, 2005 C&O Canal, from Pennyfield Lock, to Swain's Lock and return. About 6 miles. With Ania and Ewa. 1:05 to Swains Lock, 0:43 return, after I left Ania and Ewa to walk on their own. Hot and humid, but a good workout for all.

June 6, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Rd. and return. Disgustingly hot and humid. Where are those beautiful, cool spring days we enjoyed so far?! 5 miles, 1:17. Didn't try to walk very fast. Heat stroke is not exactly my cup of tea.

June 7, 2005 Old Rag Mt. About 7 miles - 4 hours. A very hot, humid day, but a great hike and workout as usual. Swix CT5 poles. 70 oz of water and 32 oz of Gatorade. Ooofff!!!

June 9, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to I-495 (Beltway) and return. 6 miles, 1:27. Hot, humid, but better than three days ago. Swix CT3s.

June 12, 2005 Great Falls, NP, VA. Park circuit, including the Difficult Run Trail. About 5 miles. 1:40. With Ania and Ewa. Hot and humid, but pretty nice overall.

June 13, 2005 Cross-Country Trail from Wakefield Rec Center and around Lake Accotink. 5 miles +, 1:18. Very hot and humid, but at least this route has some shade...

June 14, 2005 Scotts Run Nature Preserve, about 3.5 miles, 1:10. Heat index 100 F. At least most of the trails here are in the woods and shaded. Had to scramble on the rocks along the Potomac, because the trail near the river was a bit overgrown and I'm not that crazy about getting more poison ivy and/or snakes on my skin.

June 19, 2005 Scotts Run Nature Preserve, about 3.5 miles, 1:35 with Ania and Ewa. Much cooler than last time, but still quite humid.

June 20, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Rd. to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles, 1:40. Good pace, with my new IPod. All Beatles one way, other stuff on the return leg. Nice day, 73 F, Tried the new Swix CT2s, with the PCU cork-filled PC grip, ProFit strap and the Swix Twist&Go adjustable tip. Sweet! We have them in stock at the store now!

Rested for about two hours and went for a 3-mile Nordic walk with Ania...So that makes it over 10 miles for the day.

June 21, 2005 Lake Accotink, twice around. About 8 miles. 1:57. 78F. New Swix CT2's. Quite a workout!

June 26, 2005 W&OD Trail from Hunter Mill Rd. to Wiehle Ave. and return. Morning. About 4.5 miles. 1:10. With Ania. 85F.

June 27, 2005 Manassas Battlefield Park. Manassas 2 Trail + plus. About 8 miles, 2:10. 85 F., very humid. Must have sweated out several liters. Nothing that the bottle on my belt, then the drinking fountain at the Visitor's Center and still after that a bottle of Gatorade didn't take care of...Saw several deer, not that many people, no ghosts...I guess.

June 30, 2005 Streets of Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 35 minutes. Fast, evening walk.

July 2, 2005 5 miles. 1:09:45. W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. Horse trail on the way down, return on pavement. 77 F. Much nicer weather. Less humidity.

July 3, 2005 Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania. North Ridge Trail, to Appalachian Trail, towards Ashby Gap, then down the newly established Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. Very nice, going through meadows, old orchards, with great views of the Piedmont area. About 5 miles. 2 hours. Hot, but better than a couple of days ago.

July 4, 2005 Lake Accotink. About 4 miles. 0:57. 83F. Lots of people celebrating the 4th at the park, picknicking, walking, running, cycling, messing around in boats.

July 6, 2005 W&OD Trail and Clark's Crossing Park. About 4.5 miles. 1:16. Did quite a bit of hill work, including running.

July 8, 2005 Streets of Vienna. About 4 miles, 0:58.

July 10, 2005 C&O Canal, from Violette's Lock, to Pennyfield Lock - round trip. About 5.5 miles, 1:20. With Ania. Lots of snapping turtles, cyclists, runners, walkers and fishing Latinos. In the evening another 2 miles, also with Ania. Not a vary fast pace - 0:40.

July 11, 2005 Burke Lake. 4.5 miles, 1:09. Decent pace, but no heroics. Very hot and humid.

July 12, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Gallows Road and return. About 6 miles, 1:18. Fretty fast. Pushing hard with the Swix CT2s. Extremely hot and humid. Heat index around 97F.

July 14, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles, 1:07:30. 85 F, very humid. All on pavement, no horse trail.

July 17 - August 9, 2005 Warsaw, Poland, Berlin, Germany and Sardinia, Italy. About 35 total miles, in 9 sessions. It was incredible, particularly in Sardinia, with great weather, sea breezes and more sheep than people...

August 11, 2005 Vienna, street and Madison High School track. 1.5 miles, 20 minutes. Very hot and humid, With Ania, She did 1 mile.

August 14, 2005 C&O Canal, upriver from Violette's Lock and return. About 5.5 miles. With Ania and Ewa. 50 minutes upriver together, 39 minutes return, alone. The girls returned in 50 minutes. Very hot and humid.

August 15, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Rd. to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles. 1:44. Cooler than the past few days, but still very hot and humid.

August 16, 2005 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles, 39.5 minutes. Very fast. It was also very, very humid. Made it just before a torrential downpour.

August 21, 2005 Shenandoah National Park, Stony Man Nature Trail, 1.6 miles, 30 minutes. With Ania. Just stopped over for a quick workout and vista, on the long drive from Blacksburg, Virginia.

August 22, 2005 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit, including Difficult Run Trail. About 5 miles. 1.18. Cooler.

August 25, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles, 41 minutes. Fighting a cold, or a flu. Hopefully this will help...

August 26, 2005 Same as above, but much faster - 37 minutes, which by the way is my personal record for this route and distance.

August 28, 2005 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit, including Swamp Trail, River Trail, Ridge Trail and the Difficult Run Trail. About 5 miles. 1:50 with Ania. Watched local Fire and Rescue teams during their Water Rescue 101 class in rubber boats, on the Potomac at the mouth of Difficult Run.

August 29, 2005 Burke Lake. 4.5 miles. Finally managed to break my personal record, which now stands at 1:00:18! Yes, that's one hour and 18 seconds. It wasn't easy. It took quite an effort and now I'll have to attempt to break the one hour mark. Just 19 seconds faster...

August 30, 2005 Cross County Trail, from Rt. 50 & Nutley Street, north to Rt 50, back to Prosperity Avenue, return. About 5 miles, 1:16. Decent pace, but no straining to break records, like yesterday.

August 31, 2005 I still find it hard to believe that what is commonly known as summer is almost over. Anyway,in the evening went to the neighborhood Madison High School track and did a fast 1.5 miles in 20 minutes and 20 seconds, plus 0,25 mile warm up and 0.25 cool down. The time is just for the 1.5 miles, though.

September 5, 2005 Beach of Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware. About 5 miles. 1:15. Gorgeous weather. Spent 2 days there with Ania. The waves were barely big enough for body surfing and boogie boarding, but it still was great. The usual traffic tie-ups on the way back.

September 7, 2005 Madison High School track + 0.5 on street. 1.5 miles on track - in 20:12.

September 8, 2005 Streets of Vienna. With Ania. About 1.25 miles. 19 minutes.

September 9, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles, 38:45.

September 10, 2005 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit. About 4 miles. 1:25 with Ania and Ewa.

September 12, 2005 Charles River Reservation, along the Charles River in Newton, Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts. To Moody Street and return. About 5 miles. 1:10.

September 13, 2005 Same as above, except as far as Prospect Street and return. About 6 miles. 1:42

September 14, 2005 Same, but did the shorter Watertown Square - Bridge Street circuit. About 2.5 miles. 35 minutes.

Septermber 15, 2005 Back in Vienna. W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles, 37:30. Really thought that I was going to beat my personal record of 37:00, but no dice. Had vary long, almost maximum - extension strides, but I guess a faster cadence will be needed...

September 18, 2005 Billy Goat Trail, part B. Along the C&O Canal and the Potomac river, Maryland. With Ania. About 4 miles round trip. 0:58. The Potomac is really low right now. Many of the islands can be reached by simple wading. Lots and lots of relatively inexperienced kayakers and canoeists were taking advantage of the much less demanding river conditions and were paddling downstream from the Angler's Inn put in.

September 19, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:25. All on pavement, no horse trail. Swix CT 2 poles.

September 20, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Piney Run bridge and return. Three miles, 37:00. Dead even with my personal record for this route!

September 21, 2005 Same as above, except partly on the horse trail and with Ania. 3 miles. 43:00.

September 25, 2005 C&O Canal, from Lock 8, to Lock 6 and return. About 5 miles. 1:27. Ania and Ewa walked one-way, to Chain Bridge, where I picked them up with my car. Saw a beaver, munching on a fresh branch. A rare sight in daylight, plus a lot of snapping turtles. The Potomac is very, very low.

September 26, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Sunset Valley Drive and return. About 3 miles. 0:44. Easy stride. Was planning to do 7 miles, to Reston Parkway, but rain, associated with Hurricane Rita, started earlier than predicted, so decided to turn back, in order to keep my IPod dry.

September 27, 2007 From home, to W&OD Trail, to Piney Run Bridge, return through Vienna streets. About 7 miles. 1:31. Nice evening. Lots of people working out in different ways.

September 28, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Wiehle Avenue and return. About 4.5 miles. 0:59:20. Pretty good time, maybe because finally the temperatures are staying in the 60s towards evening...

September 30, 2005 One mile around Madison HS track, with Ania. 14:12.

October 2, 2005 C&O Canal, from Lock 7 (mile 7), to milepost 4 (after Chain Bridge) and return. 6 miles. 1:27:20. Gorgeous day. We had hardly any rain for some time. The Potomac is very low - 2.58 feet at Litte Falls gauge. I remember that after Hurricane Isabel, it was around 18 feet. A huge difference in whitewater quality. That was the time, when I was taking whitewater kayaking lessons. At that water level, with my skills it was sheer horror -:)

October 3, 2005 Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park. See more detailed story elsewhere on this website. 7 miles. 3:55:10. Climbed the Ridge Trail, came down the Saddle Trail and the Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Absolutely gorgeous weather, but very, very dry. We really need some rain around here.

October 5, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles, 1:09:20. Good time, without pushing too much.

October 9, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Wiehle Avenue in Reston, to Elden Street in Herndon and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:29:30. Only 63 F!!!. Day after epic rains, which have finally watered our parched region.

October 10, 2005 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville, Ridge and River trails. About 4 miles. 1:20. With Ania. The last rains have really raised the level of the Potomac River. It seems to be back to its normal self again.

October 11, 2005 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles, 39:20 minutes. Felt very fast, but wasn't able to beat my personal record of 37:00. Maybe different shoes...?

October 12, 2005 Madison High School track, Vienna. One mile. 12:24. Wanted to test myself on a mile course. This was an average speed of over 4.5 miles per hour. Not bad for walking I guess...

October 14, 2005 W&OD Trail. With Ania. 2 miles. 35 minutes.

October 16, 2005 Harper's Ferry NHP, WV. With Ania. Walked through the town and climbed Maryland Heights. 3 miles +. 1:55. Although Maryland Heights is not the toughest of hikes, it is a good, uphill stretch and the views of Harper's Ferry from above are worth any amount of effort. You can see Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland, as well as both the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at the same time. Plus all of the history associated with this town. In short, it is one of my favorite places.

October 17, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:24:50. Good, but not forceful pace. Well over 4.5 miles per hour. Absolutely gorgeous, sunny day. Around 65 F, with quite a bit of wind.

October 19, 2005 One mile around Madison HS track, with Ania. 14:50. Took it slow - have a sore knee.

October 23, 2005 Harper's Ferry NHP, WV. With Ania. Walked through the town and climbed Maryland Heights. 5 miles. 2:40. This was a longer route, than last Sunday, including the Stone Fort and other Union artillery emplacements, including one, which in the 1860s held a 100- pounder Parrott gun. Just the tube of this monster weighted 9,700 pounds. Must have been a lot of fun lugging it the 1,200 vertical feet to the top!

October 24, 2005 Burke Lake Park. 4.5 miles, around the lake. 1:03:10. Purposely didn't try to beat my record of 1:00:18, but still made pretty good time. Much cooler, about 59F.

October 26, 2005 W&OD Trail to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 Miles. 37:08. Only 8 seconds above my record. Very fast walk. Only 50 F.

October 30, 2005 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit, including Difficult Run Trail. About 5 miles. 1:32. With Ania. Beautiful, cool, autumn day.

October 30, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles. 1:32:20. Very good time. About 12 minutes faster than ever on this course. Beautiful day, 68F.

November 2, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 36:35. That's 35 seconds below my own record! Finally!!! Really got my personal Swix CT2 poles a workout, not to mention myself. Tried and succeeded in making my stride longer. It paid off. About 50F.

November 3, 2005 Madison HS track. One mile 15:10. With Ania. Not too fast. I used Swix CT2s, without the Twist&Go tips and Ania the classic CT4s.

November 6, 2005 Harper's Ferry NHP, WV. With Ania. Walked through the town and climbed Maryland Heights. 3 miles +. 1:45. Beautiful day, over 70 F. This was our third trip to Harper's Ferry in four weeks!

November 7, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Route 66 overpass and return. About 7 miles. 1:36. Another super day. Just over 60 F.

November 9, 2005 Madiison HS track. One mile 15:20. With Ania. Not too fast. Dark. Just to get some exercise, after a whole day of sedentary work. By the way, Nordic walking really helps Ania with her sore back. The soreness practically disappears.

November 10, 2005 Around Madison High. About 1.5 miles. 21:10. It has gotten pretty cool. Should have worn gloves...

November 13, 2005 Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania. North Ridge Trail, to Appalachian Trail, towards Ashby Gap, then down the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. Very nice, going through meadows, old orchards, with great views of the Piedmont area. About 4.5 miles. The area around the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail seems superb for cross-country skiing. All we need is snow now...

November 14, 2005 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, Swamp Trail, return on Carriage Road. About 5 miles. 1:09:35. Fast pace. 62F. Great weather.

November 15, 2005 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles, 38:50. Very fast, really thought the time would be better. My record so far on this route is 36:35. Tried to make very long strides and did, but shorter, higher-frequency ones would probably produce a better time. Oh well...There's always tomorrow...

November 19, 2005 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 40 minutes. No attempt at breaking any records, just a brisk Nordic walk. Under 50F. For the first time in months wore tights, instead of shorts.

November 20, 2005 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, Swamp Trail, return on Carriage Road. About 5 miles. 1:26. With Ania. Really beautiful, but cool day.

November 22, 2005 Streets of Vienna. In the dark. About 4 miles. One hour. Cold and windy, but nice. Wore gloves and a headlamp.

November 23, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Clark's Crossing Park and return. About 3.5 miles. 50 minutes. Same outfit as above. Could see tiny, swirling snowflakes in the beam of my headlamp.

November 27, 2005 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, Swamp Trail, return on Carriage Road. About 5 miles. 1:32. With Ania and Ewa. I used my Swix CT2 014s. Ania and Ewa the CT4s classics.

November 28, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:24:20. Nice, 60F. Pretty good time.

November 30, 2005 Streets of Vienna. In the dark. About 4 miles. 53:15. Very good time. Wore gloves and a headlamp.

December 1, 2005 Madison High School track. 1 mile (13:10) plus approach 0.5 mile (7:15)

December 3, 2005 Streets of Vienna, in the evening. About 2.5 miles. 35 minutes. With Ania. Admiring the Christmas decorations.

December 4, 2005 Billy Goat Trail, part B. Along the Potomac and the C&O Canal. About 3.5 miles. 1:03. With Ania and Ewa. Really nice. The river level is up from last time. Still not that high, only 4.94 feet at Little Falls Gauge, but obviously higher than it has been recently.

December 5, 2005 Great Falls NP, Virginia. Most of the park trails, with the exception of the River Trail. About 6 miles. 1:26:45. It started to snow, just as I started walking. Love it!!! If all goes well, there might be enough soon to start the cross-country sking season! I'm keeping my fingers crossed...

December 7, 2005 Streets of Vienna. In the twilight. About 4 miles. 54:05. Wore gloves, hat and a headlamp. Still some snow left. Quite a few icy, slippery spots, but not nearly enough for cross-country skiing. Drat!

December 12, 2005 Newly named and renovated Potomac Gorge Interpretive Trai. This is really the old trail, from Riverbend Park, VA, to Great Falls NP, VA, which has been improved and along which informative panels were placed. Good idea, but I hear that the improvements have cost $40,000...If someone asked me, I would have been happy to do it for half that amount, while still making a neat profit -:)

Anyway, the trail is 2.5 miles one-way. I walked a bit farther with Ania, for a total of about 5.5 miles. 1:40. Still quite a bit of a thin layer of snow in many places, otherwise, muddy.

December 13, 2005 Madison High School track. 2 miles, plus 0.5 - mile approach. 29 minutes. Freezing wind. Icy spots. Nobody around.

December 14, 2005 Madison High School track. 1.5 miles, plus 0.5 - mile approach. 20:30 Very cold.

December 17, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. about 6.5 miles. 1:23:15. A good time. 42 F.

December 18, 2005 W&OD Trail. To Clark's Crossing Park and return. About 2.25 miles. 37 minutes.

December 19, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Wiehle Avenue and return. About 4.5 miles. 1:04. All on horse trail. Quite a few icy spots.

December 20, 2005 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 37:30. Pretty good time.

December 22, 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Clark's Crossing Park and return. About 3.75 miles. 44:30. Saw a fox in the grass on the side of the trail. It looked sick...maybe rabid...

December 25, 2005 Charles River Reservation, along the Charles River in Newton, Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts. Bridge circuit. About 2.5 miles. 32:45. Quite a few very icy spots.

December 30, 2005 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 38:20. A blister, which I got skating in Boston over Christmas slowed me down a bit...

January 1, 2005 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, return on River Trail. About 5 miles. 1:22. With Ania, Beautiful day, about 43F. Lots of hikers. I guess everyone was trying to fulfill their New Year resolutiions!

January 8, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:13:40. With Ania. Lately didn't walk that much, as I have been trying to heal the nasty blister I got skating before New Year's. Wore rubber sandals, two gauze pads and two pairs of socks. The arrangement seemed to work just fine -:)

January 9, 2006 Same as above, meaning: W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:06:50. This is my new personal record for this route and distance. Also, the same outfit as above...

January 15, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Wiehle Avenue and return. About 4.5 miles. 1:08:10. With Ania. Extremely windy, since last night. About 35F. There are broken tree branches everywhere. Some of the reported wind gusts reached 50mph. Fortunately I haven't seen any big trees falling and causing serious damage in our immediate neighborhood.

January 16, 2005 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, return on River Trail. About 5 miles. 1:45. With Ania and Ewa.

January 17, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 37:35.

January 19, 2006 Streets of Vienna. In the dark. About 2 miles. 28:25. Wore gloves, a headlamp and a blinking LCD light in the back. Too much traffic. Not enough sidewalks in places. With Ania.

January 22, 2006 C&O Canal, from Pennyfield Lock, to Swain's Lock and return. About 6 miles. 1:33:40. With Ania and Ewa.

January 23, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:26:45. All on pavement, no horse trail. Swix CT 2 poles. Cool, about 38F. Damp, after a rain.

January 25, 2006 Streets of Vienna, including a section of the W&OD Trail. About 4 miles. 56 minutes. Good tempo. Around sunset. 40F. Quite windy. After a recent article on Nordic walking in the local Express newspaper, there seem to be some more glances of recognition from occupants of more cars. :)

January 29, 2005 Scotts Run Nature Preserve. About 3.5 miles. With Ania and Ewa. About 4.5 miles. Very muddy and slick trails. Then 2.5 miles on the W&OD Trail in Falls Church, VA. Another 2.5 miles. Total of 6 miles, 2:04:25.

January 30, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles. 1:33:15. 65F. This was the 9th day this January, with temperatures over 60 degrees F. Some winter... Wore shorts, T-shirt and sunglasses.

February 1, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 5.5 miles. 1:11:40. Just around sunset. Good workout.

February 2, 2006 Streets of Vienna and Madison High School track. 2 miles. 28:15.

February 6, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville, Ridge, Difficult Run and River trails. About 7 miles. 2:09:30. With Ania and Ewa. The last rains have really raised the level of the Potomac River. Good workout. Did a bit extra hill work, while the girls took an easier route.

February 6, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville, Ridge, Difficult Run, Swamp and River trails. About 6.5 miles.1:31:30. Walked a zigzag course, in order to get some uphill and downhill work done. Beautiful, but cool day. Great workout!

February 7, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 5.5 miles. 1:11:30. Just around sunset. Good workout.

February 8, 2006 Northside Park in Vienna and other trails near the W&OD. Zig-zagged up and down Eudora Hill and others, getting a nice hill workout. About 4 miles. 0:58:25.

February 9, 2006 Streets of Vienna, in the evening. About 3 miles. 39:45.

February 12, 2006 Not Nordic walking this time, but its closest cousin: cross-country skiing! We finally got about a foot of snow! It is georgeous! Wish I was at White Grass Touring Center (you can use the link on this site to take you there). About 6 miles through a couple of parks in Vienna. 1:10. Lots of people sledding, some snowshoeing, even more shovelling their driveways. Just as I always thought. Cross-country is an even better exercise than Nordic walking. Ooofff!!

February 13, 2006 Burke Lake Park circuit 2X. 9 miles. 1:57:40. Cross-country skiing, again. It is amazing how quickly the foot of snow that we got yesterday is melting. There were a lot of bare and icy spots. Lots of wear from foot traffic Also had to cross a number of plowed park roads. What are you guys thinking?! Have seen several runners, a couple of walkers, two mountain bikers and three other cross-country skiers. And lots, and lots of Canada Geese.

February 14, 2006 Cross-country skiing in Northside Park in Vienna and other trails near the W&OD. Zig-zagged up and down Eudora Hill and others, looking for trails and places with the most snow. Still quite skiable in most areas. About 4.5 miles. 44:50.

February 19, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 4 miles. 56 minutes. Pretty cold - 18 F.

February 20, 2006 Parks of Vienna, to Garrett Street. Return by Lawyers and Abbottsford streets. About 3 miles. 43 minutes. 28 F.

February 21, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 4 miles. 54:50. Quite a bit of frost on surfaces.

February 22, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles, 1:10:15. Good time, without pushing too much. Light snow falling.

February 23, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 40:50.

February 24, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:24. Beautiful, sunny, but cool day. Very windy.

February 25, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville, Ridge, Difficult Run and Swamp trails. About 6 miles. 1:47. With Ania. Good workout. Did extra hill work.

February 27, 2006 Northside Park in Vienna near the W&OD. Zig-zagged up and down Eudora Hill and others, getting a nice hill workout. About 2.5 miles. 32:45.

February 28, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 3 miles. 42:15. Frosty morning.

March 2, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Piney Run bridge and return. About 4 miles. 55:50. Getting warmer.

March 3, 2006 Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park. See more detailed story elsewhere on this website. 7 miles. 3:55:10. Climbed and descended via the Ridge Trail. Absolutely gorgeous weather, but quite chilly.

March 4, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:46. With Gretchen Carroll, who was trying Nordic walking for the first time. She did just great. It isn't often that a first-timer goes out for a 6.5-mile Nordic walk! After some initial adjustment problems with her Exel pole straps, Gretchen picked up the technique in stride :)

March 5, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, return on Matildaville Trail. About 5 miles. 1:36. With Ania and Ewa.

March 6, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 39:40.

March 7, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles, 1:11:50. Decent time, without pushing too much. Gorgeous, sunny morning. About 40 F.

March 10, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville, Ridge, Difficult Run and Swamp trails. About 5.5 miles. 1:46:40. With Ewa. Beautiful, sunny day. Over 70 F!

March 11, 2006 Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania. North Ridge Trail, to Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, Appalachian Trail, Down North Ridge and South Ridge Trails. About 6 miles. 1:50. Beautiful day. About 75F.

March 12, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna, plus W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. About 7 miles. 1:32:20. A bit cooler, but still shorts and T-shirt weather. about 70F.

March 13, 2006 Clark's Crossing Park, next to the W&OD Trail. Mostly an equestrian park, with many jumping obstacles for horses. A couple of nice hills, making it great fun for sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. Did mostly hill work. Ooofff! About 2 miles. 31:30. 70F+.

March 15, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge. Return partly on the south side of Piney Run. About 3.5 miles. 46:30. About 40F, wind gusts over 40 mph, so at least it seemed sort of "symmetrical". Heading upwind at times seemed almost like climbing hills...

March 17, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Fairfax County Parkway and return. About 8.5 miles. 2:04. About 50 F and sunny.

March 18, 2006 Huntley Meadows Park - the largest park in Fairfax County. Wetlands, boardwalks, beaver dams, birds, etc, etc. With Ania. About 4 miles. 1:16.

March 19, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:23:15. Ania went with me half way and returned. Sunny. 48 F, very windy.

March 21, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 3 miles. 42:15. Some snow was predicted, but no sign of it yet...

March 22, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Swamp Trail to Difficult Run Trail, Ridge Trail, Matildaville Trail. About 5.5 miles. 1:17:40. Really beautiful, but cool day.

March 24, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Swamp Trail to Difficult Run Trail (2x), Ridge Trail (2x), part of River Trail, around Cow Hoof Rock, Matildaville Trail. Extra hill workouts. About 7.5 miles. 1:52:15. Great workout. Beautiful, sunny, but cool day.

March 25, 2006 Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania. North Ridge Trail, to Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, Appalachian Trail, Down North Ridge and South Ridge Trails. About 6 miles. 2 hours. That makes it 28.5 miles for the week, for me. Beautiful, sunny day. about 50 F, although the weathermen keep talking about possible snow tonight. We'll see, I guess...

March 26, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:22:10. Very good time. Lots of cyclists, runners, walkers and rollerbladers. About 45 F.

March 28, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 4 miles. 54:50. Quite warm. Getting a bit humid.

March 29, 2006 Burke Lake Park. 4.5 miles. 1:03:10. Pretty good time, but wasn't able to break my personal record of 1:00:18. Will have to do some more speedwork, I guess...

March 31, 2006 Exactly the same route as March 24: Great Falls NP, VA. Swamp Trail to Difficult Run Trail (2x), Ridge Trail (2x), part of River Trail, around Cow Hoof Rock, Matildaville Trail. Extra hill workouts. About 7.5 miles. 1:50. 78F Gorgeous day.

April 1, 2006 Same as March 25: Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania. North Ridge Trail, to Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, Appalachian Trail, Down North Ridge and South Ridge Trails. About 6 miles. 1:54:50.

March 2, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. Beautiful, sunny day in the 60's.

April 4, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:13:50. Westerly wind gusts almost stopped me a few times. Wow!

March 5, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna, including a section of the W&OD Trail. 4 miles. 55:30. Cool, in the dark, with a headlamp.

April 7, 2006 W&OD Trail from Hunter Mill Rd. to Wiehle Ave. and return. About 4.5 miles. 1:06:25. On the dirt horse trail all the way. Of-and-on rain showers. At least the rain softened the ground, so the pole tips could dig in nicely.

April 7, 2006 Streets of Vienna. Three miles. 45:15. With Ania. Iin the dark, with a headlamp.

April 9, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Swamp Trail to Difficult Run Trail, Ridge Trail, Matildaville Trail. With Ania and Ewa. About 5.5 miles. 1:35. Really beautiful day.

April 10, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles.

April 11, 2006 W&OD Trail to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 Miles. 39:00. Beautiful, sunny day. Around 70 F. First test of the new and improved Swix Twist&Go tips. Good and solid. The large rubber knob provides good traction on pavement.

April 12, 2006 Streets of Vienna. About 4.5 miles. 1:05. In the dark with a headlamp. Fairly warm.

April 14, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:22:55. A very good time indeed. Have also reached the 800-mile mark, since May 16, 2005. Passing rain showers, but the weather improved, as I was walking along. Just in case had my IPod in a plastic bag.

April 15, 2006 W&OD Trail, from milepost 24, at Rt. 28, to milepost 26.5 and return. 5 miles. 1:20 With Ania. Lots of cyclists, mostly of the responsible variety, but a too large segment of weekend warriors, who have no conception of trail etiquette...

April, 17, 2006 Charles River Reservation, along the Charles River in Newton, Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts. About 5 miles. 1:10. 50+F.

April 18, 2006 Charles River Reservation, along the Charles River in Newton, Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts. Extended route: To Elm Street and Watertown Square, round trip. About 6.5 miles. 1:38. Nice, cool, fairly windy day.

April 19, 2006 Charles River Reservation, along the Charles River in Newton, Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts. Shorter bridge circuit. About 2 miles. 28:45.

April 20, 2006 Charles River Reservation, along the Charles River in Newton, Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts. About 5 miles. Half the route with Ania. 1:12.

April 22, 2006 Charles River Reservation, along the Charles River in Newton, Watertown and Waltham, Massachusetts. About 5 miles. 1:10. Half the route with Ania. Getting a bit chilly. Around 50 F.

April 25, 2006 My Name's Day! W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 37 minutes, just 35 seconds over my personal record. Beautiful, sunny day.

April 26, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. About 4 miles. 53:30. In the evening, with a headlamp.

April 27, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:25:15. All on pavement, no horse trail. Swix CT 2 poles.

April 28, 2006 W&OD Trail from Hunter Mill Road, to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles. 1:31:10. This is my new personal record for this distance and route. Beautiful, sunny day. About 63F. New, much better, behind-the-neck Sennheiser headphones for my IPod.

April 29, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, return on River Trail. About 6 miles. 2:12:30. With Ania and Ewa. Perfect day! in the mid-60's. Lots of hikers, climbers and kayakers.

April 30, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:16:40. With Ania. Great day, lots of traffic. Probably the biggest concentration of bicycle trailers we have seen in one place!

May 1, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 39:15. Took it relatively easy. Beautiful, sunny day.

May 2, 2006 Streets of Vienna and W&OD Trail, up to the Piney Run bridge and return. 7 miles.1:34:25. Great day!. I wonder when will someone design and make good sports headphones. Even my new behind-the-head Sennheisers keep on slipping!

May 3, 2006 Streets of Vienna in the evening, with Ania. 2 miles. 30 minutes.

May 5, 2006 Difficult Run/Cross County Trail (N), from Hunter Mill Road, on the W&OD Trail, to Georgetown Pike in Great Falls (next to Great Falls Park) and return. About 15 miles. 4:40:40. Am I glad that I had some moleskin in my pack! Wore a pair of heavy duty hiking boots, which turned out to be not completely broken in as yet. The Fairfax Cross County trail has been opened only a few months ago, although the Difficult Run Trail has been around in an unkept condition for many years now. Great workout!

May 6, 2006 Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania and Ewa. North Ridge Trail, to Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, Appalachian Trail, down North Ridge and South Ridge Trails. About 6 miles. 2:18:00. Beautiful day. Quite a few hikers with dogs.

May 7, 2006 Difficult Run/Cross County Trail, from Leesburg Pike, to Great Falls Park and return. With Ania. About 7 miles. 2:10. A fair number of hikers, admiring the newly opened CCT. Witnessed a woman getting a fine from animal control officers, on mountain bikes, because her dog was unleashed.

May 9, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:07:20. Pretty good time. Cooler, a bit cloudy.

May 10, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Route 66 and Virginia Avenue and return. About 7 miles. 1:33:50. Nice. In the 60's.

May 12, 2006 Difficult Run/Cross County Trail (S), from W&OD Trail/Hunter Mill Road, to Oak Marr Recreation Center, on Jermantown Road. About 9 miles. 3:03. My first time on most of this section. Some really nice areas.

Two miles in the evening with Ania along the W&OD Trail, heading east out of Vienna. Boy, were my legs sore, after the earlier hike!

May 14, 2006 Reston, VA: From South Lakes Village Center, to Hunter Woods Village Center, both ways. About 8 miles. 2:27. With Ania. All paved trail.

May 16, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:08:50. Nice, but a bit humid.

May 19, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:09:45.

May 20, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, return on Swamp Trail and Carriage Roadl. About 6 miles. 1:55:50. With Ania and Ewa.

May 21, 2006 Same as May 14. Reston, VA: From South Lakes Village Center, to Hunter Woods Village Center, both ways. About 8 miles. 2:24. With Ania and Ewa. All paved trail.

May 23, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:08:20. Beautiful, totally sunny day, in the 50's. Good breeze.

May24, 2006 From home, to W&OD Trail, to Piney Run Bridge, return through Vienna streets. About 7 miles. 1:29. Beautiful day, Before work.

May 26, 2006 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:21:15. My new record for this route! Getting hot and humid. It looked like some storms were on the way. Just made it.

May 27, 2006 Difficult Run/Cross County Trail, from Leesburg Pike, to the Potomac River in Great Falls Park and return. With Ania and Ewa. About 9 miles. 2:48.

May 28, 2006 Paths in Reston, VA, including the Glade. About 5.5 miles. 1:40. With Ania and Ewa. Nice, but hot and humid. At least most of the trails we went on were mostly shaded.

May 30, 2006 2005 W&OD Trail, from Vienna station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:27. Very, very hot and humid. Stopped twice to pour water on the back of my neck and on my head.

May 31, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. 3 miles. 1:44:25. A bit less hot and humid than yesterday, but the sauna-like conditions make for very sweaty workouts. Ending May on a positive note: Have surpassed the 1,000-mile mark, since I started recording these these walks here in May of 2005.

June 2, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:10:15. A bit lower temperature, but still very humid.

June 3, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, return on River Trail. About 6 miles. 2:12:30. With Ania.

June 4, 2006 Paths in Reston, VA, including the Glade. About 5.5 miles. 1:21. With Ania. Much cooler. In the 70's.

June 5, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. 3 miles. 0:41. Pretty nice weather.

June 6, 2006 Reston, VA: From South Lakes Village Center, to Hunter Woods Village Center, both ways. About 8 miles. 1:54. Much faster, when just listening to my Ipod, rather than talking to the girls, LOL!

June 9, 2006 Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge. About 7 miles. 1:52. Nice. Quite remote. Met only one hiker, but have seen lots of birds, including blue herons, ospreys and I think bald eagles.

June 10, 2006 Shenandoah National Park. Circuit of Stony Man Mountain. About 4 miles. 1:40. With Ania. Beautiful day. In the 60's up on the mountain. Even though this was more of a hike, than a classic Nordic walk, I did use my Swix CT2 Nordic walking poles.

June 11, 2006 Wide loop around Lake Audobon, in Reston, VA. About 3.5 miles. 0:58. Very nice day indeed!

June 13, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. 3 miles. 42 minutes. Beautiful day!

June 14, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:21:40. Only 25 seconds slower than my personal best. Drat! I thought I had it clinched!.

June 16, 2006 My Birthday! Great Falls National Park, Va. Matildaville Trail (3x), to Difficult Run Trail (2x), Ridge Trail (2x), part of River Trail, around Cow Hoof Rock. Extra hill workouts. About 7.5 miles. 1:57. Great workout!

As I was returning on the Ridge Trail, heard a very loud bang and breaking noise, looked behind me and up... and...a HUGE tree was falling right on top of me! Took off at a sprint and seconds later the tree fell some 10 yards behind me. If I didn't run, I would be part of the mess, which blocked the Ridge Trail almost entirely...

Oooff! Not the kind of thing that I generally want happening particularly on my birthday...but all's well, that ends well..I guess...

June 17, 2006 Wide loop around Lake Audobon, in Reston, VA. About 3.5 miles. With Ania and Ewa. Pretty hot, but still nice.

June 18, 2006 Reston, VA: From South Lakes Village Center, to Steeplechase Road, both ways. About 7 miles. 2:07. With Ania and Ewa. All paved trail. Quite hot and humid.

June 19, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:24:45. Pretty hot and humid, but relatively pleasant, because of a light breeze.

June 21, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 32 minutes.

June 23, 2006 Great Falls National Park, Va. Matildaville Trail, Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail. Swamp Trail. Extra hill workouts. About 4.5 miles. 1:07:50. Quite humid. More storms are on the way. Could see the effects of last night's storms everywhere.

June 24, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:07:50. Part way on the horse trail with Ania. Quite muggy and humid. More storms are threatening.

June 25, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:08:05. After some very heavy rains, parts of the horse trail turned into flowing streams. I could probably take my kayak from Piney Run and Difficult Run, all the way to the Potomac, there's so much water.

June 27, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Piney Run bridge (closed due to flood damage!) and return. 3 miles. 37:20. This is probably not the return of the biblical floods, but maybe we should be building an ark of some sort...or at least doing something meaningful about global warming. Are you listening, Dubya? You still haven't signed the Kyoto accord... Speaking of being terminally shortsighted...

The whole region has been getting unprecedented amounts of tropical rain during the last few days.

June 28, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 29:20. The sun is out! Hopefully we will dry out soon, after the torrential rains.

June 30, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Wiehle Avenue in Reston and return. About 9.5 miles. 2:24:30. The Piney Run bridge is closed, due to structural damage, during the last rains. Repairs of the pre-civil war supporting structure will take weeks. A temporary bridge is almost ready for use starting this weekend.

July 1, 2006 Great Falls National Park, Va. Matildaville Trail, Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail. About 6 miles. 1:40. With Ania. A lot of damage and erosion, after the recent rains.

July 2, 2006 Reston, VA: From Twin Branches Road to Steeplechase Road, both ways, along Glade stream. About 6 miles. 1:27. With Ania. Quite hot and humid.

***July 4, 2006 *** W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Piney Run bridge (the temporary one) and return. 3 miles. 37:10. Very hot and humid. Lots of people.

July 7, 2006 Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park. See more detailed story elsewhere on this website. 7 miles. 3:35. Climbed the Ridge Trail, came down the Saddle Trail and the Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Absolutely gorgeous weather!

July 8, 2006 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit, including Difficult Run Trail. About 5 miles. 1:26. With Ania.

July 9, 2006 Right before the World Cup final! W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:06:20. My new personal record for this route!

July 11, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 33 minutes.

July 12, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:12. Much more relaxed pace. Hot and humid. Saw two baby deer with their mother, wading in Piney Run creek.

July 14, 2006 Reston: along Glade stream. About 2 miles, 25 minutes. Was planning an 8-mile Nordic walk, but the plans were cut short by heavy rain and thunderstorms.

July 15, 2006 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit, including Difficult Run Trai, Matildaville Trail and River Trail. About 6.5 miles. With Ewa and Grazyna.

July 16, 2006 Reston, VA: From Twin Branches Road to Steeplechase Road, both ways, along Glade stream. About 6 miles. 1:28. With Ania. Hot and humid.

July 19 - August 10. 2006 Konstancin (near Warsaw), Sopot (on Poland's Baltic coast, near Gdansk) and Zakopane, in Poland's beautiful Tatra mountains. About 33 miles.

August 12, 2006 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit - shorter version, including the River Trail. With Ania. About 3.5 miles. 0:50. Took it relatively easy, as we are both trying to shake colds, which we caught after getting soaked by the rain in the Chocholowska Valley of the Tatra mountains.

August 13, 2006 Reston, VA: From Twin Branches Road to Steeplechase Road, both ways, along Glade stream. About 6 miles. 1:27. With Ania.

August 15, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:10. Very humid.

Crews are still fixing flood damage along the trail. It has been a month and a half now. In one spot, working on a ford on the Difficult Run, along the horse trail were 10 vehicles (yes, ten!). Bulldozers, trucks, etc, etc. One of the operators was easily 150 pounds overweight. How about doing some REAL work, lard ass?

I firmly believe that a job such as this one could be completed by two, or three men, with picks, shovels and rakes, and a dump truck, to haul the rocks in a couple of days. Instead, they have been at it for weeks, with all the smelly, noisy, polluting machinery... Speaking of protecting the environment...right... Our tax dollars at work. The oil companies must love these guys!

August 18, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Wiehle Avenue in Reston and return. about 9.5 miles. 2:16. Pretty warm and sunny, but not terribly humid.

August 19, 2006 Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania. North Ridge Trail, to Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, Appalachian Trail, down North Ridge and South Ridge Trails. About 6 miles. Quite hot and very humid.

August 20, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Lake Fairfax Park and return. About 5 miles. 1:25. With Ania. Quite hot. No rains, which are being predicted by all the weathermen and weatherwomen for the past three days.

Loop through Lake Fairfax Park. The Water Mine pool was full, lots of people were holding picnics in the shade. The only sporting activity provided by Pakistani cricket players and by walkers, runners and mountain bikers on the trail.

August 21, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:10:25. Pavement one way, horse trail, return. Much nicer and cooler.

August 23, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Lake Fairfax Park and return. Starting at Michael Faraday Drive, through a forest trail. About 9 miles. 2:12:15. Fairly hot, but a good amount of shade along this route.

For the first time, since April 11, 2006 had to replace the rubber knobs on the new Swix Twist&Go tips on my CT2 poles. Pretty durable. That's several hundred miles! You do the math.

August 25, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, to Wiehle Avenue in Reston and return. 4.5 miles. 1:07. All on the hilly horse trail.

August 26, 2006 Shenandoah National Park. White Oak Canyon, from the bottom at Etlan, to Upper Falls and back. 6 miles. 2:46. About an 1,100 - foot elevation gain. With Ania.

We were planning to do an 8.2 - mile loop, through White Oak Fire Road and down through the Cedar Run, but an approaching thunderstorm convinced us to hurry back down the White Oak Canyon Trail, Overall, it didn't rain that much and we sure could use it. It is really, really dry everywhere.

August 27, 2006 W&OD Trail in Reston, VA, to Lake Fairfax Park and return. About 5 miles. 1:15. With Ania. Quite a bit faster than last time. Lots of people at the park playing soccer (the real football) and cricket as well.

August 29, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:08:25. Pretty good time, considering the heat and humidity!.

September 2, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Matildaville Trail, to Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail, back up to Ridge Trail, return on Matildaville Trail. About 6 miles. 1:44. With Ania.

After the Ernesto-fueled rains, both the Potomac and Difficult Run are full of water again. We have even seen four kayakers on Difficult Run, which in parts was at least a Class III river today. Not for long, though :)

September 3, 2006 Reston, VA: From Twin Branches Road to Steeplechase Road, both ways, along Glade stream. About 6 miles. 1:28:25. With Ania. Much cooler than it has been for a while. Saw a good size rat snake snaking its way across the path.

September 5, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. In a drizzle. Just couldn't spend two whole days without a workout! -:)

September 6, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna. 4 miles. 56:15. Cool, in the dark, with a headlamp. Yes, the days are getting noticeably shorter...

September 8, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Hunter Mill Road, half way to Lake Fairfax Park and return. About 5.5 miles. 1:29:10.

September 9, 2006 Beach of Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware. About 8 miles. With Ania. Great weather, but the waves were not big enough for body surfing, or boogie boarding.

Recent storms have eaten at the beach in a big way. Stumps from a forest, which must have been well inland at one time have been uncovered in part of the beach. I estimate that the actual level of the beach is approximately 2.5 meters lower than at this time last year. It was quite obvious, after seeing one of the beach structures left very much exposed and way up in the air, while a year ago it was actually at beach level.

September 10, 2006 Beach of Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware. About 3.5 miles.Wit Ania. A shorter walk, because the waves were much bigger and frankly, boogie boarding is even more fun than Nordic wallking -:)

September 12. 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles, 1:05. My new personal record for this route! Over a minute faster than the previous one!!!

Septermber 13, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 0:31. 61 F.

September 15, 2006 W&OD Trail from Hunter Mill Road, to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles. 1:32. Pretty good time, although some 50 seconds over my personal record.

September 16, 2006 Sky Meadows State Park, Paris, VA. With Ania. North Ridge Trail, to Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, Appalachian Trail, down North Ridge and South Ridge Trails. About 6 miles. Weather hesitating between sun, clouds and drizzle.

September 17, 2006 Reston, VA: From Twin Branches Road to Steeplechase Road, both ways, along Glade stream. About 6 miles. 1:20. With Ania. Walked most of the return leg alone, faster.

Septermber 18, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 0:32.

September 20, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Wiehle Avenue in Reston and return. About 9.5 miles. 2:18. Beautiful, sunny day, just over 60 F. Windy. Good tempo, without straining too much.

September 22, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Lake Fairfax Park and return. About 5 miles. 1:06:45. Just over 60 F.

Just a few walkers and a couple of mountain bikers, although this is a very popular mountain biking trail. Also, haven't seen the box turtle, which has been sitting in the middle of the trail the past two times, twisting its little, scrawny neck :) Hope he wasn't run over by a bike.

September 23, 2006 Great Falls NP, Virginia. Most of the park trails, with the exception of the River Trail. About 6 miles. 1:50. With Ania and Ewa. Started with a drizzle, cleared up later. Fairly hot and humid.

September 24, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:18:30. With Ania. Not trying to go super-fast. Surprisingly muggy, despite decent temperature.

September 26, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:08:10. Alternating long, near maximum extension strides and slightly shorter, much faster ones.

September 27, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 0:31:30. Sunny, in the 60's (F).

September 29, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:20:20. My new record for this route! Another proof that the slightly shorter, faster strides produce more speed, or maybe I am simply getting in shape..? -:)

September 30, 2006 C&O Canal, from Fletcher's Boat House, to Georgetown and return. About 5 miles. With Ania. This wasn't just a walk, but a walk, combined with lunch at La Ruche restaurant. We probably ingested quite a few more calories, than we burned, while walking, but it was nice :)

October 1, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Lake Fairfax Park and return. About 5 miles. 1:18. With Ania.

October 2, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles. 1:13. Relatively leisurely pace. Not a cloud in the sky. 68 F (20 C). Ipod, straw hat, sunglasses. This is living :)

October 4, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 0:34. Quite warm and sunny.

October 5, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Route 66 and Virginia Avenue and return. About 7 miles. 1:40. Good, steady pace, without straining, or trying to beat any records. Cloudy, around 60 F.

October 6, 2006 Clark's Crossing Park, next to the W&OD Trail. Mostly an equestrian park, with many jumping obstacles for horses. A couple of nice hills, making it great fun for sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. Did mostly hill work. About 2 miles. 0:30. In the rain. 50F (10C).

October 7, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna Station, to Hunter Mill Road and return. About 6.5 miles. 1:25. Drizzly and cool, despite predicted clearing.

A few months ago I have decided to walk a minimum of 15 miles per week, at the same time setting 25 as the optimal weekly distance. Since then have never gone below 15 and often exceeded 25 miles per week.

This week's total, for example is 28 miles, although I haven't tried to go really fast, but strived to keep a good, solid pace, without trying to break any records. Maybe I'll go for some next week...

October 9, 2006 Great Falls National Park, Va. Matildaville Trail, Ridge Trail, to Difficult Run Trail. About 5.5 miles. 1:22. With Ania. Beautiful, cloudless day.

October 10, 2006 W&OD Trail, from Vienna, to Hunter Mill Road and return. 5 miles, 1:07. Fast, but two minutes over my record. About 75F (24C). Leaking sweat like a sieve.

Saw a box turtle and a snake on the trail. Could be their last chance to catch some warmth, before winter sets in...

October 11, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 0:33. Getting cloudy, about 65F.

October 13, 2006 W&OD Trail from Hunter Mill Road, to Reston Parkway and return. About 7 miles. 1:35:45. Sunny, but only about 55 F.

October 14, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Swamp Trail to Difficult Run Trail, Ridge Trail, River and Matildaville Trails. With Ania and Ewa. About 5.5 miles. 1:42. Really beautiful day. Only just over 60F.

October 15, 2006 Reston, VA: From Twin Branches Road to Steeplechase Road, both ways, along Glade stream. About 6 miles. 1:22. With Ania.

October 18, 2006 Streets and parks of Vienna, including a section of the W&OD Trail. About 5.5 miles. 1:13:30. After a cloudy, cool start, the weather turned sunny, warm and quite humid.

October 20, 2006 Great Falls NP Park, Virginia. Park circuit, including Difficult Run Trail. About 5.5 miles. Still wet after last night's rain and very windy, but not a cloud in the sky.

October 21, 2006 Shenandoah National Park. White Oak Canyon, through White Oak Fire Road and down through the Cedar Run Trail. Over 8 miles. Pretty tough hike. Rocky with considerable elevation gain. 4:15. With Ania. Beautiful, sunny, but cool day.

This hike has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Shenandoah National Park. Combining two out-and-back hikes, White Oak Canyon & Cedar Run, this loop starts at the bottom of the valley and cuts over near the top of the ridge.

October 22, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Lake Fairfax Park and return. About 5 miles. 1:20. With Ania. Cool and quite nice.

October 24, 2006 W&OD Trail, to Piney Run bridge and return. 3 miles. 40:30. Only about 40F, sunny and very windy. Wore gloves for the first time in months.

October 25, 2006 Nottoway Park, Vienna. About 2.5 miles. 0:34:30. Sunny. In the 40's.

October 28, 2006 Great Falls NP, VA. Difficult Run Trail, Ridge Trail, River and Matildaville Trails. With Ania. About 5.5 miles. 1:36. Really beautiful day.

After last night's rains all the rivers and streams are very full. The Difficult Run has class IV rapids in places. Quite a few kayakers are taking advantage of these fleeting conditions.




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My Nordic Walking Diary | 9 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
My Nordic Walking Diary
Authored by: ironmaned on Wednesday, August 23 2006 @ 09:16 PM EDT
Hey Marek, I think your diary has a misprint on August 18, 2006 . . .9.5 miles in little more than an hour. You must have been flying! See I do read what you say!
Ed Urbanski
My Nordic Walking Diary
Authored by: ironmaned on Tuesday, September 12 2006 @ 10:08 PM EDT
CONGRATULATIONS, MAREK!! ON YOUR NEW RECORD!

Ed
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