Training in west Minneapolis... (Page 2)

We'll definitely get some long runs and OW swims in this spring once it's 'shorts' weather.

Early morning at work.  Could only get 20 min of spinning in at work gym.

Plan on getting an hour run (hill work on treadmill) in after work (after 5pm) somewhere, either Minnetonka or Minneapolis (Broadway) Y...

Yeah, I haven't been doing a great job at trying new gyms.  I always seem to be running a little late in the morning, and fall into typical patterns (bricks at Burnsville Y, swims in Edina).  However, I did check out Ridgedale Y (Minnetonka) yesterday at lunch.  Didn't swim, bike or run, just a walk through.  I've heard good things about it from people that also swim at Edinborough.  It will be a good morning or lunchtime option for me.

As for next week, I'm out of town until Friday, but I'll try to get out and about when I get back.  I still have plans to check out North Community Y (Broadway in Minneapolis).  Happy training... 

Question for the week:  Any good places to do OW swims in the spring/summer?  Medicine Lake is only 5 minutes from where I work... 

I'm not a confident OW swimmer.  When I do OW swims in Lake Nokomis, I swim laps AROUND the buoys, that way if I cramp up or something else weird happens (no guards on the beach in the morning), I'm only 15 yds away from being able to stand.

Lots of it depends on local rulings, boat traffic, not knowing what's out there--submerged fallen trees, old fish houses (hee, hee), etc.  I think they can ticket/arrest at Lake Nokomis if you get caught swimming across the lake without kayak/canoe escort (just rumor mill...or my attempt at not having to swim too far from the buoys ).

I've found I can still get the benefits of OW swimming staying within/near the buoys.  No lane lines, sunlight in your eyes, colder murkier water, and the necessity to sight to avoid hitting the buoys!

Ryan, tomorrow's my running day, but I've got meetings from 11 to 1 (figures!).  Where do you run from?  Do you ever run in the morning?

I'm out of town until Thursday night.  Anyone want to get together for a run at lunch next Friday?  Minimum of 20 min, but can go longer.  I have a meeting at 1pm, so I'll block time off of my calendar from 11-1.  I'd need to be back at the office gym by around 12:30 to shower and drive to the meeting.

Meet at 11am?  I work close to the intersection of 169 and Plymouth Ave N (1 exit north of Hwy 55, 2 exits north of 394).  I'd take any suggestions for a meeting place, especially if it's fairly close to running trails.