Week 13 – Taper Time

After last week’s extravaganza we get back to normal. Those running Boston have hit their taper, where muscles are allowed to recover for the big race. The first taper run is slightly under 15 miles. Yeah, you’re in such good shape that an easy recovery run is 15 miles! The rest of  you run whatever you need to for which ever race you have coming up. If you need extra miles, typically a car will be back at Brueggers with supplies so you can refuel before tacking on a few more miles by running the MRC summer route or looping around Pine Banks for some miles.

You’ve experienced one of the snowiest, coldest training periods in recent memory. Just to put an exclamation point on that Mother Nature coated us with the white stuff one more time, although I think it’ll probably be just a memory in Melrose by Sunday Morning. The route this week takes us through the area we ran on the snowiest run of the season, Swains Pond. You’ve run this route a few times this winter: Up to Melrose Common, around Swains Pond, Lebanon to Forest and the first water stop at the Citizens Bank. From there you head out Glenwood St (the map says Greenwood, someday I’ll fix that) to the Fellsway East. Head right, through the hills, past Grimsby’s to the Melrose High School. Water stop 2 will be at the knoll. Then continue on the Fellsway, take a right at Main St in Saugus and continue onto Farm St turn left on Nahant, which will take you to Main St in Wakefield where Water Stop 3 will be at Nick’s Pizza. Head back Main St and taper run number 1 will be done!

Water Stops. I believe Barry will be there (although he’ll be celebrating his birthday into the wee hours the night before the run). I’ll be there, but I might have to leave early. Anyone else helping?

Who’s in this week? Roll Call!

23 Responses to “Week 13 – Taper Time”

  1. NANCY G says:

    I’ll probably stop at Nick’s pizza, so I can be that water stop if that helps

  2. Nandan Padukone says:

    Hi Jim,
    How can one not do one of these final Sunday runs – it’s been a fun experience (ok, most of the time). I’m going to try to make it to the 14-er tomorrow although I’m very tempted looking at the sunny day outside to do it this afternoon. If I run today, I can help with the WS tomorrow. Hope to see you tomorrow,
    Nandan

  3. Melisa Thorne says:

    I’m in for the full. Feeling pretty good after last week. Looking forward to it.

  4. Brian Walfield says:

    Feeling better but still taking it slow. I’m available to cover any water stop needed. See everyone at 8

  5. Carol Carstensen says:

    In for anywhere between 1-15. Foot is twinging a little and not wanting a repeat of last year, I will bail at the first sign of trouble!

  6. Audrey Hanscom says:

    I’m in for the half.

  7. Sue Worrall says:

    Last long run of the season … I’m in

  8. Maryanne Martin says:

    I’ll be there for the half…

  9. Michele DeAngelo says:

    I’m in. I have to say goodby to” Highland Ave”!!!!!!

  10. Dorota Bulik says:

    Now that you talked me into doing a spring marathon I have to do 16 tomorrow 😀

  11. Michelle LeBlanc says:

    I’m in for the full! May even tack on an extra 5 to feel better about missing last week. Wahoo!

  12. Jackie Ecker says:

    In for the full…but of course.

  13. Betty Cooper says:

    7.1 for me but I’m not sure, can I just show up?

  14. Barry Petzold says:

    I can do the first water stop but then I have to leave…

    A friend of mine is getting married and I have to go try on Kilts at 10am…

    Awesome.

  15. Doug Drozdowski says:

    I am in for the full

  16. Nandan Padukone says:

    Jim,
    Let me know if you need help with the water stop. I did my run today but can help with one of the water stops.
    Nandan

  17. Brian Slater says:

    Count me in. Will try to tack on a few extra before or after to make 18 to 20.

  18. Marianne Feran says:

    Count me in. I survived Heart Break Hill, so the Fellsway hills should be easy, right?

  19. sue clough says:

    Jim, if you need help or just want company, let me know.

  20. Judi Chiavetta says:

    In for the full and then some. Barry, can you do a water stop in the kilt? I think that will help get me through the run 🙂

  21. Matt Hanson says:

    I am also in for the full. Thanks!

  22. Ed Bradford says:

    I’m in for the full – or at least until my achilles tendon says stop.

  23. Betty Cooper says:

    I won’t be there. = (

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