Week 14 – Time To Do Some Tapering

Last week we had a lighter than normal turnout for the SLR. With the Hartford runners already tapering, only 3 people ran the 22 miler last week. They ran strong on a cool day over a hilly course, finishing off their final big run before their marathon. Many half marathoners got in a surprise 11 miler, despite the calendar calling for a 9 miler. Now you’re each a little more prepared than you thought.

So this week we start tapering as we decrease your training distances to give your legs some time to recuperate. Taper time calls for shorter runs but continue running at your training pace. So this week you have a 14+ mile run for the long runners and a 7 miler for the half runners. We’ll start out heading up East Foster to Melrose Common, turning right on 6th Street to Swains Pond Ave. Follow that up through the wooded pond area of south east Melrose, bending to the right to bring you back to Lebanon. Turn left at the convenience store onto Lebanon, and then a left at the lights onto Forest Street. Continue to the end of Forest where you’ll find water stop 1 at Citizen’s Bank.

After the water stop, head out along Winter Street, past the Oak Grove T stop. This will bring you to a 5-way intersection. Cross Washington Street and head up Glenwood Street which will take you out to the rotary at Highland Ave. Keep to the right onto the Fellsway East and follow that through the hills to Grimsby’s. Running short? Turn right onto West Wyoming and left on Main Street to finish up at Brueggers. If you’re going long continue on to the LynnFells Parkway and find the water stop at the knoll across from Melrose High School.

After that water stop continue on the LynnFells up to Main Street in Saugus. Turn left on Main and follow it as it turns into Farm Street. Turn left on Nahant across from Wakefield High School and find a water stop at the end at Nick’s Pizza.

After that stop head south on Main Street and finish up your taper run at Brueggers.

Water Stops: I can cover the first two, but getting to Nick’s before fast people show up can be a challenge sometimes. One helper would work out, and if its easier, someone could leave their car at the knoll and I’ll leave supplies in it as I head up to Nick’s after the runners start coming through.

Ok, Roll Call! Who’s in?

23 Responses to “Week 14 – Time To Do Some Tapering”

  1. Tom Gorman says:

    I’m in for the half

  2. Regina Curran says:

    Hi Jim. Julie and I are in for about 10! Thank you

  3. Cynthia Berger says:

    I’m in for the full plus a little more

  4. Lauren Cossette says:

    Hmmm… In for the full I think. Thanks!

  5. Dorota says:

    In for the full. I can leave my car at the knoll

  6. Courtney says:

    IFTF thanks Jim & knoll-car-Dorota. See you guys in the morning!

  7. Denise Judware says:

    In for the full. Thank you

  8. Bill Riley says:

    In for the full

  9. Don Keren says:

    In for the full

  10. Casey Stratford says:

    In for the full. Thanks!

  11. Paul Locke says:

    I’m in for a little more than the half.

  12. Matt Sazama says:

    In for the half plus a little extra.

  13. Jim says:

    Thanks Dorota. Do you want to run over to Brueggers, or do you want me to pick you up at the knoll around 7:45?

  14. Audrey Paradis says:

    I’m in for the half! Thank you!!

  15. Dorota says:

    I’ll run over to Bruegger’s. Car is red Outback with 26.2 bumper sticker.

  16. Jessi Marquardt says:

    In for a little more than half. See you crazy people in the AM!!!

  17. Maryanne Martin says:

    IFTH : )

  18. Chris Hancock says:

    I’m in for the full. I’ve got nothing to taper for.

  19. Donna says:

    I am in for the half +1.
    Thanks!

  20. Audrey H says:

    In for the half

  21. Jessica Crispin says:

    Christina and I are in for a little more than the half. Thank you

  22. Ken O'Hara says:

    I am in for full

  23. Sue Clough says:

    Cutting it very short so I will run to first water stop where my car will be si if you need to leave stop one to get to stop 2, you can throw stuff in my car

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