For those training for Boston and wondering how you’re supposed to get this done in such harsh New England weather, I’ll paraphrase what was told to me when I trained for my first Boston: The running Gods put these challenges in front of you to make you tough so when race day comes you’re prepared for anything. Last week you fought off 4 foot snow banks, well it’s getting more interesting.
This week, now with about 30 inches of snow piled into 6 foot snow banks around the greater Melrose area, harsh temperatures have joined in on the fun. Coupled with wind that will make it feel as though its in the single digits out there (if that), this week’s trip to Lake Quannapowitt will not be the most pleasant run you’ve ever done. The good news is Main St is one of the better cleared roads around so when you’re forced out into the street you should have some running room. Remember single files and assume cars don’t see you coming.
As far as cold goes, when the temperatures dip into the single digits its a good idea to keep as much skin covered as possible. You can cover just about everything but your face, and when its this cold, consider a light coating of Vaseline on your skin. This will take a bite out of the wind chill. Also if you have questions about what to wear, there is a link to the right under the weather forecast to Runner’s World’s What to Wear form. Put in your info and take their suggestion… and add a little to that, they’re not from New England. Also remember you can always shed clothes at the water stop, we usually give it back at Brueggers after the run.
Water stops, Barry I hope you have this one covered because I have a conflict this week. As a father of three kids, occasionally two sports occur on a Sunday Morning, so while you’re braving the cold I’ll be at softball practice with my daughter… don’t worry, its indoors.
So who’s tough enough to make it up and around the Lake? Who’s in for the shorter route up to Nahant St and back?
Brueggers, 8AM!
Stay Warm, Run Hard!!!
I’m in for the optional 8 mile route. Hopefully, I won’t bail at the 6.2 mile turn around!
Hi Jim, Barry,
I’m in for the full tomorrow. Might be a robotic run in the deep-freeze weather and then a skating rink near the Lake but have to appease the running Gods,
Nandan
You know I can’t resist a very cold morning run! I might just join in, so if Barry needs me to cover, I can.
Ill be there for the water stop! No SLR’s for me yet.
Im going to the gym later for 4 miles on the treadmill, so that fills my 2x run for the week quota…
I’ll be there for the long run. (first timer). Looking forward to meeting a few runners that are as insane as I am.
Hi Lee!
Glad to see you jumped right in & posted. You guys got a break tomorrow since Monday AM will be below 0! Enjoy everyone!
Ngl
I’ll be there for the long run tomorrow.
Count me in for the half!
in for the full
I’m a maybe and if I do come it will be the 8miles but slow.
I’m in for the full. Thanks
I’m planning on running the half route tomorrow.
I’m in for the full. I was at the lake this am. Jim is right the cars have no mercy!
I am running at least the half but hoping for 8. Lynda
I’m probably in for the at least the half and maybe the optional 8
I’m in for the full. Thanks
Reluctant, but in. would like to do full, but reserve the right to change my mind at any point.
Hi, I am in for the full.
I’m in still deciiding if I will do the long or the 8 mile but it will be at a slower pace.
I’m in
Planning to do the full with as little skin showing as possible. I’m ready for some hair icicles tomorrow!
I am in after a nonth off running will attempt the short loop
I am in for the full. Stay warm everyone!
AS usual I will sleep my extra half hour and hopefully park and meet you guys on Lake Qu. run the 5-6 miles back to Brueggers with my buddies.
Not feeling great, looks like I’m bailing. I’ll make it to one of these winter long runs eventually