Week 4 – Toughening Up

When training for my first marathon I was told by another wise Melrose marathoner that the running gods have us train through storms and cold and wind to toughen us up for race day. Each long run prepares you to adapt to whatever circumstances are placed before you on race day, and each marathon or half marathon will surprise you with various unpredictable challenges. Don’t believe me, ask the people that raced in Lowell last October.

So this week we’ll be but to the test again. Some will go 14.6 miles, others 7.1 miles, and a few of us will stretch things out to get ready for the Martha’s Vineyard 20 Miler. The roads for the most part will be the same as two weeks ago, the old Melrose Half Marathon route loop around Spot Pond. The conditions will be a bit more challenging, temperatures in the teens, high winds making it feel like its closer to 0. Just another challenge to get us to the starting line.

I think we need two water stops this week, one at Grimsby’s, one at Highland Ave. I know Barry’s in. Maybe Rick? Let me know if you guys will be meeting me at Brueggers.

So who’s ready to dress warm and head out for this weekend’s chilly training run? Roll Call…

26 Responses to “Week 4 – Toughening Up”

  1. Barry Petzold says:

    Im in for water stop duty! Ill be @ brueggers by 7:59.59.

  2. ginny rowe says:

    I won’t be able to make it this sunday. Guess I picked a good one to miss, weatherwise. Stay warm!

  3. I’m definately in! Oh yes October in Lowell- I quess we can handle Melrose anytime. Dress warm- see you all Sunday

  4. NANCY GAUDET says:

    I’m in….can help with a water stop if need be

  5. Sue Clough says:

    I’m in and if I can drag myself out of my warm bed, I plan to run an easy three before.

  6. Lauren Cossette says:

    I’m out. Barry and I will be running in sunny Mexico this week. 🙂 Dress warm, everyone! I did two loops of Spot Pond today and I was a human popsicle. Brrrr!

  7. Walter Drag says:

    In for 15+, and if needed can leave my car at Grimsbys w supplies… just let me know. Tx Walt

  8. Dave Hayes says:

    Ready, set – see you on Sunday Morning. I can support a WS as well if needed. The cold should keep more people indoors – maybe less traffic!

  9. Nick Lamberti says:

    Hi Guys!

    I will probably pass on running tomorrow & play bball instead. Given that I am recovering from a bad cold this week & the fact that I am a wimp!!

    I want to go with Lauren & Barry to Señor Frog’s!

  10. Peter Fopiano says:

    I’ll be there, may shorten the finish a little.

  11. Lois Parker Carmona says:

    I’ll be in for the whole route, plus a little more to add on. not looking forward to how cold it will be, but looking forward to seeing all your smiling faces!

  12. Joe Terranova says:

    I am will be in for long run. Like Peter, may shorten it a bit, but will see how it goes.

  13. Angel Green says:

    Hey, I’d like to Join you guys this week for the 14.6 run… Where do you meet? Im trying to find the course map here, im having a bit of trouble.

  14. Mary Corbett says:

    I’m in for the half, or maybe a little less. What a day to rejoin the SLR!

  15. Rick Colette says:

    My friend Jack and I will be happy to man the water stop on Highland. He can’t drive, but he is good company!

    Cheers,

    Rick

  16. liz tassinari says:

    joining at zoo pkg lot and running last 5.7 or so Maybe it will be warmer by then?????

  17. Maureen McNulty says:

    I will be running the 14, see you in the am. It really was not that bad running today in 5 degrees.

  18. Jennifer Rapaport says:

    I am on the fence about running in 5 degree temps. I could use the company but at this point I am only about 50% likely to be there…was so brutal today just running errands!

  19. Sue Worrall says:

    I’m planning on coming and running for as long as my butt holds out …

    Angel, we meet at Brueggers at 8

  20. Dave Hayes says:

    Angel, to get the map: on your left, click on “Sunday Long Run” to reorient to the main SLR page, then look to the right for “Training Plan” and go to the 1/31 date (highlighted), right click the blue “14.6” to save the PDF map, or double click to launch it. See you tomorrow! Brueggers is on Main Street just before West Foster. Parking in the rear is best, so take a right on West Foster and an immediate right into the parking lot.

  21. Carol Carstensen says:

    I’ll be there. See you tomorrow!

  22. Rachelle Horwitz says:

    I’m in for 9. I’ll probably do the 7.1 loop, stop at my car for some water, and go out for another mile. I plan on going at around an 8:45 pace. Anyone want to join me?

  23. Jose Viveiros says:

    I will be there too for the whole 14

  24. John Lynch says:

    in

  25. Rose says:

    Sorry I won’t be there this week. I need to run earlier and closer to home to make it to an event with the kids! Have fun and stay warm!

  26. Genevieve Rajewski says:

    I’m hoping to make my MRC debut. Is this the Breakheart run (12 miles+)? Cold-morning dressing tips welcome…I usually go out in mid to late afternoon.

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