Last week we had 38 runners and two dogs navigate there way through the snowy streets of Melrose, Malden, Medford and Stoneham to run anywhere between 7 and 15 miles. At that point I thought this group was training through some of the more challenging snow conditions we’ve ever seen, but I did mention that in a way we were lucky, we haven’t had to run through a storm yet. Since then we’ve received yet another of our seemingly weekly snow storms, this one adding a bit of sleet and rain to really spice things up. This has left snowy roads, icy corners, and even larger snow banks along our favorite running routes. Now for the icing on the cake, Saturday will be providing us with a rain/snow mix, most likely more rain than snow in Melrose. This should lead to some icy conditions for us in the morning, or possibly puddles with small icebergs floating around in them. The good news, there has to be some good news, is that temperatures will be above freezing for most of your run. When was the last time that happened?
Sunday’s run would have been a nice romp through Breakheart, which is beautiful in the winter time. You won’t be seeing that tomorrow unless you bring your snowshoes. Instead we’ll be following the snow route. Yes, there is a snow route already designed for conditions like this, scroll down under the Breakheart map and find the Pine Banks alternative. In this snow alternate we run Farm Street, like we did in Week 0 and tack on a loop of Pine Banks at the end. A water stop will be provided near Brueggers for those continuing on.
The shorter route runners will follow their regular route unless the would like to stretch the run to 8.8 miles, running the Farm Street route with the longer runners.
While this season has been challenging, the training continues and is forming a very hardy breed or marathoners and half marathoners. I promise you, in a month or so the roads will be clear, the warm sun will shine on you, and spring will let you know its coming. In the meantime WHO’S IN!!!!
Roll Call! Who will we find at Brueggers at 8AM?
Please post so our Gatorade and Water purchases are adequate.
I’ll be there for the long one
I’m bailing. I parked at Straw Point and ran the back side of Spot Pond (rte 28) back and forth. It may be pretty boring – but these roads are just making me very nervous. Be careful everyone!
I am in for the full.
I can help with water stops
I plan to be there for the full w/ the Pine lands alternative route.
I plan to be there for the full w/ the Pine lands alternative route.
Hmmm, not sure. I’ll see what tomorrow morning looks like. If I run it’ll be the long-short route.
I should be there and it will be the 8.8 maybe but I can change my mind if need be!
I’m in for some distance (i’m not committing to anything).
I’m in for the long =}
I’m in for the long run – temp above freezing actually sounds pretty good.
Shasha and I will be there for the long run
I am definitely in for some distance (either 8.8 or the 6) will decide based on traffic and road condtions. Has anyone noticed how filled with road rage drivers have become? I think folks are becoming snow crazed.
I’m in for the run
i am in for the long run as well a 2 of my co-workers fro
John Hancock. Thanks!
Judi has talked me into coming, so I’ll be there for full.
I’m in for the full as well. Definitely looking forward to a run that’s NOT on the treadmill. So very sick of the treadmill training….
I’m in for the full unless the roads freeze over.
I’ll be there
I am in for the full
Im in for both water stops!
I am 50/50 on coming depending on how icy it is in the morning and how brave I feel. I am a scaredy cat like Carol C about the narrow roads and traffic. I may just do what Carol C did and run the 2 mile back side of Spot Pond back and forth until I get to 12 miles if it looks sketchy. Also, for future reference, another spot to run with a wide berth is the road along the Winchester Lakes…you can get in 2-3 miles there in the breakdown lane and then just double back….it’s boring but safe at least! And, you can park in the little parking lot where the beach is. Run safe!
I would like to run the half route, but I’m going to see how the roads look in the morning and make my decision based on that.
Oh, I just saw that Matt Hanson and 2 John Hancock runners will be there…there was an article in the Globe today that Ryan Hall ran with them a few weeks ago…..that seems like reason enough to attend! I am in for the longer version—need to get in 11 miles tomorrow so may abbreviate the add-on loop.
I’m in! Will probably only run 4, but I’ll still be there!
Looking forward to getting out of the gym. I’m aiming for the long, depending upon conditions and traffic. Run Safely!
Count me there.
I live in Stoneham, So I know this area really well.
We could either stay on Franklin until we get to Main St in Stoneham, then follow Main St until we get to Marble.
OR
We could take Franklin to Pine, then to Summer, then to Marble.
By taking Pine to Summer we avoid the blind turn on Summer
I think the first option may be safer.