Last week we had over 30 people show up for a run in frigid temperatures and post-blizzard snow covered roads. It wasn’t easy, but hugging the side of the road, you got your training run in. Surprisingly, post-run, Brueggers was filled with smiling faces. Its as if you like the extra challenge! Nicely done. You would think things would be easier this week. After last weeks run, most of us settled into watch a great football game in which the local team walked off the field as Superbowl Champs. Like the city of Boston did, I’ll encourage you to ignore the snow and revel in the Superbowl Championship as we have our own little parade (of runners) this week.
Since Breakheart is covered in 4 feet of snow, we won’t be running through there this week. If you click on the map and scroll down, there is a second map. This won’t be the first time we’ve had to divert over to the snow route. I’m guessing we’ve actually run the alternate route more than the Breakheart route. The alternate route is Farm Street/Pine Banks.
We’ll head out Main Street as if we’re going to Breakheart, up past Ell Pond (I doubt we can see the Clarence DeMar monument in all this snow, but nod as you go by). Veer right onto Green and at the lights turn right onto the LynnFells Parkway. Run Safe, single file. A mile down the road or so you’ll hit a set of lights, turn left and head up Main Street in Saugus. Long runners go straight until it becomes Farm Street and look for a water stop on your right at Wakefield High School. Half runners look for a quick water stop as you quickly turn onto Howard Street at the first set of lights.
The half route will follow Howard to Green until you find the LynnFells Parkway again. Turn right on the Parkway and follow it past Melrose High School and up to Grimsby’s. Turn left on West Wyoming at Grimsby’s and follow that to Main. Left on Main will take you back to Brueggers for 6.3 miles.
The full route will leave the water stop continuing on Farm Street. At the end of Farm turn left on Water Street. This street will be tough to manuever with the snow. Stay close to the side of the road! Water will take you to Wakefield Center. Go right at Main Street and follow Main back into Melrose. Pass Main Street and watch for a water stop along the left hand side somewhere safe after Brueggers (maybe by Montvale Tire). After that stop continue on Main Street past Pine Banks Park into Malden. After the park you’ll hit a set of lights at Forest Street. Turn left there and follow Forest to Lebanon Street. Left on Lebanon and then left on Sylvan will bring you back to Main Street. Right on Main will bring you back to Brueggers.
Safety: Again the roads are very narrow due to all the snow. Please run smart, run safe, be visible but stay close to the side of the road. It will probably be cloudy and possibly snowy so remember visibility is not good. Also remember that many drivers are nice and are paying attention. Some are rude to runners and will even make the situation more dangerous than they have to be. Be ready to jump in a snowbank if you have to.
Water Stops. A helper would be good. Anyone? There will be some improvising to the stop locations this week. Runners be wary you might find me in places you don’t expect me with the change in the route. There may be someone at Nicks, the Melrose Center stop may be anywhere along Main Street. Stay aware.
Ok, that’s all I’ve got. Who’s ready to tackle the winter miles once again? ROLL CALL!
IFTF Jim!!
In for full
Iftf!!
IFTF
In for the short run. Depending on the weather. Thanks
IFTH. Thx.
I’m in for the half.
In for as many miles as I can get depending on the weather.
In for the full, thanks!
I can help with the 1st water stop and meet up at the 2nd water stop to let them know who is the last runner.
I’m in weather permitting. Did 11 today…just in case…??
I would have run the full but I died in a Nationwide a Insurance accident.
Planing to be there even though Malden just declared a snow emergency for tomorrow morning
Full unless conditions are really bad!
Hopefully IFTF, but I’ll be on the treadmill if the snows too bad
IFTF
Possibly in for the half. Let’s see what the morning brings!!!
I’m in for the Full….thanks!
In for the full
In for something. Thanks Jim
Okay…
Jannel, thanks for helping out again. It’s very much appreciated! Meet me at Brueggers, I’ll set you up at the Howard Street stop and then I’ll head off to Wakefield High School. After that, I’ll be the rolling rally water stop along Main Street. Keep your eyes on the look out for water stops.
I’ll have extra candy for Rex Ryan and the first aid kit for the Nationwide Kid.
See you tomorrow.
Iftf! Weather permitting!! Thanks!!!
In for the half
IFTF if the driving suth from NH isn’t a big problem.
Jim I think I still have the First Aid Kit.
Be safe out there, I’m going to go the easy route and run on my treadmill.
I’m with Casey. Given my still healing injuries, I’m sadly going to the treadmill too. Booooo..
Well, it wasn’t easy, but about 20 people showed up for the run and about 4 ran the whole thing. Thanks again to Jannel and Jackie for volunteering for the water stops and Lois for the cameo appearance at the High School stop.
Another week done. Hopefully the snow storms end soon.
Same time, same place next week!
Jim, thank you, Jannel, Jackie and Lois for your support today! Truly appreciate all you do! Stay warm!