Winthrop Walt was right, we had a spring day mid week but wintery weather ever since.
I just ran Breakheart, part of our intended route for this week. I ran the outerloop from Saugus, counterclockwise. The path is snow-covered, about an inch or so, but is passable without slowing down too much. There are two spots that could be dangerous on Sunday morning: At the pond, the playground is flooded and water is beginning to cross the path, and one spot on the hills where a stream has been crossing over the path. Today those two spots were slushy, Sunday they might be icy. I then went over the inner loop and got caught in a snow squall that dumped a bit of snow on me and the trail. I missed the snowiest Sunday of the winter a few weeks ago but I think you’ll appreciate that I got back to my car with Tracy-like frozen eyebrows today. Overall I enjoyed the run through there though, 5 miles at a relatively normal pace for me (but it has been noted in the past that I have an uncanny ability to run well on snow). My Breakheart rating as of Friday 1PM: Cautiously passable.
With that said I’m planning on keeping this as the route on Sunday but I’ll also map a second 3+ mile loop on the route so runners can opt to skip Breakheart if they feel the footing is too risky. The easiest route to tack on would be Pine Banks at the end of the run with a second waterstop stationed at Brueggers for those that decide to do that.
That’s the plan, I’ll update the maps and will comment to this post with all the options by Saturday. Who’s in?
I’m in, bring it on! We’re New Englanders, right?
Jim!
I know this is your favorite route of the long run program but since I hit the ground on our last trip through Breakheart I plan to keep right on going on Farm Street!
See you Sunday, if necessary I can pick up the WS person before the run on my way to Breuggers.
P.S. I understand that Sunday AM maybe be less windy!
Yes, the latest from Walt is that windy cold forecast is most likely to happen in the afternoon on Sunday.
The little stream was no where as slippery as your last trip to Breakheart.
The current water stop plan is that Nancy will pick me up at the school. Thanks for the offer though.
I won’t be there Sunday because Brian Slater coerced me into running The Hampton Half with him and Paul Donahue. Gotta get 100 Mile Club miles when you can get ’em!
like you’re attitude Sue! Jim, see you at the ws at 7:45.
I’m in. Looking forward to an awesome winter run.
I’m in.
I plan to be there and will probably skip Breakheart for around 9 miles, running purposely slow. I’m missing all my weekday runs because my husband has been traveling all week every week, so my plan is kinda shot and it’s not looking smart to try to run a spring marathon on only weekend runs.
I can’t really leave my kids home alone even for a 30 minute run, but I’d leave them in front of the tv and go out to the garage for an hour. Anyone have any decent treadmill suggestions? Is there a good one reasonably priced worth owning? I googled the ones at my gym which are pretty nice, but they are $7395! Which is a little more than I was hoping to spend!
I’m in… and if my body can handle it…extending after the main route to 19. prob wont be able to hang afterwards at Brueggers except for a 10 min refuel.
The ground hog is right… more than right I thin, and so… dont put your shovels away. at 930am Sat here is the weather plan… I am not optimistic for Breakheart and will ck it on my way over tomorrow morning. This is looking at it after whatever happens tonight.
Sunday morning run conditions: I think we are going to have a leftover slushy run from tonights mess, BUT in tranquil ideal running conditions. our run will be in occasional sunshine and 10 mph at most winds. temps starting 32 to 35F and moving up to near 40 by 11am. I suspect our feet may get wet… vaseline appropriately for blister protection.
This winter keeps inspiring…
plenty more to come….!! dont put the blower and shovel away.
heavy snow eastern Pa right now (930am Sat). my expectation is 1 inch of heavy snowfall 6P-8P today-Sat, maybe a tad more, and then its a battle
thereafter of mixed precipitation during the night, for which i dont know but odds favor some rain mixed in. its possible Breakheart picks up 2-3 inches this evening. probability of 1 more inch is 90 percent, probability of 3 inches this evening is about 45 percent.
Sunday, its going to be fun here sometime around 3pm-6pm. Whiteout, “near” blizzard in 15 minute spurts with a probable 1 inch of snow and maybe a bit more.
temps near 40 or 42 when it starts mixed with sprinklles and Thunder, then it whomps and the wind drills up to 45 mph. temps fall to freezing in 20 minutes once the squalls start during mid afternoon.
icy everywhere Sunday night due to the residual snow and temps falling into the teens by 1 am Monday,
High probability of snow-rain-snow late Tue through Wed, snow potential beyond that, next fri-sat.
Lets get our runs in when we can… Monday morning runs will be face mask multilayer desired.
See you Sunday,
Walt
Does the 6.5 start at Wakefield HS? I am planning/thinking about going but depends on the weather a bit.. I’m just confused as to where it starts. It looks like if I start at Brueggers it would be 4 to the water stop and then 4 back and I don’t think I’m ready for 8! I think 6 would be good for me.
I’ll be there in the a.m. Sounds like it will be bad from the ankles down, but pretty nice above the lower legs!
Hey Walt- are you predicting snow for next weekend? I was planning on driving to NY next Sat and getting a run in before I go…
Walt, Thanks for the update! The weather is a big part of these runs, this week especially.
Jocelyn, and anyone else looking for a 6 mile run. I have posted the official route, actually 6.3 miles. There is an alternative though, if a group wants to run to the water stop, then do a mile into Breakheart and back to get 6 in, they can either take my car (the water stop car) or volunteer their own car as the water stop (I’ll pick you up in the morning) we can do it that way. Let me know if any group wants to do that for a 6 mile run and we can coordinate it.
Joanne, I think your interp of the forecast is correct… ankles down could be wet at times due to steeping thru slushy snow, but otherwise we are lucking out in the morning. By NOON skies will be threatening and it will be excitingly wild for a few minutes here Sunday afternoon…should make the news.
Next weekend, odds favor a snow or rain to snow event here next Friday afternoon and night followed by bitterly cold air Saturday. … the wind may not be nearly as strong next Saturday as we’ll experience tomorrow (Sunday-10th) afternoon and evening, but next Saturday may be one of the coldest days of the winter.. right now…my guess is teens for running temps. I could be overdoing it this far out… but we apparently are going thru a bit of a pattern change that is favoring a return to the storminess of Dec with options for stronger cold outbreaks. The lengthening daylight mitigates the duration and intensity somewhat… still am pretty sure ear covers and facemasks may be helpful next Sat.
Maps are all updated. Two maps under the long route, Breakheart + alernate route due to snow. One 6 mile route available. For a 8-9 mile run do the long run but skip Breakheart.
Again, if you want to start or stop at the water stop, post here so we can coordinate the moving of cars and people.
Remember that if the weather dictates it, run cautiously and enjoy the adventure.
Thanks Jim for updating! I think I’m going to go and will plan to do around 6/6.5… Denyce, Donna, Joanne, Beth, Leah, Jen – any of you going? anyone else that does closer to a 10 min mile?
I’ll be there. I think Erin will be there as well
Hi Jocelyn,
I am not going as I have been slowly trying to get back to this due to an injury. I was hoping to go tomorrow as I am finally back up to 6-6.5 miles but my husband works most weekends and I do not have a sitter especially tomorrow. I’m hoping next week. I know Denyce is not but maybe Donna or Joanne. Have a great run and hope to see everyone Tuesday..
I will be there. I am hoping to do 16 or 17 if the weather holds up.
I’ve just read Walts weather forcast. I’m planning on running at least 6 miles possibly 8 miles depending on how wet my feet get!!
The results are in: Just not sure what its like in Melrose. Will ck Breakheart on the way but it appears not quite as much snow occurred as I was thinking. thats good! still if its slippery on some pavements here in Winthrop, it should be likewise or more so Melrose. We have until about 11a or Noon before the afternoon rain showers to snow squall event develops. IE… VERY good morning running conditions, ankles up. Temp al;ready about 34F. Not bad. Walt