SOMERVILLE ROAD RUNNERS
LONG RUN GROUP

THE DEAL:

We're a group of runners who meet almost every weekend to do a long run. That means 10 miles or more. We run at different locations with various distances -- whatever we feel comfortable with. We normally plan out the routes beforehand and distribute route maps on the day of running, so that nobody will get lost. Occasionally we improvise the routes at the last minute and just go out having some fun.

WHEN WE RUN:

We schedule long runs almost every weekend (either Saturday or Sunday), EXCEPT when there is a big race that weekend. We're very active during marathon training seasons: January to April for spring marathons, and July to October for fall marathons. Check the schedule to see what day we're running this weekend. We also try to schedule special runs on holidays if people are interested. Unless the schedule says otherwise, we START RUNNING at 8:00am, so be there with your shoes laced up, ready to run.

WHERE WE RUN:

Check the schedule to see where we're running this weekend. Directions for each location are included on the schedule page. If you don't have a car, you can either send out an email to SRR Long Run Group or e-mail Yili Yao and we will try to find you a ride from your area.

HOW WE RUN:

We meet at the pre-determined location and split informally into groups planning different distances and paces. After everyone has a map, we run at 8:00am sharp.

WHO RUNS:

You do. Or at least people like you do. 6:30 pace? Sure. 10:00 pace? Got that, too. Have only dreamed of running 10 miles? Come out and do it with someone new like yourself. Anyone is welcome: club member or not, friends, competitors, etc. We just ask that you tell a friend about us if you've enjoyed yourself.

WHAT TO BRING:

bring running clothes, running shoes, and a change of clothes for afterward when you're sweaty and cold. Also, it's a great idea to bring water or sports drink along on the runs, especially if you are doing long distances when it's warm out. We do not always offer water along the routes, so having your own is a huge benefit. You can buy appropriate water-bottle carriers for runners at Marathon Sports or a similar running store; my personal favorite is the Fuel Belt. I also bring a carbohydrate gel like Gu on runs longer than 12 miles or so.

WANT TO HOST A LONG RUN?

Here's what is involved. Write Yili Yao with your suggestion of a route, and a date or dates when you would be willing to host. Once the date and time is set, we will need directions to the hosting location and detailed route instructions so that a route map can be drawn up. On the day of the run, you will also need to provide some drinks for the road. If it sounds like a lot of work, it's not. And there's an added bonus -- if you host it at or near where you live, you don't have to drive that morning! Suggest your favorite long runs, and don't be afraid to be creative! Previous hosting locations have included various people's homes as well as Carberry's in Davis Square, an oceanside parking lot in Marblehead (during the summer), a trailside parking lot at the Blue Hills, and the town center in Falmouth.