Standing Trail Runs
Our membership has swelled to over 1,200 Animals – that’s a large pack for any beast to handle! And well over 70% of our members are new to trail running while we also sport one of the deepest rosters for ultra runners. So in any effort to try and meet the needs of the broadest number of members, while still preserving our heritage as a low-key, fun, social club, we are have a few fun and exciting options for weekly trail runs that we hope you will enjoy and partake in. Below are newly created “standing runs” in two locations around metro-Boston – one just north in the Middlesex Fells and one just west in the Blue Hills. We hope you will not be shy and come wander around the woods with us – although we are Animals we don’t bite 
. And our more experienced trail running members are anxious to meet and introduce many of our newer members to our bucolic trails, friendly spirits and fun loving Animals. We hope you will join us. BUT, the best way to stay in touch regarding our weekly training/trail runs is to join our Facebook page here where we provide weekly invites to the runs, update folks on our events, add new runs hosted by other members from time-to-time and discuss any and all sorts of trail running-related issues. It’s one of the most welcoming and friendly places in the digital world so please come join us.
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Standing Trail Training Runs for TARC Members
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1. Middlesex Fells Reservation
WHAT: Trail running in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.
WHO: This is for novice Trail Animals, middle-pack runners, and the tough early-birds. All are welcome, though the easier running will be reserved for 9:00am and later.
WHEN: Every Saturday morning – check our Facebook page for weekly event posts for this run
Contact run coordinator Alyssa Adreani (adreani_alyssa@hotmail.com) if you have questions.
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2. Blue Hills Reservation
WHAT: Trail running in the Blue Hills Reservation.
WHO: This is for novice Trail Animals, middle-pack runners, and the tough early-birds. All are welcome, though the easier running will be reserved for 9:00am and later.
WHEN: Every Sunday morning – check our Facebook page for weekly event posts for this run
Part 1: 7:00am – These runs are generally intended for those training for long, hilly trail races and will generally be at least 20+ miles at a 9 – 11 minute pace depending on the route. Sounds slow, but with all the hills and not so great footing at times, it’s a moderately intense pace that also builds in occasional stops to refuel or to admire the views. Often portions of the DRB 50k and 50 mile races are covered for those of you looking to learn those courses – a big advantage come race day! We run over to the Observatory Road on occasion to do hill repeats (0.9 mile hill; average 12% grade), walking some and running some (always running down). We may or may not be making loops back to the parking lot depending on what we are doing that day, so be prepared to carry fluids and calories. For some runs we may drop water jugs in advance along the trail at key intersections.
Part 2: 8:30am for a more moderate run and for those looking for a group to socialize with. No one is obligated to show, just as the main folks may not always be in. The early group may make a loop back to the parking lot to pick up newcomers and fuel, depending upon their route and plans for the day. Runners arriving at 8:30am should organize and take off on their own by 8:35am if no one from the early group show.
WHERE: Houghton’s Pond parking lot located just off Route 138 and Hillside Street in Milton at 840 Hillside Street Milton, MA 02186. We usually park towards the back of the lot near the woods on the right side near the playground equipment.
EXCEPTIONS: Weekends when TARC Trail Series races are on tap, the usual run organizers will not likely be in attendance at the training runs. Those dates are: March 26th, April 17th, April 23rd, May 9th, August 13th, October 10th and December 3rd .
Contact run coordinator Chris “C1” Haley if you have questions.
