Leatherman Harriers: Trail Running Group of Northern WestchesterLeatherman Harriers: Trail Running Group of Northern Westchester -

May 26, Meadow Lot

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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Sunday, May 26, 8:00 a.m.
Meet at the Meadow Parking Lot when we run a beautiful course that mixes up a little bit of everything—the Meadow to Blue route. It starts out relatively flat with only a gradual incline then at mile 3.5, hello, we switch to single-track pretty steep uphill before tapering back down. It’s a fun course I’ve been wanting to schedule for a while.

Saturday, May 25, 8:00 a.m.
If you’re interested in this Saturday run, meet at the Meadow Lot for the Meadow, Michigan and Museum loop.

Next week we’ll be meeting at the Trailside Museum.

Hope to see you out there.

Lee Willett

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Great Work at A Mild Sprain

admin — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:56:38 +0000

Congratulations to all of the Sunday Runners that competed in A Mild Sprain this past Sunday. It was great to see so many familiar faces and Dave Vogel really knows how to put on an event—thanks Dave. Big shout-outs to Christy Leggiero and Eleanor Hershey for finishing second and third overall in the women’s division and Tony Godino and I managed to finish first in our respective age groups. Lots of other great performances from the group as well and you can see the final results posted on the Mild Sprain site. It was a great showing for the Sunday Runners and a great cause to run for.

May 19, Lewisboro Town Park

admin — Sun, 12 May 2013 14:08:38 +0000

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This Sunday, May 19, at 8:00, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot when we run the Town to Michigan 6.8 mile loop. We’ll be running this loop in a clockwise direction which passes the trailside museum, Michigan Road and the Meadow before returning home. As I recall, the last time we ran this there was about a foot of snow on the ground. Fortunately, that’s not likely to happen again. I’ll be at A Mild Sprain so bring your own maps.

Sunday is also A Mild Sprain trail race at Sprain Ridge Park. If you’re interested in car pooling, for those in Connecticut and Northern Westchester, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park lower parking lot at 8:00. For those farther south, meet at the 684 exit 4 park and ride at 8:20. Sign in is from 8:30 to 9:30 so that should give us plenty of time. Let me know if you’re interested.

Saturday, May 18, 8:00 a.m.
Anyone interested in an additional run can meet on Saturday at the town park for the Town to Trailside 5.7 mile loop.

Hope to see you out there.

Lee Willett

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May 12, Michigan Road

admin — Sun, 05 May 2013 14:00:21 +0000

Sunday, May 12, at 8:00
Meet at the Ward Pound Ridge reservation, Michigan Road Lot, when we run a new course—the Michigan, Red and Rock Trail. We’ll start at Michigan Road and take some of the wider paths to the Rock Trail where the course narrows and the hills begin. We’ll go up the stairs to Spy Rock then up more to the overlook before returning to Michigan Road on a nice downhill finish. Lots of hills on this great run. See the map page here ››

Saturday, May 11, 8:00 a.m.
If anyone is interested in an additional Saturday run, meet at Michigan Road for the Michigan to Kimberly 6 mile loop. Follow the path as marked in a clockwise loop including the uphill after Kimberly Bridge. Enjoy. Also, there will be another course check of A Mild Sprain if anyone is interested in checking out the course. If you are and want to car pool, be at the Lewisboro Town Park, lower lot, at 7:20.

Next week is A Mild Sprain at Sprain Ridge Park but for those looking for a run closer to home, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park for the Town to Michigan run.

Hope to see you out there.

Lee Willett

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May 5, Sprain Ridge Park

admin — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:00:43 +0000

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This Sunday, May 5, at 8:00, is a course check of A Mild Sprain trail race at the Sprain Ridge Park in Yonkers. This 4.25 mile trail has lots of ups and downs, switchbacks and single-tracks. While “only” 4.25 miles, it’s challenging. And if you feel short-changed afterwards, you can go out for a couple extra miles on this scenic course.
Car Pool instructions: For those in South Salem, Waccabuc, Ridgefield area: meet at the Lewisboro Town Park LOWER PARKING LOT at 7:20. For those in Mt. Kisco, Katonah, Brewster, meet at the park and ride, exit 4 on Rt. 684 at 7:35. Coordinate with me if you’re interested.

If you’d prefer to stay a little closer to home, then I suggest meet at the Meadow Parking lot for the “Meadow, Michigan & Museum” 6.15 mile run. I’ll be at Sprain Ridge so bring your own maps.

Next week we’ll be at the reservation running on some of the southern trails. For those who are interested in a Saturday run, I’ll be recommending runs for Saturdays as well through the summer starting next week.

Hope to see you Sunday,

Lee Willett

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View A Mild Sprain in a larger map

April 28, Mountain Lakes Park

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 03:20:29 +0000

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On Sunday, April 28 at 8:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park for a 5+ mile run in some of the highest points in Westchester. We’ll have great views from Lookout Point within the first mile and go to the top of Bailey Mountain, elevation 982 feet, the highest point in Westchester. Mark as redesigned the course since we ran it in January so it should be easier to follow. The main gate to the park will be open and there is some parking at the trail head where we’ll start. Additional parking should be available farther into the park at the dumpsters. View map page here ››

Next Sunday, May 5, is a course check for A Mild Sprain trail race in Sprain Ridge Park in Yonkers. Even if you’re not signed up for the race, it’s a great trail and an opportunity to run someplace new. On Sunday, we can discuss to see who’s interested and plan on car pooling.

The following week, May 12, is Mother’s Day. As such, I’d like to hear recommendations from the women in the group what you’d like to run that day (or what you’d like to see the men run). I’ll post the run of your choice. So far, I’ve had a request to run at Lasdon Park which would be a new location for us. Anyone else want to offer an opinion?

Hope to see you Sunday.

Lee Willett

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April 21 Leatherman’s Loop

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:51:11 +0000

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Leatherman’s Loop this Sunday. I know we’re expecting a little rain later this week but that should just make the mud flats that much more fun. On the 28th, we’ll be meeting at Mountain Lakes Park for a new version of the course that Mark has set up for us. This time, we’ll be going to the highest point in the park—the highest point in the county, actually. Don’t miss this fun run. I’ll send an update and post the trail map before the event. Have a great race everyone. —Lee Willett

Important notes from the Leatherman’s Loop team

Race organizers Mike Paletta, Tony & Judy Godino, Rob Cummings and the dedicated Leatherman’s Loop volunteers have been working hard to set up this year’s event. All we need is YOU!

Below are some important instructions regarding the Loop. Registration is packed full. We will need your help to ensure that loop day goes smoothly.

Here are some tips that you can incorporate into your plan for the morning and the day:

1.) ARRIVE EARLY! Please plan to arrive at the park before 8:20. Car pool if you can. Traffic will back up considerably at the park entrance as race time approaches. Please be patient. The regular $10 parking fee is incorporated as part of the loop entry fee so entry will go more quickly. It is always wise to arrive earlier than you think you need to in order to make sure you are all set by race start time (9am). This is especially true if it is your first time running the Loop.

2.) DRIVE SLOWLY and CAREFULLY in the Park! Watch the volunteers who are directing the parking. PARK TIGHT! Plan ahead – Car Pool if you can!. For a helpful overview of the race location (parking, start, bib pickup), check the logistics page on the website.

3.) BRING A FULL CHANGE OF CLOTHING! You will get wet and you will get muddy. Where and how you change is up to you. Towels are a must. A clean, dry set of shoes is a requirement. There has never been a runner who emerged dry and clean from the woods after a Loop. Plan accordingly!

4.) LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO PRE-LOOP ANNOUNCEMENTS! We only get to see most of you all once a year and need a few minutes before the start. Race Director Mike Paletta will have important information about the course and safety. You will be instructed about the hazards related to the stream crossings and current water and course conditions. Hidden boulders and slippery ledges lurk under the surface of the water. Slow down and DON’T DIVE into the water under any circumstances.

5.) LISTEN FOR THE START! Following the instructions, Danny Martin will give a brief poem/blessing to set the tone. Then the race bell will start the runners.

6.) IF YOU SEE MUD, RUN THROUGH IT! Especially at the entrance to the woods immediately after the start. If you stop—or simply hesitate—the people behind you may crash into you… trust us. There’s no avoiding the mud so simply embrace it, get dirty, and get going.

7.) WATCH FOR THE LEATHERMAN! Remember that this event celebrates the life of the Leatherman. Learn his story and by all means make some noise if he is out and about on Sunday.

8.) STAY ON COURSE IF YOU CAN’T CONTINUE! There will be a number of “sweeps” running the course following the slower runners. If for any reason you can’t continue, wait for them to get to you to assess your needs. The park is over 4,300 acres so don’t leave the course unless you know exactly where you are going.

9.) ALL DOGS MUST BE LEASHED! If the dogs are running in the Loop they MUST START NEAR THE BACK with their humans! If you are running with your dog, please hold back at the start and to be certain that your dog or its leash does not interfere with or impede any of the other runners. The county park law requires dogs be leashed at all times while in the park for the safety of the dogs, other park patrons, and other dogs visiting.

10.) THERE IS NO SAME DAY REGISTRATION! We simply do not have room for any more registrations (Except for the last two spots – see PS below for details!). Please understand the position we are put in when we have to refuse someone entry. If someone you know is interested in next year’s loop, there is a form at the website to submit name and email address. If you are signed up for this year’s Loop you are already on this email list.

11.) BRING FOOD DONATIONS! Don’t forget donations for the Help Feed the Leatherman Food Drive. Bring your non-perishable donations to the Loop and we will have a drop off point near the registration trailer. Your generosity will benefit the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Thanks to Sam Ceisler for taking on the responsibility for this 5th year of the food drive. We will send more information about this community effort in a separate email.

12.) RESULTS: Printed lists of finishers with time and place will be available soon after the finish at the bib pickup area and shortly after that on the Loop website. Check it out at leathermansloop.org/results.

13.) THANK A VOLUNTEER! A tremendous amount of volunteer effort goes into making the Loop a special event each year. T-shirt designers, registration volunteers, pie buyers, course setters, trail wardens, box lifters, water servers, food preparers, coffee brewers, parking coordinators, photographers, videographers, and the clean-up crew—not to mention the Pound Ridge and Lewisboro Police officers and the fantastic and dedicated members of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps!

This event is truly a group effort and tribute to the spirit of the community. We are grateful that we have such a wonderful group of Loop enthusiasts and are thankful that we have the thousands of acres of parkland at the Rez to enjoy!

Remember, leave only (muddy) footprints, take only pictures…

Expect more news as the event nears…. See you in 2 weeks!

Good luck and have fun,

- Mike, Tony, Judy, Rob and the rest of the Leatherman Harriers

April 14, Meadow Parking Lot

admin — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:41:51 +0000

1 Week to Go Before Leatherman’s Loop

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This Sunday, April 14 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot for the final course checks of the Leatherman’s Loop. If you’re running the race this year, this is your last chance to run the course with the group before race day so come out and see the trail for yourself. The water crossings are optional but not the Mud Flats so you might want to bring a second set of shoes to change into. I’m just sayin’.

Next week is the Leatherman’s Loop but in two weeks, we’ll meet at Mountain Lakes Park when we run the 5.7 mile loop and visit the highest point in Westchester.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Lee Willett

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April 7, Meadow Parking Lot

admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:36:57 +0000

2 Weeks to Go Before Leatherman’s Loop

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This Sunday, April 7 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot for the first of two course checks of the Leatherman’s Loop. If you’re running the race this year, this will be the first of two course checks and a great chance to get out and test the terrain. The water crossings are optional but not the Mud Flats so you might want to bring a second set of shoes to change into. I’m just sayin’.

We’ll be back at the Meadow lot again next week for the final course check.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Lee Willett

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

March 31 Meadow Parking Lot

admin — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 13:29:48 +0000

3 Weeks to Go Before Leatherman’s Loop

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This week, March 31 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking Lot when we run the Meadow Northern Loop. This is a 5.7 mile loop that follows some of the same trails as the Leatherman’s Loop run so it’s a perfect opportunity to see what the trail is like. Instead of the wall, we’ll be running up part of the fire tower hill so don’t worry, you’ll get some hill training in.

Hope to see you on Sunday.

Lee Willett