September 2, Mountain Lakes Park

Click for more

SUNDAY

On Sunday, September 2, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY) pool parking lot when we run the Sarah Bishop Course. Ok, that may be a lie. Barry, Mark, and I will be up there on Saturday figuring out any changes we want to make to the course so I’m not entirely sure what we’re going to run yet but I promise to bring maps. The previous course is below and we’ll most likely at least start the same way. Early birds can arrive at 5:00 for an 8-mile loop or 7:00 for a four-mile loop.

click for info

SATURDAY

This Saturday, September 1, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge Lot for an epic 18 mile runwhich combines two different courses. First, run the Kimberly to Armstrong 9 mile course to the end of Armstrong Preserve. Exit the preserve running south on route 121 over the bridge then follow the KMA 9 Mile Road Run map to the end of Reservoir Road. The total out-and-back distance is 18 fast miles and, with the exception of route 309 and route 121, is all on trail or dirt road. Not up for the full distance? No problem, turn around whenever you want. And if you want, you could plant water at the end of Upper Hook Road and Reservoir Road so you have aid stations on the way.  But bring your own maps since I’ll be working at Mountain Lakes Park on the new Sarah Bishop course.

Click for map

MONDAY

This Monday, September 3, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge (259 Upper Shad Road, see Google Map) when we run everyone’s favorite labyrinthian preserve with a network of trails noted for its crags and rock outcrops. Meet at the main entrance and follow a 6-mile perimeter loop counterclockwise making all right turns except for exiting the park, and excluding the orange, western loop which tends to be swampy. Keep an eye out for the newest trail connecting the “Tulip Tree” to “Layer Cake Rock.” See the map page here. Note: park on the north side of Upper Shad Road. If you park on the south side, you may be ticketed.

And with all this running, you’re ready to sign up for the next Trail Mix Series races—Where the Pavement Ends and Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

[poll id=”291″]

Enjoy the photo from last week’s Run the Numbers run.
August_26_2018

August 26, Meadow Lot

click for map

SUNDAY

This Sunday, August 26, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation ready to run a very special course. Let’s call this “Run the Numbers.” Starting at the meadow, run from intersection number to intersection number in order, starting at intersection one. If you run from one to ten, you’ll get around 7 miles. One to twenty will yield about 10 miles. Run all and you’ll be at around 45 miles but do note that some numbers in the 60s don’t exist. Looking to start early? We’ll start at 5:00 a.m. from the Meadow and run the numbers backwards from 39 to 31 We will meet anyone else at MICHIGAN ROAD at 7:00 a.m. and run 30 to 25 before heading back to the Meadow at 8:00. See the map here ››

click for info

SATURDAY

On Saturday, August 25, at 7:45 a.m., we will be running with Ben Drew and the New York Trail Series folks on the northern section of the Breakneck marathon course and maybe part of the 1/2 course. Meet at 7:45 a.m. at the disc golf/beacon pool parking lot at the Settlement Camp in Beacon, 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY 12508. We’ll begin this run at 8:00 a.m. and run up to the top of Mt Beacon, then run the Lamb’s Hill loop.

The run will be about 11-13 miles total. Expect a lot of elevation gain and to be out there for about 3-4.5 hours. Salomon rep, Michael DiBlasi, will be on-hand with Speedcross and Ride demo shoes to test out during the run.

This is a free event, but please use the link below to sign-up so we have a rough idea of how many people are running. https://goo.gl/forms/NyyZxXrVoOt6wP0k2
Download the PDF map ››

And with all this running, you’re ready to sign up for the next Trail Mix Series races—Where the Pavement Ends and Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

[poll id=”294″]

Enjoy the pic from the last run. No matter how long you ran or what trails you took, that was fun.

August_19_2018

August 19, Bennett’s Pond

click for map

SUNDAY

This Sunday, August 19, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Bennett’s Pond on the Ridgefield/Danbury border when we run the 10 mile Realander Run. Meet at the parking lot on Bennett’s Farm Road (see Google map) prepared to run this clockwise loop. I’ll make one modification on Sunday so that we can avoid the tall grass. Anyone interested in adding some extra miles can arrive at 5:00 a.m. for some headlamp fun or 7:00 a.m. for an extra few miles.

click for map

SATURDAY

On Saturday, August 18, at 7:00 a.m., it’s time to get twisted. Meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Meadow Lot, and run one of the Twisted Loops. I recommend the Green loop on the map but feel free to choose differently. Bring your own maps, though, I’ll be away on Saturday. See the map here ››

Learn more

Also on Saturday, August 18, at 7:00 a.m., meet at NY-9D & Howland Ave, Beacon, NY 12508 and run/hike the Beast Loop up Mt. Beacon. This approximate 7.7 mile loop includes over 1000 feet of elevation plus a climb up the Mt. Beacon fire tower.  A 10-mile version, the Ultra Beast,  includes additional trails that are part of the Breakneck Ridge trail race. But don’t worry if you miss this, I have a reprise of the same run scheduled for next Saturday. Kevin Rader will be leading this run; I’m off this Saturday.

NEW: TRAIL TUESDAYS

We’re going to start an ongoing run from the Meadow Lot on Tuesdays at 5:00 a.m., making one loop and returning at 6:00 for a second loop. For anyone who wants to get a run in before work, just show up ready to run. This gives you a couple options to fit a few miles in.

And with all this running, you’re ready to sign up for the next Trail Mix Series races—Where the Pavement Ends and Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

[poll id=”293″]

Great to run with this big group on Sunday at Michigan Road. Nice to see so many new faces out there. You too, Barry.

Escarpment 2018

By Aaron Stredny, Mountain Peak Fitness

The Escarpment Trail Run, though not a marathon or ultra distance is a multi-mountain race of complicated length and scrupulous strategy. It is short enough at 17’ish miles that you feel you should be able to push your legs and lungs hard the whole way. However, beware, if you push too hard on the long climbs or precipitous descents you may suffer the burly wrath of Manitou via a trembling series of muscle seizures more commonly referred to in the field as “Not-Now- Son-of-a-#$@!%^%$#*$#!” This for me usually happens somewhere on or after the Stoppel Point climb and is determined by my, to date, poor decision making tactics in the jagged miles before. It is a race rich in history and for a beast coast trail runner, an absolute bucket list event.

This 42nd Annual Escarpment Trail Run would be my third time lining up against Manitou. Race morning arrived clear in the craggy, weathered Catskill Mountains of upstate NY with keen anticipation, big smiles, hugs and high-fives all around the bustling start area as a large contingent of the MPF/RNR fam was in attendance. After chatting with a few familiar and surprise faces I said hello to the RD and had a short but decisive conversation which led to a last minute, surprise move for me into the much coveted Wave #1. Not to be dramatic, but since my first Escarpment, I’ve daydreamed in training of starting amongst Wave 1.

Though a little unsure seeing the caliber of competitors this year, this was the wave I wanted to race from, feeling that to run with the best would bring out mine. I like the simple concept of trail racing, you just show up and go to work. It is a welcome respite from the more burdened work week, the regimented training sessions and of course a chance to see how those specific suffer bouts are panning out. It is straightforward, your individual effort today will be the apex of what you can do.

8:58 am. Wave #1. A wily aggregate of speedy road runners and burly mountain specialists each with their respective strengths was called across the road to the rock-strewn singletrack funnel where Dick said we had only a few moments but in fine fashion Matt Lipsey was able to fit in a lightning quick bear joke, unfortunately resulting in absolute crickets. Dick took pity on the joker and his audience and abruptly counted down 5,4,3,2,1, GO! And sent us off to do our own individual combat with Manitou.

After running 3:14 last year, I had memorized 4 splits for the day to try and meet or beat: Windham in 37:00, Blackhead 1:42, Stoppel Point 2:34 and the Finish Line at North-South Lake 3:09). Although, it’s funny the only one I remembered during the battle was Blackhead, you’re simply too busy the whole effort trying to be fast, efficient, eat, drink and not fall on your face to remember any minutiae.

Climbing somewhere around 10th or 11th place on the first ascent up Windham High Peak it all felt terribly hard compared to how I trained but after reaching the summit in 37:00 flat, I quickly refocused on bombing down the bumpy but very runnable backside heading towards Burnt Knob and Acra Point. I was feeling much better now being warmed up, taking downhill switchbacks like a sidewinder and shifting into striped gazelle on the flatter singletrack sections. The effort felt great and sustainable and I celebrated by cramming a delicious (shut up, just tell yourself it’s delicious) gel into my calorie burning furnace, Mmmmm.

Read the complete report ››

See more photos ››

August 12, Michigan Road

click for map

SUNDAY

On Sunday, August 12, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot to run the Michigan to Kimberly Loop. This new variation includes distances of 6, 7.5 and 9 miles so if you’re looking for a longer run, you have some options. Want to add more? Arrive at 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 ready to run some of the Michigan 8 x 4 loops.

click for map

SATURDAY

On Saturday, August 11, at 6:00 a.m., we’ll be meeting at 220 Hopewell Rd, Newtown, CT 06470, where we’ll drop cars and proceed to the start of our run which will include Devil’s Den, Saugatuck, and Aspetuck trails in Connecticut. Distance is around 18 miles. Options include dropping a car at Saugatuck reservoir for a seven mile run or at Black Rock Turnpike for 11 miles. We’re looking to include a stop at Ferris Acres Creamery at the end of the run, have some food, and maybe hit up Nod Hill for a flight of recovery hydration. Since logistics are key, try to let me know in advance if you’re interested.

NEW: TRAIL TUESDAYS

We’re going to start an ongoing run from the Meadow Lot on Tuesdays at 5:00 a.m., making one loop and returning at 6:00 for a second loop. For anyone who wants to get a run in before work, just show up ready to run. This gives you a couple options to fit a few miles in.

Hope to see you out there this weekend…or on Tuesday.
Lee Willett

[poll id=”292″]

Great to run with this group last Sunday. I promise to do something about those bushwhacks before we run this again.

August_5_2018

[wunderground location=”South Salem, NY” numdays=”4″ iconset=”elemental” layout=”table-horizontal” showdata=”daynames,icon,pop,text,conditions,highlow,text”]