July 2, Meadow Lot

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click for map

On Sunday, July 2, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Lot when we run the Meadow to Green Loop. This course heads to the Trailside Museum before circling around to Michigan Road. From there, take the Green trail, which is a sizeable hill, to some of the smaller, lesser-used trails in the Southern portion of the park. While I have the trail marked to cross Michigan Road and catch the CB trail, I recommend taking the alternative route past the park office, maybe even to the Br trail and return via FH to the Meadow. Options include an additional half mile down LL and up to the Overlook or you can make the run shorter by eliminating the Green trail. Anyone looking to start early can arrive at 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., or 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles.

UPDATE: if you’re coming for the 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. run, bring a map. After running the Escarpment trail on Saturday, it’s overly optimistic that I’ll be there before 7:00 on Sunday. Have fun.

On Saturday, Saturday, July 1, I’m planning on running the Escarpment course. Final plans are being set so let me know if you’re interested ››

On Tuesday, July 4, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper lot when we run to Raven Rocks (or as far as you want to go). No maps, no set course. Just trails. And no possibility of getting off-map!

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett
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Meanwhile, enjoy the pic from this past run. And congratulations to Virgil Bretz for completing the Western States 100. Well done.

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June 11, Meadow Lot

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click for map

SUNDAY

On Sunday, June 11, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Lot and come ready to run the Raven Rocks Course. It’s never too early to start thinking about the fall races and here’s a chance to get an early preview of the Raven Rocks Run. Those wanting to start early—between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., let’s do some BR hill repeats from intersections 46 to 5. While not as steep as Blue, it will still give you a workout. At 7:00, we’ll meet back at the Meadow for the full BR loop.

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click for map

SATURDAY

On Saturday, June 10, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot to run the Michigan to Kimberly Loop. We’ll first check on the campsite from the night run and collect anything left behind before heading out. If you’re looking for a longer run, take the longer way around the Blue trail and add a couple miles easily. If you’re looking for a later start, join the group at 8:00 a.m. at Kimberly Bridge. We should be passing through there about that time.

FRIDAY

On Friday, June 9, at 8:00 p.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, lean-to #5 (at Michigan Road) when we celebrate the next full moon—the Strawberry Moon. We’ll follow a new Sights and Heights course which includes the overlook, Raven Rocks, and the Fire Tower. We’ll leave just before sunset, so bring a headlamp. And after the run, plan to hang out by the fire, maybe bring some snacks, refreshments, etc. Should be fun.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Enjoy the pic from this past run at Mountain Lakes Park.

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May 28, Kimberly Bridge

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Click for map

SATURDAY

On Saturday, May 27, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Depew Court in Peekskill when we run the Blue Mountain Reservation Depew Court Perimeter Loop. This run is a little farther away but it will be worth the trip. Meet at the Depew Court Pool parking lot (1 Depew Ct. at Bay St, Peekskill, NY 10566) at 8:00 a.m. but leave a little extra travel time. There are options for making this shorter and once we’re back together, we’ll head over to Peekskill Coffee House at 101 South Division Street for a cup of joe. The perfect way to end the run. If you’re looking to start early, show up at 7:00 a.m. and get a few miles in first but bring your own maps today, I can’t guarantee I’ll be there.

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click for map

SUNDAY

On Sunday, May 28, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Kimberly Bridge Lot when we run a new course on familiar trails—the Kimberly Bridge/Raven Rocks Loop. This course starts out on the beautiful Blue trail before climbing to Raven Rocks and returning via one of three courses depending on your distance. For those looking to do some hill work this weekend, meet at Kimberly Bridge starting at 5:00 a.m. for hill repeats up the Blue trail. Show up anytime and keep going until 8:00 a.m.

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MONDAY

On Monday, May 29, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Devil’s Den, 3 Pent Road, Weston, Connecticut, for a 6-mile loop. Normally, this is a run reserved for Halloween but I think we should check it out in Spring. And plan to stop by Tusk & Cup for coffee and a bite to eat afterwards.
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Enjoy the photo from A Mild Sprain this past Sunday.

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April 9, Lewisboro Town Park

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click for map page

This Sunday, April 9, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot (see map) when we  run a perennial favorite—the Fat Ass Run. Seven miles with options for longer and shorter distances.  Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. Die hards start at 6:00 a.m. See map page ››

On Saturday, April 8, at 7:45 a.m., meet at the Ice Skating Parking Lot at Bear Mountain and run part of the North Face Endurance Challenge course. Options include the half-marathon loop to Anthony Wayne, the full marathon course, and even the 50k course if you’re up for it. I’m considering a 16 mile loop that starts and ends like the NFEC races (KML file here). Those leaving from Katonah can meet at the Woods Bridge Lot promptly at 7:00 a.m.

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Last week’s photo of the group at Leonard Park.

February 19, Michigan Road Lot

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click for map page

This Sunday, February 19, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation when we run a classic course—The Red/Rock Loop.  The snow on the southern trails is well compacted and relatively stable so the running there is as good as it gets this time of year. I haven’t been on the Rock Trail but the Red/Green and Red trails are fine. You might want to hold off and save the Rock Trail portion for another, warmer day. Your call. Early birds can start at 7:00 a.m. Insomniacs at 6:00 a.m. but bring headlamps. It’s still dark then.

On Saturday, February 18, the NJ Trail Series is having their annual Febapple race in Maplewood, NJ, with distances from 50M to 10M. But if you’d like to stay closer to home, I suggest meeting at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot at 8:00 a.m. and check out any of the open trails. The weather should be beautiful.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Great job everyone who came out for the Raven Lunatic on Sunday. Awesome run all. And kudos to the 8 runners that showed up for the Blueathlon on Saturday. It’s because of your hard work up and down blue that we were all able to enjoy that section of today’s course.

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November 13, Raven Rocks Run

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click for map page

This Sunday, November 13, at 9:00 a.m., be ready for the 2nd Annual Raven Rocks Run—a 10(ish) kilometer race of challenging trails in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation full of great views, rocky climbs, ridgeline paths, meadows, ravines and the site of the former fire tower. Arrive at the meadow parking lot by 8:15 a.m. and visit RavenRocksRun.org for answers to any last-minute questions. Anyone interested in pre-running the course with me can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a nice and easy course check. See the map here ››

Next week we’ll be off the reservation at Leonard Park in Mt. Kisco for the multi-park run of up to 13 miles. I need to make sure the path is clear so this is subject to change at the last minute if necessary.

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Beautiful fall run at Zofnass today. It was also a nice day at Mianus River Gorge, too. Hope to see you all next Sunday at the Raven Rocks Run.

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And thank you all for coming out last Friday for the night run. Seems like everyone enjoyed themselves.

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February 21, Michigan Road Lot

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click for map page

This Sunday, February 21, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot when we follow the Michigan to Kimberly Bridge course. Michigan Road is our traditional starting point for runs in the southern portion of the reservation but this time we’ll run North from the lot to the Meadow, follow some of the Leatherman’s Loop course trail to Kimberly Bridge, then “up” the blue trail and return by way of yellow. There are some hills on this course particularly around mile 4. You have been warned. Those looking for an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles. PDF of the trail is available here ››

Next week we’ll change up the scenery a bit and meet at Bennett’s Pond in Ridgefield.

Hope to see you out there this Sunday.

Lee Willett

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And a big (teeth-chattering) shout-out to last week’s crew who braved the six-below temps for the run. You are hard core.

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June 14, Zofnass Family Preserve

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This Sunday, June 14, 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 making all right turns except for exiting the park, and excluding the orange, western loop. See the map page here.

Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. which should give us enough time to run the Southern and Central Roundabout loops. And if you want to add a few miles after the run, we can head over to Mianus River Gorge for 4.5 more miles.

And anyone looking to run Saturday, June 13, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at Ward Pound Ridge Meadow parking lot and run Eleanor’s Escape. We’ll be running that course on Sunday, June 21.

Lee Willett

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April 5, Zofnass Family Preserve

zofnass_preserve
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This Sunday, April 5, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Zofnass Family Preserve on Upper Shad Road in Pound Ridge (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 perimeter loop making all right turns except for exiting the park (you may want to bring a map since I won’t be there this weekend). Make a 6-mile loop counter-clockwise around the preserve excluding the orange, western loop (just ask Mario why). See the map page here. Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 which should give you enough time to run the Southern and Central Roundabout loops.

Next week we’ll be back at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow parking lot when we run the official course check for the Leatherman’s Loop. If you’re planning on running the race, you won’t want to miss this.

Just three weeks before the Leatherman’s Loop. Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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March 29, Meadow Parking Lot

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click for map page

On Sunday, March 29, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking Lot when we run the Meadow Dry Loop. This approximately six-mile course follows much of the Leatherman’s Loop but nixes the water crossings and mud flats. What’s left? Still a challenging and fun run and while I call this the “dry loop,” I can’t guarantee you will finish the run with your feet dry. The warm temperatures and rain have signaled the end of ice and snow and the beginning of mud and water. Those looking to do some extra miles can arrive at 7:00 for a 3 to 4 mile loop.

And don’t miss our Saturday dinner at Jewel of Himalaya. Just let us know if you’re coming by Friday night so we can get a head count.

Just four weeks before the Leatherman’s Loop. Time to get out there and train. Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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March 22, Michigan Road

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On Sunday, March 22, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot and run some of the southern trails on the Red/Rock loop. I know we’ve run the Red, Green, and Yellow trails recently and those are generally in good shape—hard packed and stable. The snow melted enough that the trails to the Overlook, while still snow-covered, are at least passable. The southern portion of the Rock Trail, though, is free of snow in many places and a great run if you’re up for the hills. I know we’re expecting more snow on Friday/Saturday but we’ll still meet as planned and evaluate conditions at that time. Those looking to do some extra miles can arrive at 7:00 for a 3 to 4 mile loop.

Just five weeks before the Leatherman’s Loop.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett
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