March 26, Trailside Museum

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click for map page

On Sunday, March 26, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum for something different. Seems a number of you have a difficult time following the courses on the maps I make so this week, no course. Instead, take whatever trails you want but get to (in order) Dancing Rock, Raven Rocks, and the Fire Tower. How you get there is up to you—trail, bushwhack, hills, no hills—totally your call. I’ve posted a map of the park to help you out but that’s all. If you want to start early, arrive at 7:00 a.m. If that’s not early enough for you, show up at 6:00 a.m. with headlamp. Jeff said he wants to start at 5:00 a.m. so there’s that. Warm weather and rain on Saturday will mean wet conditions but hopefully the snow will melt by Sunday.

On Saturday, March 25, at 7:00 a.m., how many hill repeats on Blue can you do? Joe Mo holds the current record with 15 and wants to add (significantly) to that to make a 50k. I calculate that’s 25 repeats but your mileage may vary. Meet at Kimberly Bridge and see how many you can do and try to become King of the Mountain! Start time at 7:00 a.m. but join in whenever you get there.

**UPDATE** Charlotte Dequeker successfully completed 17 reps of the blue hill on Saturday. Joe Mo was the only other person still on the trail when I left and I’m waiting on his final result but thanks everyone for coming out. Charlotte’s Strava activity is available here ››. Well done.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Enjoy the photo from this past run at Reservoir Road. You guys are fast.

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January 22, Trailside Museum

Click for map page
Click for map page

This Sunday, January 22, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Trailside, Raven, to Tower loop. You have choices of a 6 mile loop, a 9 mile loop, and anything in between depending on what you want to run. You might notice a slight uphill at the start of this run, but that’s normal. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Enjoy this past Sunday’s photo from Butler Sanctuary.

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And the group at Lewisboro Town Park for Monday’s Run.

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December 18, Trailside Museum

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, December 18, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Museum to Blue Route. This 7-mile course starts down the Orange trail and winds its way to Raven Rocks and back by the Blue trail. While it’s 7 miles, the course avoids the steepest uphills (you’re welcome). Options are listed for 6.5 mile and 5.75 mile options as well. Anyone interested in starting early can arrive by 7:00 a.m. for a shorter loop. I see that we’re expecting some snow on Saturday so this may be our first true Winter run of the season. I’ve posted some winter running tips for those who find them helpful.

And anyone looking for a run on Saturday, December 17, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Trailside Museum and run the Trailside to Tower loop. I put the hills on Saturday, just so you know, but bring your own maps.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

Sunday’s group at Mountain Lakes Park

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Saturday’s group at Reis Park/Angle Fly

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June 26, Trailside Museum

 

click for map page
click for map page

On Sunday, June 26, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum for the Trailside to Overlook Run. You’ll have distances of 7.7, 6.3, or 5 miles but, as always, your mileage may vary. If you’re looking for even more miles, there are plenty of options for that as well. Looking to start a little early? Arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a warm-up. See the map here ››

On Saturday, June 25, at 7:00 a.m., I’m turning the point-to-point Ives Trail into an up to 30-mile, 4,400 feet gain, out-and-back. Meet at the Bennett’s Pond parking lot on Bennett’s Farm Road at 7:00 a.m. If you’re not up for the full 30 miles, no worries. Come out and run whatever distance you want as an out-and back course. See the map here ››

I’m putting together a run of the Escarpment trail on Saturday, July 2. Options of different distances up to 18 miles all on very technical trails in the Catskills. More information is here ›› and let me know if you’re interested.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

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Great run at Westmoreland this past week.

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April 3, Trailside Museum *NEW*

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Sorry folks for the last-minute change of venue. If anyone wants to go to the NICA:NY XC Bike Race, go to Blue Mountain as planned. On Sunday, April 3, at 8:00 a.m., we’re going to pivot to the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum for the Trailside to Overlook Run. You’ll have distances of 7.7, 6.3, or 5 miles but your mileage may vary. If you’re looking for even more miles, there are plenty of options for that. Looking to start a little early? Arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a warm-up. See the map here ››

Next week we’ll be back at the Reservation for the Raven Rocks Run as we get closer to the Leatherman’s Loop.

Hope to see you out there and sorry for the last-minute change of venue.

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Thanks for coming out last week for the Red/Rock trail run and welcoming some new faces to the crowd.

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January 3, Trailside Museum

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This Sunday, January 3, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Museum to Blue Route. This 7-mile course starts down the Orange trail and winds its way to Raven Rocks and back by the Blue trail. While it’s 7 miles, the course avoids the steepest uphills (if you can believe that). Options are listed for 6.5 mile and 5.75 mile options as well. Anyone interested in starting early can arrive by 7:00 a.m. for a shorter loop.

On Saturday, January 2, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd #1, Ossining, NY 10562, and run an out-and-back Teatown Kitchawan Trail. The full course is 15 miles round trip but you can turn back at any point you’d like for a shorter run. Virgil Bretz will arrange for cofee, tea, water and homemade power cookies at the finish. Download the PDF the trail map here ›› | Learn more here ››

Looking to start the year off right? On Friday, January 1, at 9:00 a.m., how about a run through Blue Mountain with the MYX 5.5 Mile Loop. I’ve already checked with the Peekskill Coffee House and they will be open that day so show up, place your breakfast order, go run, and enjoy your crepe afterward. Their number is 914-739-1287. But bring your own maps, I’m not sure I’ll make this run. See the PCH menu here››  |  View the meeting spot in Google Maps ››  |  Download Course Map (PDF) ››

And don’t forget about our event on January 16—The Trail Mix Awards Ceremony and Post-Holiday Party.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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October 18, Lewisboro Town Park

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This Sunday, October 18, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park Upper Lot when we run a new course that includes a new trail in the Reservation—The Town Park to Covered Bridge Loop. We’ll all start out together and head toward the Meadow and up the FH trail but from there, you’ll have options for different distances. Three of the four options will take you down the new CB trail to the new covered bridge. If you run the 7.3 or 8.6 loop, when you get to the private residence on Michigan, keep to your left and take the path around the house. The 8.6 mile option takes you to a couple smaller trails that we haven’t been on in a while so pay attention to the turns. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 for a short loop. Temperatures look like they’re going to be chilly so break out the warmer gear for this one.
Download a PDF map of the course ››

Next week we’ll be back at Muscoot for Run The Farm. You won’t want to miss that.
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 25
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 15

Lee Willett

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August 2, Trailside Museum

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This Sunday, August 2, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Trailside, Raven, to Tower loop. You have choices of a 6 mile loop, a 9 mile loop, and anything in between depending on what you want to run. And anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the map here ››

Anyone looking to run on Saturday, August 1, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow lot and run the Fire Tower Summit Run. See the map here ››

NIGHT RUN

Join us on Friday, July 31, at 8:00 p.m. at Hemlock North Campsite (NEW LOCATION) in Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem) when we run our first night run in the park—the Hemlock Loop. Arrive at 8:00 p.m., drive into the park to Hemlock Drive and turn left (where the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack starts). Park at the beach area or at the Hemlock dining hall area if necessary and walk to Hemlock North campsite. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, some snacks, something to rehydrate afterwards, and probably a chair to sit back and relax in. This is a 5.25 mile loop which can be shortened to 2.5 miles if you want. The main course will be marked so you should be able to find your way. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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January 18 and January 19, Trailside Museum

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click for map page

SPECIAL MLK MONDAY RUN AT 8:30:

Because the conditions on the roads prevented a lot of runners from joining us on Sunday, then come on Monday, January 19, at 8:30 a.m. to the Trailside Museum and run the same course. Bring your own maps, though, I’m likely going to take the day off.

This Sunday, January 18, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Museum to Blue Route. This 7-mile course starts down the Orange trail and winds its way to Raven Rocks and back by the Blue trail. While it’s 7 miles, the course avoids the steepest uphills (if you can believe that). Options are listed for 6.5 mile and 5.75 mile options as well. Anyone interested in starting early can arrive and be ready to run by 7:15.

For trail condition updates, see our community posts, now in beta testing.

Next week we’ll be up at Mountain Lakes Park for a new course in the works by Mark Vincent.

Hope to see you out there.

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July 6, Trailside Museum

WPR_6.5mi_TrailsideToOverlook
click for map page

This Sunday, July 6 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run a new course—Trailside To Overlook. This will take us towards the Overlook via Schoolhouse Road and then back via Kimberly Bridge. If the weather is warm, you might want to take the water crossing before you return via junction 2 so keep an eye out for a small trail on your left before the bridge. You have options for making this run 7.7 miles, 6.3 miles, or 5 miles depending on which route you follow.

Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, meet at the Westmoreland Sanctuary main parking lot in Mt. Kisco and run the Perimeter 5.2 Mile loop in a counter-clockwise direction. Bring a map, though, while the trails are marked, it’s easy to take a wrong turn. If you miss this run, don’t worry, we’ll be back here next Sunday.

Friday, July 4th at 8:30 a.m. Start your long weekend off right and meet at Mianus River Gorge when it opens for a 5-mile out-and-back run on these beautiful trails. See the trail map here.

There you have it—three great runs at three different locations. Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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June 1, The Running Goddess at Lasdon Park

The Running Goddess 5k trail Race
The Running Goddess trail race course map
view map

This Sunday, June 1 at 8:00 a.m., come out to Lasdon Park for the second annual Running Goddess 5k. This multi-terrain course combines wooded trails with open fields, a little crushed stone and some pavement to keep you on your toes. Learn more at TheRunningGoddess.com. Is 5k too short for you? Then do a second lap, just don’t enter the chute a second time.

Not interested in the Running Goddess? Then meet at Muscoot Farm at 8:00 a.m. and complete the Run the Farm 5 mile course. Bring some money because you’re want to hang out and hit the farmer’s market after and while you’re in the area, stop by Lasdon Park and join in the post-race festivities.

Saturday, May 31, at 8:00 a.m. Meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking Lot and run the Meadow, Michigan & Museum 6 mile loop. Start at the Meadow and head south to Michigan Road and into the southern part of the park before passing by the Trailside museum and the pine forest and returning through the meadow. If you want to add another mile and a half, go straight on 22 and left on 36 to get to Raven Rocks. Bring your own map located here.

Upcoming:
Wednesday, June 18: Summer Solstice Run 14k, Minnewaska State Park, Gardiner NY
Sunday, June 22: Mountain Lakes 15k. An extended Sunday Run for the summer solstice. Details to come.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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May 25, Trailside Museum

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Trailside Museum

This Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Trailside Museum for a very special run. Since a number of Sunday runners (I won’t mention names—you know who you are) seem to have difficulty following my maps, this is your chance to make your own. The morning of the run at the museum, I’ll set a destination and even give you a map to get you there (although you can ignore that if you want and take your own route). Your challenge is to get to that destination and back taking any path you choose. The shortest out-and-back will be 5 miles but you can make the run as long as you’d like. This Sunday, it will be impossible to take a wrong turn.

Saturday, May 24, at 8:30 a.m. Meet at the entrance to Mianus River Gorge when the preserve opens at 8:30 and follow the red trail south taking every left. Located on the Bedford/Greenwich border (Google map here) the terrain is similar to Zofnass preserve but shorter and with fewer switchbacks. Bring your own map located here.

Upcoming:
Sunday, June 1: The Running Goddess 5K at Lasdon Park
Wednesday, June 18: Summer Solstice Run 14k, Minnewaska State Park, Gardiner NY
Sunday, June 22: Mountain Lakes 15k. An extended Sunday Run for the summer solstice. Details to come.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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February 9, Michigan Road Lot

Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge

On Sunday, February 9 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road Lot when we run something that looks like the Red Plus Loop. We’ll begin with the Red/Yellow trail and follow Red to Raven Rocks. Since conditions on the trails are rather challenging, you have options for returning via Yellow, Green, Red/Green or completing the entire loop. I was out this morning and can attest that Yellow can be easily run, Red/Green is a challenge, and the LL trail to the Overlook can be described as double black diamond. If you enjoyed last week’s Looper Bowl, you’re going to love this run.

Hope to see you on Sunday.

Lee Willett

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October 20, Trailside Museum

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, October 20, 8:00 a.m.
This Sunday, October 20 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the 7 mile Museum to Blue route. This course will start down the orange trail and wind past Raven Rocks before heading back via the blue trail and Kimberly Bridge. This time of year, the view from Raven Rocks and the beautiful blue trail will be particularly nice.

click for map page

Saturday, October 19, 8:00 a.m.
This Saturday, October 19 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Muscoot Farm parking lot (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) for a course check of the Run the Farm loop. This 5 mile course will start from the parking lot at 8:00 and follow the Run the Farm loop with the exception of finishing in the parking lot. If you’re signed up for the race, you’ll want to come to this last course check and test out the trail. You can download a map of the five-mile course here. Just please stay off of any farm equipment and park on the side of the lot away from the farm.

We’ll be back at Muscoot again next week for the Run The Farm race.

Hope to see you out there.

Lee Willett

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