July 9, Bennett’s Pond

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click for map

SUNDAY

This Sunday, July 9, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Bennett’s Pond on the Ridgefield/Danbury border when we run a new course—the 10 mile Realander Run. Meet at the parking lot on Bennett’s Farm Road (see Google map) prepared to run this clockwise loop which includes some familiar trails and some new ones. If you want to get more miles in, at 5:00 a.m., we’ll pre-run the course, returning via the white trail. Anyone starting at 6:00 a.m. can follow the course to the end of the White trail and back. At 7:00 a.m., we’ll aim to complete the last section.

click for map
click for map

SATURDAY

APPALACHIAN TRAIL RUN: On Saturday, July 8, at 6:00 a.m., meet near 80 Macedonia Road, Kent, CT, when we run a portion of the Appalachian Trail. We’ll run south 7 miles, back to the start, then north 4.5 before returning. You have options of distances of 11, 14, and 23 miles with a fair amount of elevation. I’m good for the 14 and Joe Mo will be running the full 23. Anyone interested in sharing a ride for the 14 mile run can contact me. We could meet at the Lewisboro Town Park lower lot at 4:45 for the hour drive.

Or, if you want to stay closer to home, on Saturday, July 8, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Kimberly Bridge lot and run the Kimberly Bridge to Raven Rocks Run. You have options of 6, 7, and 8 miles or feel free to add the Rock Trail and perimeter for a 12 mile adventure. If you miss this, don’t worry, we’ll be back here soon on a Sunday. Bring your own maps in case I miss this.

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Enjoy the photos of the group from July 4th (top) and last Sunday.

LEE_3372

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.

LEE_3198

June 25, Butler Sanctuary

Butler_Westmoreland_v2
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This Sunday, June 25, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Nature Conservancy Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Mt. Kisco (see in Google maps) when we run a combination of trails covering most of the park. Since Butler is a relatively small preserve, we’ll be following a double loop course to get to 5ish miles. Don’t worry, you’ll still get a workout since the terrain has a lot of ups and downs. Plus anyone interested in a longer run can head over to the Meyer Preserve and to Westmoreland Sanctuary afterwards for a few more miles. Meet in the Butler parking lot. See the map here ›› Looking to start early? Arrive at 5:00 a.m. and join me on a run from Butler to Meyer preserve. We’ll return at 7:00 a.m. for a short loop of Westmoreland.

This Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 a.m., let’s get back to those hill repeats from Kimberly Bridge. Come for as many or as few as you’d like then head out on the trails when you’ve had enough.

Next Saturday, July 1, I’m planning on running part of the Escarpment course. Let me know if you’re interested.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

June 18, Michigan Road

WardPoundRidge.ai
Click for map

On Sunday, June 18, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot ready to run the Michigan to Spy Rock 7 Mile Loop, or as I like to call it, The Stairmaster. This course starts up the FH trail and heads over the Magic Stairs before turning south past Castle Rock and up The Stairs to Spy Rock. Early birds can start at 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 and I suggest making it a speed workout by trying to complete the 5+ mile Red loop on hour intervals. I’ll be out this weekend but will make sure Peeter has some maps on hand, you know, just in case. See the map here ››

On Saturday, June 17, 7:00 a.m., anyone looking for some distance work can meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot. Choose your direction—clockwise or counterclockwise—and run. The full course is just over 12 miles but you can make it longer or shorter as needed. See the map here ››

Lee Willett

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Thanks for coming to last week’s run from the Meadow…
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…and Friday night at Michigan Road.
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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.

click for map
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.

LEE_3012

June 4, Mountain Lakes Park

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click for map page

This Sunday, June 4, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the trail head to Lookout Point in Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North, Salem, NY) when we run the Yellow-OS-IS loop. This course winds through the park and includes the new IS trail which connects the OS trail to Spruce Lake. If you want to get an early start, arrive at 7:00 a.m. and for those insomniacs out there, bring a headlamp and start at 6:00 a.m. or even 5:00 a.m. If you are looking to get some distance in, you can take Hunt Lane to the Realander loop and back for an added 7 miles of (mostly) dirt roads. See the map here ››

This Saturday, June 3, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Meadow lot and run the Meadow to Overlook 8 mile route. If you want to start at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Michigan Road Trailhead and join the runners as they pass by. Bring your own maps, though, I don’t know if I’ll make it.

NIGHT RUN

On Friday, June 9, at 8:00 p.m., join us at lean-to 5 (Michigan Road) for a night run. Course to be determined but will be around 6 miles. Bring a headlamp and some of your favorite “recovery” food and drink and we’ll hang out by the fire afterwards.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
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Enjoy the photo from this past Sunday’s run and see if you can spot Barry Fagan.
LEE_May1807

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.

click for map
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.

DevilsDen
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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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May 21, A Mild Sprain

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click to enlarge

This Sunday, May 21, at 9:45 a.m., meet at Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers, for the sixth annual A Mild Sprain—the second in the Trail Mix Series of races. Race director David Vogel always makes sure this is a fun and challenging 4.25 mile race so plan on attending. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. so come early and hang out before the race. For early risers, meet at 8:00 a.m. for a course check before the race. And hang out afterwards, maybe bring something to eat, and we’ll swap stories about last week’s races.

Speaking of races, big congratulations to everyone who raced at Bear Mountain on Saturday or Sunday and particularly these local runners. You all are amazing.

50M
Charlotte Dequeker, F40-44 age group winner, 11:16:57
John McElroy, M40-44 age group 3rd place, 09:04:51
Virgil Bretz, M45-49 age group winner, 09:13:47
Joe Mokszycki, M60-64 age group winner, 12:27:46

50K
Michele Zandona, F35-39 age group winner, 06:14:30
Todd Henrich, M45-49 age group 4th place, 05:32:15

Half Marathon
Justin Pufahl, M1-19 age group 2nd place, 02:44:23
Paul Pacchiana, M60-64 age group 2nd place, 02:58:22
James (Jimmy) Mcgough, M65+ age group 5th place, 03:28:28

10K
Kirby Mosenthal, Overall Female Winner, 00:52:41
Erin McNally, F35-39 age group 3rd place, 01:05:37
David Isaac, M50-54 age group winner, 00:59:38

NIGHT RUN

On Friday, June 9, at 8:00 p.m., join us at lean-to 5 (Michigan Road) for a night run. Course to be determined but will be around 6 miles. Bring a headlamp and some of your favorite “recovery” food and drink and we’ll hang out by the fire afterwards.

May 14, Michigan Road

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Trail Run Map
click for map page

This Sunday, May 14 at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot and run the 6.5 mile Green/Rock trail. Since the trail will be wet, I suggest running this in a clockwise direction so that you’re climbing up the stairs. Note that the map shows the old trail past intersection 49. You’ll need to take the newer trail to raven rocks from there. No early run this Sunday and bring your own maps—I don’t think I’ll make it.

Good luck to everyone running the North Face Endurance Challenge at Bear Mountain this weekend. We’ll see you next weekend at A Mild Sprain.

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Thanks for everyone who came out to Zofnass this past Sunday and a special thanks to Adam for bringing up the crew of new faces. You guys are awesome.

LEE_2918

May 7, Zofnass Family Preserve

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click for map page

This Sunday, May 7, 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. See the map page here. Those looking to start early can arrive at 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. which should give us enough time to run the Southern and Central Roundabout loops. Note: park on the north side of Upper Shad Road. If you park on the south side, you may be ticketed.

zofnass_to_mianus
Zofnass to Mianus

Looking for a longer run on Sunday? Mianus River Gorge is 2.8 miles away on mostly dirt roads. Exit Zofnass at the northern loop onto S. Bedford Road and head west for up to a total of 16 miles of running bliss. See the map here ››

On Saturday, May 6, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot for a run of 12 to 15 miles. No course yet but I’ll think of something.

Night Run CANCELLED!!

Sorry all, but the weather isn’t going to cooperate for Friday’s night run so we’re working on rescheduling it. I’ll post info once we know when.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Great running with you at Michigan Road this past Sunday. Well done all.

LEE_2886

April 30, Michigan Road

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click for map

On Sunday, April 30, 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. Anyone interested in getting a few more miles in can arrive at 5:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. for an early start. Trail Map here ››

On Saturday, April 29, join us for one last training run at Bear Mountain before the North Face Endurance Challenge in two weeks. Options include distances of 50k, 26 miles, 22 miles, and the 13 mile half marathon course. There are PDF, GPX, and KML files of the courses available here and you should bring a map just in case. Three options to meet that day: 6:00 a.m. Woodsbridge Lot, Katonah; 6:40 a.m., Anthony Wayne; 7:00 a.m. Ice Rink Lot. Complete details in the calendar.

Also on Saturday, April 29, at 6:00 a.m., join Peeter Muursepp at the Lewisboro Town Park for around 12 miles. I’ll leave the details of the course to him though.

On Friday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m., join us at lean-to 5 (Michigan Road) for a night run. Course to be determined but will be around 6 miles. Bring a headlamp and some of your favorite “recovery” food and drink and we’ll hang out by the fire afterwards.

Great job last week at the Leatherman’s Loop. Nice to see so many of you take the podium and win a pie and even nicer still to just hang out after the race. Next race in the Trail Mix Series is A Mild Sprain on Sunday, May 21. Hope to see you there.

Lee Willett

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April 23, Leatherman’s Loop

On Sunday, April 23, we’ll be meeting at the Meadow lot for the 31st annual Leatherman’s Loop. For complete instructions, visit LeathermansLoop.org. Good luck all, I hope to see you all there.

Click for map
Click for map

On Saturday, April 22, at 7:00 a.m., meet at the Lewisboro Town Park when we run the 12 or 15 mile Reservation Perimeter Loop. The course takes us on all perimeter trails and the 15 mile version adds a climb over the Fire Tower. If you’re training for the North Face Endurance Challenge, this is a great opportunity to get a run in while saving a little for the Loop.

On Saturday, April 22, at 6:00 a.m., meet at the north end of the Anthony Wayne lot at Bear Mountain for a 13 to 15 mile loop. Kevin Rader will lead the group, which is good since he knows those trails better than I do. If you want to car pool from the Woodsbridge Lot in Katonah, plan to leave there at 5:15 a.m.

Do you like saving money? If you reach out to Warren Young, account rep at Backcountry.com, at (810) 204-4663 or wyoung@backcountry, and tell him you’re with the Leatherman Harriers Sunday Runs group, he’ll set you up with a 15{accc40b09832ee94a70b9d38053be2da501a998c4b43b97565b1c370fb270371} discount when you buy from the store. I don’t typically make endorsements but I’ve had good experience buying from them and you guys might want to give them a try.

And one last note, you’ve probably heard that this year’s tick population is going to be high. I know several runners have pulled ticks off themselves recently so want to remind everyone to check yourselves over carefully after a run even if you’ve stayed in the middle of the trail. Use a repellent—ones with deet are more effective—and if you see something suspicious on another runner, let them know. Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses can be serious.

Now, enjoy the photo from this past Sunday I hope to see you this weekend.

LEE_2810

April 16, Meadow Lot

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click for map

This Sunday, April 16, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot when we run a course that combines some serious hills with some wide-open trails to stretch your legs. The Meadow, Museum, Fire Tower, to Michigan run is 6 miles of awesome that will give you a combination of steep slopes and gentle hills (pretty much in that order). There are some unexpected turns on this course so you’ll want to keep a map handy so you’re sure to stay on-course. It’s easy to take a wrong turn, just sayin’. For those who want to get an early start on the day, arrive at 7:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. for even more miles.

On Saturday, April 15, at 6:00 a.m., meet at the Bennett’s Pond parking lot on Bennett’s Farm Road and run the point-to-point Ives Trail—an approximately 20 mile course with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet that stretches from Ridgefield through Danbury to Redding. I’m still working on the logistics so if you’re interested, please email me. See the map here ››

Meanwhile, enjoy last week’s picture. Kudos to Todd Henrich for tying the blue hill repeat record of 17 reps on Sunday. He’s not in the picture only because he was well on his way already. And an extra shout out to Joseph Cloidt who, when given a challenge, will not be outdone. On Monday, he successfully completed 23 repeats of Blue and is, unquestionably, now the king of the hill. It’s on Strava so it must be true.

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April 9, Lewisboro Town Park

click for map page
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.