December 24, 25, and 26

This Saturday, December 24, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot (see map) when we run a special Hanukkah/Christmas Eve course. This course involves the new Mill Site trail, returns via a new Town Park trail, and offers a variety of distances. Looks like fun, right? Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles.

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday,  December 25, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot when we run trails appropriate for the day—the Red and Green Loop. Head south on the Red/Green trail making a loop that includes the Red trail, the Green trail and a few other trails as well. Not sure how many will show up but bring your own maps today. See the map page here ›› Those looking to get a few extra miles in can meet early for a 7:00 a.m. start.

On Monday, December 26, at 7:45 a.m., meet at the Hessian Lake Parking Lot at Bear Mountain (near the ice rink) and run a 9-mile out-and-loop course which contains some of the trails in the North Face Endurace Challenge. The park starts charging at 8:00 a.m. for entry so get there before that. Anyone who wants to ride share can meet at the Katonah Woods bridge lot and leave at 7:00 a.m.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Last week’s runners at the Trailside Museum didn’t let a little rain and snow stop them. And a big happy birthday to runner Joe Cloidt who advances an age group this week.

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December 18, Trailside Museum

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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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December 11, Mountain Lakes Park

click for map page
click for map page

On Sunday, December 11, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park at the trailhead to Lookout Point when we run a new course that includes the adjacent Hearst-Mead and Halmi Preserves. These two parks contain a pair of loops and lot of hills in a short distance. Normally, these are on the runs as added miles but I’ve put these on early to give everyone a chance to see these preserves. More miles can be added by adding the OS loop to Yellow after. Anyone interested in starting early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for more fun. See the map here ››

Click for map page
Click for map page

On Saturday, December 10, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Reis Park in Somers when we run the Reis Park/Angle Fly 6 Mile Loop. This set of trails is well-marked and contains a variety of terrain that you’re going to love. To get to Reis Park, take Route 35 to Route 100 North. At approximately 1/4 mile, turn left onto Route 139. and follow for 2 miles to Reis Park on your right at Primrose Drive. IMPORTANT NOTE: if the entrance is closed (or if no one is there), continue North on 139 to Sunderland Lane and park at Van Tassel park. If Reis park is open, then park near the tennis courts—the trail head is behind the western edge of the courts. See the map page ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend but dress warmly—it’s getting cold out there.

Lee Willett

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Great group of runners last Sunday. Glad you all enjoyed the hills on the Rock Trail.

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December 4, Michigan Road Lot

click for map page
click for map page

On Sunday, December 4, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot and run some of the southern trails on the Michigan Red/Rock loop. 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 and some options to shorten or lengthen the run as well. Those looking to do some extra miles can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a 4 mile loop.

Hope to see you out there this Sunday.

Lee Willett

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Big group ready to run our annual Fat Ass post-Thanksgiving run.

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A smaller but dedicated group before the Rez Perimeter Loop on Saturday.

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And the group before the Mianus River Gorge on Friday.

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November 27, Lewisboro Town Park

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, November 27, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot (see map) when we shed some pounds and run a perennial favorite—the Fat Ass Run. Seven miles of trail running is the perfect antidote to the tryptophan-laden butterball from Thanksgiving dinner and this year I’ve added an even longer 8.5 mile option. The fresh air will wake you up, you’ll feel reinvigorated, plus, as an added bonus, you’ll work up an appetite to help you finish those leftovers still cluttering up your fridge. For those who don’t want to do the longer distances, a three-mile course is also an option. Now there’s no excuse not to come out. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive by 7:00 a.m. and get a few miles in before the run. See map page ››

Join us on Friday, November 25, at 8:30 a.m. for the perfect post-Thanksgiving run at Mianus River Gorge in Bedford, NY. This 4.4 mile out-and-back course traverses the beautiful Mianus River Gorge located on the Bedford/Greenwich border. The course is primarily single-track overlooking the gorge. From the main entrance, start on the red trail and take all of the lefts even to the quarry, overlook, and falls to add a little more interest and distance. For a change of pace, this is a beautiful and often overlooked park. See the map here ››  |  Get directions in Google Maps ››

And if that isn’t enough, on Saturday, November 26, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow lot for a new course—Pound Ridge Perimeter loop. This offers runners a 12.5 mile course of mixed terrain on the the trails that border the park with an option of a climb over the fire tower for even more fun.

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First snow of the season came a little unexpectedly but we don’t let that stop us from having fun.

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November 20, Leonard Park

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, November 20, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the gazebo at Leonard Park in Mt. Kisco (see map) when we tackle some different trails. We’ll start in Leonard park, go through Marsh Sanctuary, Merestead, Butler, and Westmoreland Sanctuary. Runners will have a choice of various distances. Anyone interested in starting early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles.

5 Mile Run: Take the course through Marsh and Merestead to the Butler loop.
7.7 Mile Run: Follow the Butler loop which adds 2.7 to the run for a total of 7.7 miles.
10 Mile Run: Cross the road to Westmoreland Sanctuary for a short loop.
13.1 Mile Run (approx): Anyone interested in going farther can try the Leonard Park to Westmoreland Greenbelt Half Marathon which adds the perimeter course of Westmoreland.

There you have it— a host of great options through five different parks. Hope to see you out there.

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Great day for the Raven Rocks Run. Nice to see so many familiar faces out there.

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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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November 6, Zofnass Family Preserve

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click for map page

This Sunday, November 6, 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 7:00 a.m. which should give us enough time to run the Southern and Central Roundabout loops.

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 ››

Night Run!!

Friday, November 4, 7:00, meet at the Michigan Road lean-to #5 at 7:00 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. We’ll be running Rob’s Run, a 6.5 mile loop with several options of making it shorter if you want. Anyone who wants to join the fun but doesn’t want to run can tend the fire while we’re out on the trail—that would be very helpful. Bring a headlamp, a change of warm clothes, and some refreshments so you can, you know, rehydrate after the run. Plan to spend some time around the campfire after the run. And bring a few dollars to share the cost of the rental—final cost will be determined based on the number of people that show.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Big group on hand for the Raven Rocks Course Check. Hope to see you on Sunday at Zofnass Family Preserve.

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October 30, Meadow Lot

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, October 30, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot when we run a course check of the Raven Rocks Run. This will be our only course check so if you’re planning on running the November 13 race, this will be your chance to check out the course which includes the new CB trail. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles but bring a headlamp—the sun isn’t up that early. See the map here ››

SATURDAY RUN

Anyone interested in a Saturday run, I can’t think of a more appropriate place for a pre-Halloween run than at Devil’s Den in Connecticut. Saturday, October 31, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Devil’s Den parking lot, 3 Pent Road, Weston, CT, and run a 6.4 mile perimeter loop including the Ambler Gorge loop, but bring your own maps because no one wants to get lost in Devil’s Den on Halloween. See the map here ››

NIGHT RUN!!

Friday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m., dig out your headlamps for a night run. Meet at the Michigan Road lean-to #5 at 7:00 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. The course (to be determined) will be around 6 miles and we’ll run rain or shine. Anyone who wants to join the fun but doesn’t want to run can tend the fire while we’re out on the trail. Bring a headlamp, a change of warm clothes, and some refreshments so you can, you know, rehydrate after the run. Plan to spend some time around the campfire afterwards and bring $5 to $10 to share the cost of the rental.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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October 23, Muscoot Farm

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, October 23
This Sunday, October 23, at 9:30 a.m, meet at Muscoot Farm (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) for  the Run the Farm 5 Mile Trail Race. This 5 mile course starts from the farm and follows the outlying trails around Muscoot. You can download a map of the five-mile course here.
8:30 a.m. Kids’ Race (7 to 12-year-olds)
8:45 a.m. Kids’ Race 2 (6 and under)
9:30 a.m. 5 Mile Race
For more information, visit RunTheFarm.org.

Next week we’ll be back at the Reservation for our course check of the Raven Rocks Run. You won’t want to miss that.

And Save the date Friday, November 4, for a night run. We’ll meet at the Michigan Road lean-to #5 at 7:00 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. Bring a headlamp, a change of warm clothes, and some refreshments so you can, you know, rehydrate. Plan to spend some time around the campfire after the run.

I look forward to seeing you at the farm.

Great day for a run this past Sunday—glad you all agreed. See you next week at Muscoot for Run the Farm.

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And thanks to Peeter Muursepp, it’s never to early to think about running Bear Mountain in the spring! He contacted The North Face and they provided us with a discount code. Use LHARRIERS15 to receive 15{accc40b09832ee94a70b9d38053be2da501a998c4b43b97565b1c370fb270371} off of your entry fee at Bear Mountain. The races take place on May 13-14.

October 16, Lewisboro Town Park

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, October 16, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park Upper Lot when we run a course that includes some of the newest trails 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 are running through the meadow near Michigan Road, keep to your left and take the path into the woods on the new trail to the Mill Site. 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 a.m. for a short loop.

Next week we’ll be back at Muscoot for the Run the Farm race. And Save the date Friday, November 4 for a night run. We’ll meet at the Michigan Road lean-to #5 at 7:00 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. Bring a headlamp, a change of warm clothes, and some refreshments so you can, you know, rehydrate. Plan to spend some time around the campfire after the run.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Great course check at Muscoot. Looks like you’re all ready to Run the Farm.

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October 9, Muscoot Farm

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, October 9, 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 course check and test out the trail. Just remember, please keep clear of the main farm and farm equipment and park on the side of the lot away from the farm. And bring some money so you can shop at the farmer’s market after the run. Download a map of the five-mile course here.

And don’t forget to register for the upcoming fall races:
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 23
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 13

Next week we’ll be back at the Reservation. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

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Great run and one of the first in a long time were we stayed together as a group. Nice job all.

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October 2, Sylvan Glen/Granite Knolls

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click for map page

This Sunday, October 2, at 8:00 a.m., the reservation will be hosting its annual Hunter Pace equestrian event so we’ll meet at Sylvan Glen, near Yorktown. This is a former quarry that provided the stone for the ramps to the George Washington and Whitestone bridges and there are remnants throughout the park as a result. We’ll follow a course that will cross one road and continue into Granite Knolls, an adjacent park where we’ll find the giant boulder—you’ll know it when you see it. If you want to continue your run, you can follow the perimeter of Granite Knolls and cross a bridge over the Taconic State Parkway into Woodlands Legacy Fields Park and add an extra 2.5 miles or more of the perimeter loop there. Those that want to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m.

Park at the lot across from 2857 Grant Avenue, Mohegan Lake, NY, on the western entrance to the park and see the map page here ››

And don’t forget to register for the upcoming fall races:
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 23
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 13

Next week we’ll be at Muscoot for a course check of Run the Farm. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

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Thanks everyone for coming out and making the Sarah Bishop Bushwack so special. Mark, Barry, and I are already looking forward to next year’s race—we hope you are too.

sbb_110(That moment when you realize there is no way you can outrun the mass of people running right toward you.)

September 25, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack

Sunday, September 25, 9:00 a.m.
This Sunday, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, New York 10560), when we race the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. All that training and those course checks come down to this—a 10k trail race featuring a challenging course that includes the highest peak in Westchester—Bailey Mountain—and beautiful views of Lookout Point and Hemlock Lake. The weather this weekend should be beautiful and the conditions on Sunday, ideal. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday night but as long as the race isn’t sold out, we will have same-day registration. Race day registration will be $40 and we ask that you have exact change. Also aim to be in the park before 8:45. The road will be blocked at 9:00 for the start of the race so if you’re not there by then, well, you get the picture.

And don’t forget to register for the upcoming fall races:
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 23
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 13

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

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Great to see so many Leatherman Harriers at Where the Pavement Ends. Congratulations to all of the winners and to everyone who came out to have a good time.
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