June 12, Michigan Road Lot

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, June 12, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot when we run the Michigan Road Gerrython. Gerry Sullivan has lent his considerable expertise in creating a 13-mile loop that includes some of the toughest trails in the Reservation. You have options for multiple distances from 5 to 13 miles (see map) so pick a distance, pick a color, and stay on course. Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a 4-mile warmup loop.

On Saturday, June 11, if you’re looking for a race, there’s the Huntington State Park Challenge in Redding, CT, with distances ranging from 5k to 20k. If you don’t want to race, I recommend meeting at the trail head to lookout point at Mountain Lakes Park and running the MLP 15K course, making the run as long or as short as you want it. We’ll be back here in a few weeks so this is a great opportunity to check out the trails.

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.

Lee Willett

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Thanks for coming out for the run last weekend although I honestly didn’t know it was “wear your Mild Sprain shirt” day.

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June 5, Zofnass Family Preserve

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This Sunday, June 5, 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.

Anyone looking to run Saturday, June 4, at 8:00 a.m., I recommend starting from the Michigan Road lot and running one of the Gerrython courses—up to 13 miles of awesome. There are also a couple of races this Saturday as well—Rockwood Ramble 10k and Phoenicia Ridge Half Marathon—so you have plenty of activities to choose from.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Great looking group of runners this week at the Meadow.
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May 29, Meadow Parking Lot

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This Sunday, May 29, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow parking lot when we run the Meadow to Overlook loop. The six-mile loop will take you to the Trailside Museum, past the wigwam to Michigan Road and then return via Shoolhouse Road. The climb to the Overlook at mile four is tough but the view is well worth it. For those looking for a longer run, follow the dotted line to Kimberly Bridge and up Blue for a total of 8 miles (I know that puts two of the steepest climbs on the same run but I’m game if you are). And anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the map here ››

On Saturday, May 28, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Bennett’s Pond in Ridgefield. I’m planning on running the Ives trail that links Bennett’s Pond to the Redding train station. Looks to be about 16 miles with elevation gain of 1800 feet. I’m working on the logistics for getting from the finish to the start so email me if you’re interested. You can check out my proposed route here ››

On Monday, May 30, there are the South Salem road races which are always fun but if you want to stay on trails, Mianus River Gorge is now open. I suggest head over there at 8:30 a.m. for the 5-mile out-and-back trail through this beautiful park. Meet in the lot at 167 Mianus River Road, Bedford, NY.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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And it was great to see so many familiar faces at A Mild Sprain last weekend. Great showing all.

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May 22, A Mild Sprain

This Sunday, May 22, at 9:45 a.m., meet at Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers, for the fifth 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 so come early and hang out before the race. Race-day registration is available.

Also available and starting at 8:00 a.m. is The Running Goddess 5k at Lasdon Park. This is a multi-terrain race through the park and proceeds support women and girls in their pursuit of health and education.

Now, I know what you’re thinking…. Yes, it is possible to run both races—think of this as the cross county challenge (because to do it, you need to cross the county). Run The Running Goddess 5k, jump in your car and (obeying all local speed limits) make your way to Sprain Ridge Park. The travel time is 35 minutes so you should have just enough time. Running Goddess race director Bettina Sementilli will make sure the race starts on time so you should be able to run A Mild Sprain.

Saturday, May 21, 8:00 a.m.
Looking for a Saturday run? I suggest checking out Zofnass Preserve in Pound Ridge. We’ll be there in a couple of weeks so this is your chance to check it out first.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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What an awesome day at Storm King last week. Thank you Nick and Tony for offering such a unique run. This was something special. Lots more photos here ››

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May 15, Storm King Art Center

On Sunday, May 15, at 8:45 a.m., join us for a special run at Storm King Art Center. We’ll meet at the entrance to Storm King at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 entry into the park which will open early just for us. Tony and Nick Ohnell are working out a course of around six miles through the park which will take us by amazing outdoor sculptures. After the run, hang out and enjoy the artwork and friends—food will be provided courtesy of Nick. Travel time from Katonah is approximately 50 minutes. Families are welcome so please RSVP below to let us know how many are planning on coming.

For those looking to ride share or caravan, meet at the Katonah Woods Bridge Lot before 8:00 a.m. and leave promptly at 8:00.

On Sunday, May 15, at 7:00 a.m. For those looking to start earlier, I’ll be leaving the Katonah Woods Bridge lot at 7:00 a.m. for a 4-mile pre-run at Storm King State Park. We’ll plan on starting out from the 9W lot at 7:45-ish. See the course on Strava. Download the GPX file. Download the KML file.

More about Storm King ››
Entrance: 1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY ›› 
Katonah Woods Bridge Lot ››

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On Saturday, May 14, at 8:00 a.m., anyone looking for a Saturday run can meet at Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking Lot at and run the Meadow to Blue route. I suggest starting up the FH trail and running in a counterclockwise direction so you get the biggest hills out of the way early. Bring your own maps to this one. See the map page here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

And thanks to everyone who came out last weekend for our Mother’s Day run at Blue Mountain and hanging out for coffee at Peekskill Coffee House afterwards. Kathy, we owe you a coffee.

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May 8, Blue Mountain Lodge

click for map page
click for map page

This Mother’s Day Sunday, May 8, at 8:00 a.m., we’ll run a new course at Blue Mountain—The Twin Peaks run. We’ll meet at the Blue Mountain Lodge and make a counterclockwise loop around the park for a total of 7.7 miles. Options include eliminating the climb to Spitzenberg Mountain and saving a mile or making the loop to the Depew Court lot and adding a mile. You can follow the course on Strava. Once we’re back together, we can head over to Peekskill Coffee House at 101 South Division Street for a cup of joe. Looking to start a little early? Arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a warm-up loop. Try to arrive before 8:00 to avoid any parking fee.

And save next Sunday for a special run at Storm King Art Center. We’ll meet at the entrance to Storm King at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 entry into the park which will open early just for us. Tony and Nick Ohnell are working out a course through the park which will take us by some of the most amazing outdoor sculpture. After the run, food will be provided courtesy of Nick. Families are welcome so RSVP to let us know how many are planning on coming please.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Thanks for everyone that came out last week to run in the drizzle in the Rez.

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And congratulations to the group (not all pictured below) that ran the 50 mile North Face Endurance Challenge at Bear Mountain last weekend…

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and those that competed in the 50k race (below)…and in the marathon and half marathon as well. Awesome job all!!

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May 1, Michigan Road Lot

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This Sunday, May 1, 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. PDF of the trail is available here ››

Great job at the Leatherman’s Loop last weekend everyone. And good luck to everyone running the North Face Endurance Challenge this weekend. At last count, there are 20 Sunday Runners that are entered into the various distances. For anyone who wants to, come out on Sunday for a short loop to loosen up at 8:00 and then head out for brunch at Blind Charlie’s in Pound Ridge at 9:15 for a post-race recap.

And save the date Sunday, May 15, for a special run at Storm King Art Center that Tony and Nick Ohnell are working on. Date is subject to change and details are in flux but this will happen so be prepared.

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April 24, Leatherman’s Loop

See you all at the Leatherman’s Loop. For those who like to get organized ahead of time, we will have early bib & shirt pickup at the entrance to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on Saturday April 23rd from 10am-12pm. We will be in the WPA Gallery across from the entrance booth. Come on over — it will make race day a bit less hectic for everyone!

And don’t forget to ARRIVE EARLY! Please plan to arrive at the park before 8:15 a.m. — or even earlier if you can swing it.

The Ioop site has lots of good information so head over to leathermansloop.org for complete details.

I look forward to seeing you at the race.

And thanks for coming out this past Sunday for a great run. With the warmer temps, it’s great to have some time to hang out after the run and talk. But also with the warm temps, check yourself over for ticks. They’re out.

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April 17, Meadow Lot

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This Sunday, April 17, 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. for a 4-mile run of the BR loop.

Next week I look forward to seeing a lot of you at the Leatherman’s Loop.

Lee Willett

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And thanks to all who came out last Sunday for the Raven Rocks run.

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April 10, Meadow Lot

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, April 10, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot for a run of the Raven Rocks course chock full of great views, rocky climbs, ridgeline paths, meadows, ravines and the site of the former fire tower. We won’t be doing a course check of the Leatherman’s Loop this year but this is a great alternative course. See the map here ››

Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. and I’m sure there will be a few adding miles on afterwards as well.

Next week we’ll be back at the same location to run The Meadow, Museum, Fire Tower to Michigan loop—another great 10k-ish course that is a good training run for the Loop.

Hope to see you this weekend.

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And thanks for all of the April fools that came out on the last jokingly snowy run. Apparently, the Mudders & Grunters race was cancelled because of high winds in FDR Park.

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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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March 27, Michigan Road Lot

click for map page
click for map page

On Sunday, March 27, 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. We haven’t seen the Rock Trail since Fall so this is a chance to enjoy some of the more challenging trails in the park. Options include loops of 5, 6, and 7 miles (your mileage may vary). Those looking to do some extra miles can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a 3 to 4 mile loop. See the map here ››

On Saturday, March 26, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the north end of the Harriman State Park Anthony Wayne parking lot when we run some of the trails at Bear Mountain. Groups can run from here to the NFEC finish and then back for a 14-mile run and anyone who wants to extend the run can head out on some of the NFEC course after a stop at the cars. Those coming up from the area can meet at the Katonah Woodsbridge parking lot at 7:00 a.m. and either caravan or carpool up. I’ve posted some very useful files for anyone interested in this run. You’re welcome.

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Great to see so many out last week at Leonard Park.

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March 20, Leonard Park, Mt. Kisco

This Sunday, March 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 Sanctuary, and for those looking for a long run, Westmoreland Sanctuary. Runners will have a choice of various distances.

5 Mile Run: Take the course through Marsh and Merestead to the Butler loop and return.
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.

And as most of you know already, your mileage may vary. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles. There you have it— a host of great options through five different parks. Hope to see you out there.

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5 & 7.7 Miles

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10 Miles

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13.1 Miles

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And thanks for coming out last week to Mountain Lakes Park. No matter what distance you ran, it was a great day.
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March 13, Mountain Lakes Park

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click for map page

This Sunday, March 13, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the trailhead to Lookout Point in Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North, Salem, NY) when we run the 6 mile(ish) perimeter loop. Start up the path to Lookout Point and follow the course over Bailey Mountain and the OS trail. Add an optional 1-mile loop at Hunt Lane and/or 2 miles for the Herst-Mead and Halmi Preserves for up to 9 fun miles. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. to get a few miles in and those looking to run longer can add some miles after. See the map here ››

And don’t forget to set your clocks ahead this weekend or you might miss the run!

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And thanks everyone for coming out last week. Might have been the last of the winter runs for a while.

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