May 24, Blue Mountain (From Depew Court)

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, May 24, at 8:00 a.m., meet at a new location when we run the Blue Mountain Reservation Depew Court 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. Options include a 4.5-ish mile loop and a 6.5-ish mile loop but 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 start the Memorial Day Sunday. Looking to start a little early? Arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a warm-up loop.

Saturday, May 23, 8:00 a.m.
For anyone looking for a Saturday run, I recommend heading up to Mountain Lakes Park and run the 10 loop. Meet at the Trailhead to Lookout Point.

I hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

[poll id=”134″]

May 17, Options, Options, Options

This Sunday, May 17, you have some great options to choose from.

Option 1: A Mild Sprain 4.25 mile Trail Race, Yonkers, NY

This Sunday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m., join team Leatherman Harriers and run A Mild Sprain 4.25 trail race in Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers. This is the second race in the Trail Mix series and race director David Vogel always makes sure this is a fun and challenging event. Race-day registration may be available but check the website for more information. If you want to car-pool for the race, meet at Lewisboro Town Park UPPER lot at 8:00 a.m. and at the Bedford Hills Train Station northern lot (Railroad Ave. side) at 8:20.

Option 2: The Running Goddess 5k

This Sunday, May 17, at 8:00 a.m., come out to Lasdon Park for the third 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.

Option 3: Lewisboro Town Park Northern Loop
WPR_6mi_TownParkNorth
click for map page

Not planning on doing the races? Meet at Lewisboro Town Park Upper lot on Sunday, May 17, at 8:00 a.m. to run the  Town Park Northern Loop course. Bring your own maps, I’ll be at A Mild Sprain.

Saturday, May 16, 8:30 a.m.
For anyone looking for a Saturday run, meet at Mianus River Gorge at 8:30 a.m. and run the 5 mile out-and-back course. While one of our shorter courses, it’s a beautiful run through an old-growth forest.

Lee Willett

[poll id=”133″]

May 10, Mountain Lakes Park

MLP_15K_v2
click for map page

This Sunday, May 10, at 8:00 a.m, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY) at the trailhead to lookout point when we run all or parts of a new version of the Mountain Lakes 10k/15k. The full course includes trails within Mountain Lakes Park and recently marked ones in adjacent preserves. Options include the 6-mile loop (solid orange line) or adding the Hunt Lane loop, Hearst-Mead Preserve, Halmi Preserve, and Sturgess Park for the full 15k experience. See the map page here.

Those who have commitments on Sunday can show up on Sunday at 7:00 a.m., bring your own maps, and run the full course early. If you want to catch the group at 8:00, start on the same course but return via the Blue trail when you reach mile 2. That should be a good 4-mile warmup.

Thinking about running A Mild Sprain next Sunday and want to check out the course in advance? Here’s your chance. Meet at Sprain Ridge Park on Saturday, May 9, at 8:00 a.m. for a course check. Those wishing to carpool can meet at Lewisboro Town Park at 7:15 and at the Bedford Hills Train Station northern lot (Railroad Ave. side) at 7:30.

Lee Willett

[poll id=”132″]

May 3, Michigan Road Lot

Click for map page
Click for map page

This Sunday, May 3, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge reservation Michigan Road Lot when we run Rob’s Run—six miles of trails in the southern portion of the park that take us past the overlook, Leatherman’s Cave, Bear Rock Petroglyph, and Dancing Rock. Optional cutoff at intersection 34 will take a mile off the distance if you’re not feeling the love. Anyone looking to add some miles can arrive at 7:00 and run north to the Meadow and return via Schoolhouse Road in time for the group but bring your own maps—a few in the group will be running at Bear Mountain on Saturday though I’ll do my best to make it out on Sunday. See the map page ››

Next weekend we have two runs scheduled. Saturday, May 9, we’ll be running a course check of A Mild Sprain and on Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day), we’ll be meeting at Mountain Lakes Park and run some of those trails that we haven’t seen in a while.

Have a great run this weekend no matter where.

Lee Willett

[poll id=”131″]

April 26, Leatherman’s Loop

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Leatherman’s Loop this Sunday. Good luck to you all and we’ll run together next week.

Important notes from the Leatherman’s Loop team

Race organizers Mike Paletta, Tony & Judy Godino, Rob Cummings and the dedicated Leatherman’s Loop volunteers have been working hard to set up this year’s event. All we need is YOU!

Below are some important instructions regarding the Loop. Registration is packed full. We will need your help to ensure that loop day goes smoothly.

Here are some tips that you can incorporate into your plan for the morning and the day:

1.) ARRIVE EARLY! Please plan to arrive at the park before 8:20. Car pool if you can. Traffic will back up considerably at the park entrance as race time approaches. Please be patient. The regular $10 parking fee is incorporated as part of the loop entry fee so entry will go more quickly. It is always wise to arrive earlier than you think you need to in order to make sure you are all set by race start time (9am). This is especially true if it is your first time running the Loop.

2.) DRIVE SLOWLY and CAREFULLY in the Park! Watch the volunteers who are directing the parking. PARK TIGHT! Plan ahead – Car Pool if you can!. For a helpful overview of the race location (parking, start, bib pickup), check the logistics page on the website.

Continue reading

April 19, Meadow Parking Lot

WPR_6mi_MeadowMuseumFiretowerMichigan
click for map page

This Sunday, April 19, 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. 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 is the Leatherman’s Loop but we’ll be back the week after that with more great runs.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Lee Willett

[poll id=”130″]

April 12, Meadow Parking Lot

2 Weeks to Go Before Leatherman’s Loop

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, April 12, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot for the only course check of the Leatherman’s Loop. If you’re running the race this year, this will be the only chance to run the course with the group and a great chance to get out and test the terrain. The water crossings are optional but not the Mud Flats so you might want to bring a second set of shoes to change into. I’m just sayin’.

For those looking for some extra mileage before the run can arrive at 7:00 for a 4-mile loop. Then after the course check, there’s the Fire Tower Summit Run—a 10K with hills, rocky trails, and 1,130 feet in elevation gain—or the similar but even more challenging 9.5 mile Rock Trail/Fire Tower Run.

Hope to see you this weekend.

Lee Willett

[poll id=”129″]

[sign_up_sheet id="2"]

April 5, Zofnass Family Preserve

zofnass_preserve
click for map page

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

[poll id=”128″]

March 29, Meadow Parking Lot

click for map page
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

[poll id=”127″]

March 22, Michigan Road

5mi_RedRockTrail
click for map page

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
Follow my trail updates on community.sundayruns.org

[poll id=”126″]

March 15, Lewisboro Town Park

WPR_6mi_InauguralLoop
click for map page

On Sunday, March 15, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town Park when we celebrate 5 Years of Sunday Runs with our Six-Mile Inaugural Loop. Five years ago Rob started the runs at the Town Park with a handful of local runners preparing for the Leatherman’s Loop. We’d like to recreate that first run (and add some miles as an option) to commemorate our humble beginnings. I hope some of the runners from that first day will show up. The trails are still snow-covered and hard but Saturday’s rain will change things considerably. Be prepared for anything. Those looking to do some extra miles can arrive at 7:00 for a BR/DH loop.

Just six weeks before the Leatherman’s Loop.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

5Years
See more photos on Facebook and follow my trail updates on community.sundayruns.org

March 8, Reservoir Road, Katonah

click to enlarge
click to enlarge

With our usual trails in such poor shape, we’re going to switch things up this week with the option of some distance work on a more forgiving surface. Our 5th-year commemorative run will have to wait a week (at least). On Sunday, March 8, at 8:00 a.m., meet on Reservoir Road in Katonah (behind the Katonah Art Museum, see Google map) and run 4.5, 6.5, or 9.0 mile out-and-back course to Maple Ave, Jay Street and Upper Hook Road. Your choice of distances but the turnaround at 121 yields a total of 9 miles. With some warmer temps moving in, hopefully we’ll be back on the trails again soon.

No early run this Sunday but remember to set your clocks ahead (so it will feel like an early run).

Hope to see you on Sunday. Seven weeks to the Leatherman’s Loop.

Lee Willett

3/8/15

See all the great photos on the Leatherman’s Loop Facebook Page ››
Continue reading

March 1, Michigan Road Lot

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, March 1, 8:00 a.m.
This Sunday, meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road lot when we run some of the large southern trails—Red, Yellow, and Green. This 5.5 mile loop follows the trails that have been well compacted by skiers, snow shoers, and runners so be prepared for a fast run. The temps might be a little cold at the start but it will warm up a bit as the sun rises. Those looking for an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a shortened loop.
See the map page ››

And make sure you come out next week when we celebrate 5 Years of Sunday Runs. Five years ago Rob started the runs at the Town Park with a handful of local runners preparing for the Leatherman’s Loop. We’ll recreate that run (and add some miles as an option) to commemorate our humble beginnings. I hope some of the runners from that first day will show up.

Hope to see you this weekend.

Lee Willett