Sunday, February 22, 8:00 a.m. This Sunday, meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge lot when we run a new course—Blue and Brown. The 4-mile Blue trail has been well packed and is a great run combining the initial long gentle trail and the steep up and down of the Fire Tower. Once back at the parking lot, head off to the DH trail and return via brown to add an additional 2.7 miles. Those who want to do a little more can tack on an extra mile by following DH through the pine forest and returning via Br. I’ve run all of these trails this week and for the most part they’re well compacted and stable. That said, we are expecting some snow on Saturday night and the temperatures on Sunday should be in the 30s so be prepared for anything.
Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. and run the DH/Br loop but bring a map—I can’t guarantee I’ll be there early this week.
Sunday, February 15, 8:00 a.m. Meet at Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot and run the Town to Michigan Loop. From the Town Park, we’ll follow the DH trail to the Trailside Museum, follow Orange to Red/Yellow, then return via the Brown trail making a clockwise loop. I’ve marked loops of 3 miles, 5.5 miles, and 6.8 miles on the map so you have your choice of distances. As of Thursday, though, I didn’t see any activity on the FH trail from Michigan to the Meadow so I suggest we follow the road for that portion of the run instead.
Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. and get the 3-mile loop in as a warmup.
This Sunday, February 8, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot when we run some of the best trails that I can find—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. While the map shows a loop toward the Overlook, I suggest staying on the Red Green path which is much more compacted and easier to run. You can return vial Yellow or Green, both seem to be runable. Check out community.sundayruns.org for trail updates.
Those looking to get a few extra miles in can meet early for a 7:00 a.m. start.
Also, Golden Harper from Altra will be at Ridgefield Running Company on Tuesday evening at 7:00 to talk about running injury-free for those interested.
This Sunday, February 1 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking Lot and rise to the challenge of the Fourth Annual Looper Bowl. Follow the loop course and live the excitement of the Leatherman’s Loop but with snow—lots and lots of snow. Detours are available to avoid all the water crossings and even the mud flats if necessary. I’ve been through most of the course and while it’s slow, it is passable. For those wanting to do some distance work, a group will be headed out after the run for up to a total of 20 miles (on a combination of roads and trails).
Join Us Online
Join the discussion on our community forum at community.sundayruns.org. Check out trail updates, runs scheduled on other days, post your own comments or questions for the group and connect with other runners in the community. In short, have fun with it.
This Sunday, January 25, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the trailhead to Lookout Point at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem) when we run a new course—The MLP Perimeter Loop. I’ve run much of the course lately and while there are areas of ice, most of that can be avoided by running at the edges of the path. We may have some snow on Saturday, though, so it’s hard to say what conditions will be like Sunday morning. There are options of adding a little more distance by including the Hunt Lane loop and the Spruce Lake trail. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive by 7:15 and get a few miles in before the run but bring your own maps, I’m going long on Saturday. I’ll post updates at community.sundayruns.org. See the map page ››
Saturday, January 24, at 8:00 a.m. Anyone looking to do some long slow distance this weekend—up to 20 miles—can meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. No specific course at this time so print a map so you have options.
Next week we’ll be back at the Meadow Parking Lot when we run the fourth annual Looper Bowl! Loop course. Winter weather. What could be better?
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.
On Sunday, January 11, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge reservation Michigan Road Lot when we run Rob’s Recovery 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. Anyone looking to add some miles can arrive at 7:15 and run north to the Meadow and return via Schoolhouse Road in time for the group. See the map page ››
Sunday, January 11, at 8:45 a.m. For those interested in checking out Bear Mountain, the Trail and Ultra Runners Meetup is having a walk up/run down Bear Mountain. Meet at the Bear Mountain Skating Rink by 8:45am (seems like they start collecting parking fees starting at 9am) and spend at least 2 hours out on the trail. Remember to bring water/wind-proof jacket, it’s colder there than in the NYC area. We’ll hike up the mountain and jog down, easy pace (if you’re in shape). Learn more here ›› | Hard run on Saturday ›› | See Google Map ›› | Want to car pool?
Saturday, January 10, 9:00 a.m. Anyone looking for some long slow distance? Meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot at 9:00 a.m. for up to 18 miles of LSD. No formal map for this run but runners will make approximate 6 mile loops back to the cars so if you’re not up for 18, you have options of 12 and 6 as well.
This Saturday, January 10, at 10:00 a.m., Eric Foxhall will lead runners on a run in his own backyard in Blue Mountain Reservation. Blue Mountain Reservation is a 1,538-acre park in the northwest section of Westchester County. It features miles of trails for mountain biking, strolling and nature study, and offers challenging hikes to the tops of two large peaks, Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. The 5.5-ish mile loop will take you to the top of Blue Mountain and on some of the more challenging single track in the park. Meet at the parking lot indicated on the map at 10:00 a.m. for this unique run. See the map ››
This Sunday, January 4, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Westmoreland Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Mount Kisco when we run the 5.25 mile perimeter loop. This time, we run the course in a counterclockwise direction and return to the main lot. Those who want an extra challenge can do the Butler loop across the street after the run. That will add another 3+ miles to the run for a total of around 8.5. Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:15 and run the Spruce-Brookside-Veery loop (but bring a map—I won’t be there early this week). See the map ››
click for map page
Night Run
Friday, January 2, at 7:00 p.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road Lot (at the lean-to) for another night run. This time we’ll be headed into the Northern part of the park on the Michigan to Kimberly 6 mile loop. Those looking to do a shorter distance can follow the Brown trail from the meadow to Kimberly bridge for a run of 4.5 miles. We’ve reserved the lean-to and firewood, so bring a headlamp, some refreshments, snacks, some warm dry clothes, and plan to hang out for a while after the run. The cost of the rental is $100 which we’ll split among us. See the map ››
This Sunday, December 28, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow parking lot when we run an old favorite—the Fire Tower Summit Run. This 6.2 mile run starts with a respectable uphill and seems to only go up from there. But don’t worry, there’s a fun downhill at mile 3 just past Raven Rocks and before the serious climb. By the time you reach mile 4, though, the worst is behind you and you can ease back and enjoy a long downhill to the finish. For everyone that came out last week for the “relatively flat” run, I saved the hills for you this week. As usual, those looking for a shorter run can find creative ways to reduce the mileage. And those looking to get a few extra miles in can meet early for a 7:15 a.m. start.
And remember to save the date of Friday, January 2, 7:00 p.m., for a night run in the reservation. We’re working on securing a lean-to for the evening and if it’s a clear night, we’ll have nearly a full moon to give us some extra light. I’ll post more details as they develop.
This Sunday, December 21, at 8:00 a.m., we have a special holiday-themed run—get ready for the Red and Green loop. Meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot and 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 just to keep it interesting. At 760 feet elevation change, this 6.5 mile course is one of my flatter ones so there’s no excuse not to get out and have some fun. As usual, those looking for a shorter run can find creative ways to reduce the mileage. And those looking to get a few extra miles in can meet early for a 7:15 a.m. start.
Also, save the date of Friday, January 2, 7:00 p.m., for a night run in the reservation. We’re working on securing a lean-to for the evening and if it’s a clear night, we’ll have nearly a full moon to give us some extra light. I’ll post more details as they develop.
This Sunday, December 14, we’re running somewhere new—Mianus River Park on the Greenwich/Stamford border. This is NOT Mianus River Gorge so to make sure we don’t get lost before we start, we’ll meet at 7:40 a.m. in front of the Bedford Village Fire House and follow Tony for the short ride (about 15 minutes) to the park. The Mianus River Park parking lot is listed as 450 Cognewaugh Rd. in Cos Cob (Greenwich), CT 06807 and we should arrive there around 8:00 for those who want to meet there directly. We’ll run the outer loop which is about 5.5 miles and those who want can run another mile out and back to see a very special cave. You can learn more about Mianus River Park at friendsofmianusriverpark.org. See the park map here ››
Thanks to everyone who came out to the holiday party last weekend—you made it a lot of fun. Gerry and Eamonn would like to thank you as well, so in their own words:
Dear Harriers,
Eamonn and I cannot truly express the gratitude we have for the support you have given to us. The group has become a family for us and has touched us in a way will forever stay in our hearts (tho not in a good touch/bad touch way). It has been a gift to see how the group has welcomed and supported Eamonn every week. The spirit of the group has carried him through the first two rounds of this journey, and will give him some added strength when he toes the line in Myrtle Beach. Hopefully, by the time we leave South Carolina, the people will know who the Sunday Runners are, either by Eamonn becoming all-American, or us blowing up a car.
Peace
Gerry
Hello Harriers,
Thank you so much for having the fund raiser for my trip. It meant a lot to me to see that every one was willing to help me go to nationals. I will run even harder for the group and every one who helped me make it to nationals. Thank you again and I will see all of you at the Sunday runs.
This Sunday, December 7, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the trailhead to Lookout Point at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem) when we run a new course—The Yellow/OS Loop. This course will take us on some trails we’ve neglected for a while and includes a longer stretch of the beautiful OS trail. There are options of adding a little more distance by including the Hunt Lane loop and the Spruce Lake trail. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive by 7:15 and get a few miles in before the run. (Just remember to take it easy at the holiday party on Saturday. ‘Nuf said.) See the map page ››
SUNDAY RUNS HOLIDAY PARTY
You won’t want to miss our annual holiday party on Saturday, December 6, at 6:00 p.m. Check your emails or RSVP here and then tell us what you’ll bring here.
This Sunday, November 30, 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. 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 full seven miles, 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 7:15 and get a few miles in before the run. Download PDF map ››
Friday, November 28, 8:30 a.m.
If anyone is interested in a post-Thanksgiving, black Friday run, meet at Mianus River Gorge in Bedford. The out-and-back is no farther than 5 miles, and with the snow, it’s going to be beautiful. The Mianus River Gorge office says they’re planning on being open on Friday so we’ll plan to meet there at 8:30 no matter what. Directions to Mianus ››
SUNDAY RUNS HOLIDAY PARTY
Email invites went out for the holiday party on Saturday, December 6, at 6:00 p.m. Check your emails or RSVP here and then tell us what you’ll bring here.
This Sunday, November 23, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Museum to Blue route. This 6.5-mile course starts with a bit of an uphill (that’s being kind) but once you reach the Magic Stairs within the first half mile, you can catch your breath and enjoy yourself. There might be another hill or two along the way but nothing to worry about. By the time you reach the blue trail, you’ll remember what makes that one of our favorites in the park. If you’re not feeling the love of the FH trail, you can start down orange and cut a half mile (and a couple hundred feet of elevation) from the run.
Friday, November 28, at 8:30 a.m. Looking for a way to burn off those excess calories from Thanksgiving? Meet at Mianus River Gorge at 8:30 a.m. and run the out-and-back 5-ish mile course. Mianus will be closing at the end of the month so this will be the last run there until Spring.
Saturday, November 22, at 9:30 David Emerson from Westchester Land Trust will be out at Zofnass again on Saturday, November 22, at 9:30, to finish the cleanup job. It only takes a couple hours and the more that are there, the faster it will go. Anyone interested in helping out can see my post here.
And lastly, Save the Date of the night of Saturday, December 6, for our annual holiday party. More on that to come.
Next week we’ll be back a the Lewisboro Town Park for our Fat Ass run. I look forward to see you out there.
