August 17, Meadow Lot

Click for map page
Click for map page

This Sunday, August 17 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).

Anyone interested in a run on Saturday, August 16 at 8:30 a.m., meet at Mianus River Gorge on the Bedford/Greenwich border for this 4.5 mile out-and-back trail run. The preserve opens at 8:30 so if you get there early, be patient. See the map here ››

I’m looking for suggestions for next week’s run. Reservation? Mountain Lakes Park? Butler/Westmoreland? Or something different? Email me with suggestions. Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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August 10, Trailside Museum

Click for map page
Click for map page

This Sunday, August 10 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Trailside Museum for the Trailside, Raven to Tower 6 or 9 Mile loop. We’ll climb Fox Hill, go over the Magic Stairs before heading into the southern portion of the park and returning via Fire Tower Hill. If you’re up for a longer run, follow the additional dotted lines for a 9-mile course that will take you on some of the less-traveled paths in the northern portion of the park. Either way you do it, there are some hills in this course that are sure to get your attention so enjoy. Download a PDF here ››

Anyone interested in a run on Saturday, August 9 at 8:00 a.m., meet at a new location—the Leon Levy Preserve on Route 123 near Route 35 in South Salem (24 Smith Ridge Rd, South Salem, NY). This is a relatively new preserve created by the Lewisboro Land Trust and the parking lot was just created early this year. While small (a loop is 2.5 miles) the changing terrain really keeps you on your toes and varies from carriage trails to single-track. I’ve been able to create a 5.25 mile spaghetti-like loop using almost all of the trails but feel free to get lost if you’d prefer. Let me know if you’re interested in doing this and I’ll join you. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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August 3, Mountain Lakes Park

MLP_6mi_loop
Click for map page

This Sunday, August 3 at 8:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem) to run a new 6.2 mile loop that is a preview of some of the trails for the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Park in the pool parking lot and start on the shore of Hemlock Lake heading to Lookout Point and run the course as shown on the map. We’ll go over Bailey Mountain and take the OS trail before returning to the Hemlock campsite. Those wanting a longer run can regroup and go out for some added mileage. See the map here ››

Anyone interested in a run on Saturday, August 2 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Trailside Museum and test out next Sunday’s run—Trailside, Raven to Tower 6 Mile loop. It’s been a while since we climbed our old friends the Magic Stairs and that’s just the first of two sizable climbs on this run. Download the map here. Enjoy.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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July 27, Muscoot Farm

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, July 27 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Muscoot Farm parking lot (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) when we run the perimeter 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. You may also want to avoid the final field which is likely unmowed. Registration for the race in October is now open so sign up. You can download a map of the five-mile course here. Remember, don’t park on the road, don’t touch the farm machinery, stay out of the farm area, and please park on the western side of the lot, away from the farm.

Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 a.m. For those up for a Saturday run, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem) to run a new 6.2 mile loop. While the map shows the start near Hemlock Lake, start instead at the trail head to Lookout Point and run the course as shown which includes Bailey Mountain and the OS trail. Don’t worry if you miss it, we’ll be running this next Sunday. See the map here ››

And speaking of races, only 11 weeks to train before the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Sign up soon.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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July 20, Meadow Parking Lot

WPR_8.4mi_EleanorsEscape2
click for map page

This Sunday, July 20 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking lot to run a new variation of an epic run—Eleanor’s Escape. Start at the Meadow and follow FH and BR to Kimberly Bridge then take Blue around the mountain to Raven Rocks and the Southwestern trails in the park. The full loop is 8.4 miles but you have several options to make the run shorter. See the map ››

Saturday, July 19 at 8:00 a.m. For those up for a Saturday run, meet at the Muscoot Farm main parking lot and run the 5 mile perimeter loop. If the last field isn’t mowed, feel free to take the shortcut back to Yellow and save yourself the lacerations from running through the grass. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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July 13, Westmoreland Preserve

Butler-Westmoreland
click for map page

This Sunday, July 13 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 will take us in a counterclockwise direction around the park and return us to the main lot. Those who want an extra challenge can do the Butler loop across the street next. That will add another 3+ miles to the run for a total of around 8.5. See the map ››

Saturday, July 12 at 8:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot and run all or part of a new variation of Eleanor’s Escape. 8.4 or 6.0 mile variations are possible or run your own course. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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July 6, Trailside Museum

WPR_6.5mi_TrailsideToOverlook
click for map page

This Sunday, July 6 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run a new course—Trailside To Overlook. This will take us towards the Overlook via Schoolhouse Road and then back via Kimberly Bridge. If the weather is warm, you might want to take the water crossing before you return via junction 2 so keep an eye out for a small trail on your left before the bridge. You have options for making this run 7.7 miles, 6.3 miles, or 5 miles depending on which route you follow.

Saturday, July 5 at 8:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, meet at the Westmoreland Sanctuary main parking lot in Mt. Kisco and run the Perimeter 5.2 Mile loop in a counter-clockwise direction. Bring a map, though, while the trails are marked, it’s easy to take a wrong turn. If you miss this run, don’t worry, we’ll be back here next Sunday.

Friday, July 4th at 8:30 a.m. Start your long weekend off right and meet at Mianus River Gorge when it opens for a 5-mile out-and-back run on these beautiful trails. See the trail map here.

There you have it—three great runs at three different locations. Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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June 29, Meadow Parking Lot

Click for map page
Click for map page

This Sunday, June 29 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking Lot when we run the Meadow to Blue Route. This course takes us to Raven Rocks and around the Fire Tower hill to return via Kimberly bridge and the FH trail. Those wanting to vary the distance can return via Orange for a six-mile loop and those looking for more elevation can take Blue up to the Fire Tower. Any way you run it, you’ll have a great time.

For those who want to run Saturday, June 28 at 8:00 a.m., there is a contingent of runners that are going to run the Mountain Lakes 15K (or the 10K option). Meet at the pool parking lot as before. The trail won’t be flagged but Mark Vincent will be there to make sure everyone makes it through. Just in case, though, you might want to bring a map.

And if you want to start your weekend off one day early, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum on Friday, June 27 at 8:00 a.m. for a run down to Raven Rocks and back via the Meadow. I don’t have a map of this but something similar to this map but against the arrows and following FH to the Meadow.

If you’re up for a run on Friday, July 4, at 8:30 a.m., meet at the parking lot of Mianus River Gorge and run the out-and-back trail to the reservoir. This 5 mile course is a great way to start the long weekend.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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June 22, Mountain Lakes 15K

MLP_15K
click for map page
This Sunday, June 22 at 8:00 a.m, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY) Pool Parking Lot (where you parked for the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack) when we run a new 15K course in honor of the Summer solstice. The course will be marked and includes some familiar trails within Mountain Lakes Park and some new ones in adjacent preserves. If you’re not up for the full distance, bypass the Hunt Lane loop, Hearst-Mead and Halmi Preserves for a more manageable 10K. We’ll drop water at the midpoint of the run and at the finish. See the map page here.

For those who want to run Saturday, June 21 at 8:00 a.m., I suggest meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot and run the Meadow, Museum, Fire Tower, Michigan loop—six miles of awesome (but save something for the Mountain Lakes 15K the next day, okay).

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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June 15, Zofnass Family Preserve

zofnass_preserve
click for map page

This Sunday, June 15 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Zofnass Family Preserve on Upper Shad Road in Pound Ridge (see Google Map) when we run this excellent preserve with a network of trails noted for its crags and rock outcrops. Meet at the main entrance and we’ll follow a perimeter loop making all right turns except for exiting the park (yeah, you’ll probably want to bring a map). We’ll make a 6-mile loop counter-clockwise around the preserve this time including the orange, western loop. See the map page here.

For those who want to run Saturday, June 14 at 8:00 a.m., I suggest meet at Mountain Lakes Park at the white trailhead to lookout point and run the Outer OS loop. If you’re going to run either the 15k or 10k variant with us next week, you might want to get familiar with those trails by taking the right fork on Blue and going over Bailey Mountain before following Blue/Yellow to Hunt Lane.

Upcoming:
Wednesday, June 18: Summer Solstice Run 14k, Minnewaska State Park, Gardiner NY
Sunday, June 22: Mountain Lakes 15k. An extended Sunday Run for the summer solstice. Details to come.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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June 8, Michigan Road Lot

WPR_7.5mi_SightsHeights
click for map page

This Sunday, June 8 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road parking lot when we run a new combination of trails I’m calling Sights and Heights. On this 7.5 mile route, you’ll see two great sights—from the Overlook to the west and Raven Rocks to the south—then it’s up to the heights—the fire tower and highest point in the park. If you’re not up for the full 7.5 miles, then see the sights and head back to the parking lot via the red trail for an abbreviated run. See the map here ››

Saturday, June 7, at 8:00 a.m. Meet at the entrance to Zofnass Family Preserve on the Bedford/Greenwich border. Bring your own map located here. If you miss this, don’t worry, We’ll be back at Zofness on Sunday, June 15.

Upcoming:
Wednesday, June 18: Summer Solstice Run 14k, Minnewaska State Park, Gardiner NY
Sunday, June 22: Mountain Lakes 15k. An extended Sunday Run for the summer solstice. Details to come.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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June 1, The Running Goddess at Lasdon Park

The Running Goddess 5k trail Race
The Running Goddess trail race course map
view map

This Sunday, June 1 at 8:00 a.m., come out to Lasdon Park for the second 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. Is 5k too short for you? Then do a second lap, just don’t enter the chute a second time.

Not interested in the Running Goddess? Then meet at Muscoot Farm at 8:00 a.m. and complete the Run the Farm 5 mile course. Bring some money because you’re want to hang out and hit the farmer’s market after and while you’re in the area, stop by Lasdon Park and join in the post-race festivities.

Saturday, May 31, at 8:00 a.m. Meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking Lot and run the Meadow, Michigan & Museum 6 mile loop. Start at the Meadow and head south to Michigan Road and into the southern part of the park before passing by the Trailside museum and the pine forest and returning through the meadow. If you want to add another mile and a half, go straight on 22 and left on 36 to get to Raven Rocks. Bring your own map located here.

Upcoming:
Wednesday, June 18: Summer Solstice Run 14k, Minnewaska State Park, Gardiner NY
Sunday, June 22: Mountain Lakes 15k. An extended Sunday Run for the summer solstice. Details to come.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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May 25, Trailside Museum

trailside_icon
Trailside Museum

This Sunday, May 25 at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Trailside Museum for a very special run. Since a number of Sunday runners (I won’t mention names—you know who you are) seem to have difficulty following my maps, this is your chance to make your own. The morning of the run at the museum, I’ll set a destination and even give you a map to get you there (although you can ignore that if you want and take your own route). Your challenge is to get to that destination and back taking any path you choose. The shortest out-and-back will be 5 miles but you can make the run as long as you’d like. This Sunday, it will be impossible to take a wrong turn.

Saturday, May 24, at 8:30 a.m. Meet at the entrance to Mianus River Gorge when the preserve opens at 8:30 and follow the red trail south taking every left. Located on the Bedford/Greenwich border (Google map here) the terrain is similar to Zofnass preserve but shorter and with fewer switchbacks. Bring your own map located here.

Upcoming:
Sunday, June 1: The Running Goddess 5K at Lasdon Park
Wednesday, June 18: Summer Solstice Run 14k, Minnewaska State Park, Gardiner NY
Sunday, June 22: Mountain Lakes 15k. An extended Sunday Run for the summer solstice. Details to come.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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May 18, A Mild Sprain

view map page ››
view map page ››

This Sunday, May 18 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper parking lot and car-pool to A Mild Sprain 4.25 trail race in Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers. Race director David Vogel always makes sure this is a fun and challenging event and last year saw a number of our group on the stage for the awards ceremony. Race-day registration is still open although online registration is closed. If you want to car-pool for the race, meet at Lewisboro Town Park UPPER lot at 8:00 a.m. and at the park-and-ride off exit 4 on route 684 at 8:20.

Not planning on doing the race and refuse to cave to peer pressure? Still meet at Lewisboro Town Park Upper lot on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. to run the  Meadow Northern Loop course but starting from the town park (see map here for access). I suggest running the loop in a counter-clockwise direction and bypassing the Meadow lot on your way to the Trailside Museum. It’s your call but bring your own maps, I’ll be at A Mild Sprain.

Saturday, May 17, 8:00 a.m.
Looking for a Saturday run? I suggest checking out the Outer OS loop from last Sunday at Mountain Lakes Park. Seems everyone had a good time and this will give you a chance to see where you got off-map.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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