SUNDAY

On Sunday, April 14, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Michigan Road lot, when we run the second of our Subway Series. We’ll be using the “Subway” map of the Rez this time and you’re going to have to figure out what route to take. Just head to Raven Rocks, Kimberly Bridge, and the Meadow Lot, what could be easier, right? Early risers can start at 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00 for some Red Trail repeats.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, April 13, at 6:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Michigan Road lot, ready to run long. I’m considering following in Paul Fost’s footsteps and heading to Hunt Parker Preserves in an out-and-back combination of roads and trails. Should be about 20 miles total but you can turn back at any point.

For those looking for something shorter, arrive at Michigan Road at 7:00 and try the Rock Trail Loop.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

Enjoy the photo from the Meadow lot of just some of the runners that came out for the John Jay 5k trail race. Congratulations to the age group winners in the group.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, April 7, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot and get ready to run the John Jay Community 5k Trail Race. The race starts at John Jay Middle School at 9:00 a.m. so we’ll meet in the Rez and run over from there. Last year’s race was a lot of fun and our group cleaned up in the appropriate age groups. If you want to start early, arrive at 5:00 a.m. for a perimeter loop or 7:00 a.m. and choose your own loop. Pre-register for the race here ››

If you’re not up for the race, still meet at the Meadow Lot at 8:00 a.m. and choose whatever course you’d like to run from there.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, April 6, starting at 6:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot when we run the Red Trail Loop. This loop is comprised of some of the fastest trails in the park so we’ll start at 6:00 and make loops every 60 to 70 minutes. First loop will be counterclockwise and we’ll alternate direction after that. I’m in for two but you can continue as long as you’d like.

Those looking for a long run can also consider Springletrack, an awesome 30 mile course from High Falls to Ellenville through  the Shawangunk Range (“The Gunks”). I won’t be able to make this but I can highly recommend it. Learn more ››

THE OLD LEATHERMAN’S LOOP FKT

Read Lee-Stuart Evan’s Old Leatherman’s Loop FKT recap on his blog. Hopefully, we’ll get Lee back here for a run soon so you’ll have to chance to meet and run with him.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Awesome run this past Sunday from Kimberly Bridge. Glad everyone could make the photo.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, March 31, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge Lot when we run the Boutonville Oak Multidistance Loop. This run gives you opportunities for a range of distances from 6 to 8.5 miles including the “bushwhack trail” near the oak itself. Those looking to start early have a couple options—you can run loops of Blue and DH on the hour or you can join me for a few blue hill repeats from 5:00 until 8:00. Get map ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, March 30, at 7:00 a.m., meet at the Redding Train Station (3 Long Ridge Road, Redding, CT) ready to run the 17 mile Ives Trail. We’ll take as few cars as necessary to Bennett’s Pond where we’ll start the run at around 7:15. This is a self-supported 17 mile course stretching from Ridgefield to Redding that passes through Bennett’s Pond, Wooster Mountain, Tarrywile Park, the Bogus Preserve, and this year we’ll explore a new section near the end that avoids one road in favor of more trails. If you’d like to meet us along the way instead of doing the full run, let me know and I can give you some options. Get map ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Nice group at Leonard park last Sunday for the Leonard Park Half. No matter what distance you ran, it looks like everyone had fun.

 

SUNDAY

This Sunday, March 24, 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 6:00 a.m. at Meyer Preserve, Sarles Street lot at Bretton Ridge Road, for a few miles before driving to the main run by 8:00.

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. And if you know how to get to the Meyer Preserve, you can make this run even more epic.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, March 23, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town Park Upper Lot ready to run the perimeter loop. This time, let’s run this in a counterclockwise loop, getting to the overlook first, then the stairs, then Raven Rocks. If you’re not up for the entire 12 mile run, turn back at any point for a shorter distance. Those who want to start at 6:00 a.m. can run down the Pine Forest, through the meadow field, then back up Howland Drive in about an hour. See the perimeter map ›› Then after the the run, we’ll check Lee-Stuart Evens’s progress and hopefully meet him at Sparta Cemetary in Ossining for the completion of his trek.

LEATHERMAN FKT UPDATE

Lee-Stuart Evans is into his FKT attempt of the Leatherman’s Historic Loop. You can follow him, learn about his 350 mile trek, and see where you can catch up to him here ›› Track him live here ›› He looks to finish on Saturday around lunchtime so if you’re around, try to track him down and maybe share a few miles with him. We’ll plan to head over after the perimeter run and try to catch him before he’s done. Meet at the Sparta Cemetary in Ossining ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Big group today for the running of our Inaugural Run. Nine years after this group started, it’s amazing to see so many of you coming back time and time again. I’m looking forward to many more miles ahead.

LEATHERMAN FKT UPDATE

Lee-Stuart Evans is into his FKT attempt of the Leatherman’s Historic Loop. You can follow him, learn about his 350 mile trek, and see where you can catch up to him here ›› Track him live here ›› On Thursday morning several of us caught him as he was about to enter Armstrong Preserve and ran with him through the Reservation to find Tony Godino waiting for us at Lewisboro Town Park. If you have a chance to catch Lee next week on his return trip, do so. It will be worth your time.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, March 17, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town Park upper lot when we run the Inaugural Loop. This is the run that started the group in March of 2010 with the option of an additional mile for those who want to take a trip through the Pine Forest before this year’s Leatherman’s Loop. The bridge at intersection 2 is out so continue on the Brown trail and cross at intersection 1. The snow has been receding and I’m hopeful that most will be gone by Sunday so all you’ll have to deal with is mud, maybe some hills—the usual stuff. Early risers can start at 5:00 for an 8-mile loop or 7:00 for an additional 4. After a couple of weeks away, I’m really looking forward to getting back on some trails. Learn more ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, March 16, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park, trailhead to Lookout Point, when we do a course check of the Backyard Ultra race. We’ll run up to the pool parking lot where the race will start and run the 4.166 mile day loop followed by the night loop. We’ll try to keep on the one-hour race schedule but I don’t know what the trails are like in the park so I’m going to be flexible on that. Learn more ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Enjoy the picture from the last run from Reservoir Road. While a small group, it was a dedicated one to be out in the snow and rain. Kudos to Gene Leeds for coming out as well.

 

SUNDAY

This Sunday, March 10, at 8:00 a.m., we’re going to once again meet at Reservoir Road behind the Katonah Art Museum. With a new round of snow Saturday night and rain Sunday morning, it’s not going to be a great day on the trails. So, instead, we’ll run from Reservoir Road to Armstrong Preserve and, depending on trail conditions, may make a loop inside the park. Total distance is 10.5 miles but turn around whenever you want to shorten the distance to your liking. Sunday also starts Daylight Savings Time so the early run will start at 6:00 a.m. with an out-and-back to Mt. Holly road in time to pick Alan up at 7:00 a.m. See the map ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, March 9, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Michigan Road Lot, when we run whatever decent trails we can find. I’ve been on some of the trails and the larger trails in the southern portion of the Rez are in the best shape for running so let’s start there. We’ll head out on Red/Green and see how far we can get through Richard’s preserve and Armstrong. If the trails are in bad shape, we’ll keep to the larger trails instead. The link is to the Meadow to Armstrong map but we will start from Michigan Road. See the map ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Enjoy the picture from the last run from Reservoir Road. Whether you stayed on the road or took to the trail, it was a fun run. Glad I was able to show you the Hunt/Parker preserve and its miles of trails. If you want to return there on your own, there is parking for a few cars off of Todd Road and ways to extend this to connect to Mount Holly Sanctuary and Yarro preserve for a 13 mile run.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, March 3, at 8:00 a.m., we’re going to take a break from our usual trails that have been icy over the past weeks and run something different. Meet at Reservoir Road in Katonah, behind the Katonah Museum of Art. We have two options depending on trail conditions. If trail conditions are good, we’ll run across the dam, over to Hunt/Parker Preserves, and make a loop of that course before returning. Total distance is around 7 miles half on dirt road and half on trail. If the trails are in poor shape, we will stay on the roads and run to the end of Upper Hook Road for a total of 9 miles. Start at 5:00 and we’ll pre-run the Hunt/Parker course. 7:00 start will run Reservoir Road. Then at 8:00 we’ll decide what to run.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, March 2, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Tusk and Cup Coffee Shop in Ridgefield for our second annual Brew to Brunch run which starts at Devil’s Den and ends at the Saugatuck Trail end. From there, runners can support the Easton boy scout’s annual brunch. Meet at 7:00 for this 11-mile run that culminates in an all-you-can eat brunch for $12. We’ll be leaving to drop cars no later than 7:30 so if you miss the coffee, head over to Devil’s Den directly. Read details here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Enjoy the picture from the last run…in the snow…in the cold…and the rain. Awesome, right? Kudos to Todd for completing 5 loops. Looks like that Mountain Lakes Backyard Ultra training is well underway.

 

SUNDAY

This Sunday, February 24, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking Lot when we run the Meadow 8 x 4 mile loop course. This course is a series of loops, each approximately 4 miles in length. I recommend running the magenta and brown courses in that order but feel free to be creative depending on the weather and trail conditions. You can even combine the two for a run of about 6.5 miles. If you’re walking, choose any of the courses or stick to the road if you’d prefer. Those starting early, we’ll choose different courses at 5:00, 6:00, and 7:00.

SATURDAY

This Saturday, February 23, at 7:00 a.m., meet at the Nature Conservancy Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Mt. Kisco (see in Google maps) when we run a combination of trails covering most of the park. We’ll also test out the connecting trail to Westmoreland to see how passable that is. Total distance will be around 5.5 miles. Don’t worry, you’ll still get a workout since the terrain has a lot of ups and downs. Meet in the Butler parking lot. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Meanwhile, enjoy the photo from last Sunday’s run. You wouldn’t think that there was ice on the trail based on that photo but you all know the truth.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, February 17, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road Lot ready to run the Michigan to Kimberly Loop Course. The main course is a 6 mile loop that will take you over Fox Hill, DH, and up Blue. Needless to say, there are hills involved. Overachievers can turn this into a 7.5 or 9 mile run instead. As usual, early birds can start at 5:00 for 8 miles and 7:00 for an additional 4. With warm temperatures Thursday and Friday, I’m not sure what the trails will be like this weekend so this might be a good time to try out those MicroSpikes, Screw Shoes, or what have you. My helpful winter running tips can be found here.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, February 16, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town park upper lot ready to run the Perimeter Loop. This course offers distances from 4 miles to 12 miles and multiple options to cut the run short if necessary. I don’t know what the trail conditions will be on Saturday so be prepared with spikes or screw shoes just in case the snow and ice isn’t melted by then. And bring your own maps—I’m not a sure I’ll be there so don’t wait for me.

 

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Enjoy the photo from last week at the Trailside Museum. The rez is looking a bit different after the recent snow.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, February 10, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Trailside Museum when we Run the Numbers. This unique run has runners connect the intersections of the park in order, sometimes crossing paths with other runners in the process. We’re going to start with intersection #9 and continue from there. If you make it to intersection #24, you’ll have around 6.5 miles. Intersection 30 will net you around 9 miles, but you’re free to finish all 70 if you’re up for a challenge—stop whenever you want. I’ll bring a few maps but you might want to print one at home just to make sure you get one. As usual, early birds can start at 5:00 for an 8 mile loop and 7:00 for another 4. See the map ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, February 9, at 7:00 a.m., meet at the Teatown Nature center, 1600 Spring Valley Rd, Ossining, NY, when we run some of the Teatown Trails. Normally, we’d run the classic Teatown to Kitchawan 13 mile course but I’d like to have a look at some of the other trails there. Let’s start at the nature center and make a clockwise loop as shown, incorporating the Dam Road near the reservoir. Final total of this course is around 13 miles but you can adjust longer or shorter as necessary. These trails are non technical so this is a great way to get some early-season miles in quickly. Hope to see you there. Learn more here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Enjoy the photo of the crowd from last week’s Looper Bowl. Great to see so many out for this annual event.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, February 3, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot when we run an annual favorite—The Looper Bowl. It’s all the fun of the Leatherman’s Loop but colder and with a chance for snow and ice. You won’t want to miss this! If you don’t want to get your feet wet, there are options to avoid the water crossings and even the mud flats so there’s no excuse to miss out. Looking to start early? Arrive at 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 for some additional loops.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, February 2, at 7:00 a.m., meet at John F. Kennedy High School on Route 138 in Somers (park in the Northen lot), when we run the Kennedy to Reis Park/Angle Fly Preserve. We’ll run from the trailhead of the Kennedy Trail, cut through to Somers High School, then make our way to Reis Park. I’ve outlined a 7.3 mile run but you have the option of continuing on to Angle Fly and turn this into a half marathon. I don’t have a PDF map for this, but I do have .kml and .gpx files if you want to see what I’m thinking.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Great seeing so many people at last Sunday’s run at Mountain Lakes Park…

…and at the annual Post-Holiday Party. It was great spending time with the group at such a slow pace for a change.

SUNDAY

This Sunday, January 27, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the trailhead to Lookout Point in Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, New York 10560) and get ready to run the 2018 Sarah Bishop course. Relive the great uphill at the start, and the equally awesome uphill at the finish. In between there’s Bailey Mountain and plenty of trail. For those looking to start early, we’ll be leaving the lot at 6:00 and 7:00 although if the main gate is closed, we’ll be starting at the Park Office Lot. For those thinking of signing up for the Mountain Lakes Backyard Ultra in June, we’ll run a variation of the night course at 6:00 and the day course at 7:00. You won’t want to miss those. Download the PDF ››

SATURDAY

This Saturday, January 26, at 7:00 a.m, meet at the Leon Levy Preserve in South Salem. The parking lot entrance is on Route 123 about half a mile south of Route 35. At 383 acres, this preserve is relatively small but I have a way to get over 6 miles out of the park with little doubling up on the course. We’ll head across the street to Levy East and check out the .75 mile loop there as well. Download a map of the park here.

Enjoy the photo from last Sunday’s Run from the Trailside Museum. It was a small crowd but the weather cooperated and we managed to get a good run in.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

SUNDAY

This Sunday, January 20, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Trailside Museum ready to run the Museum to Blue loop. The map shows three options from 6.5 to 8.5 miles but because the bridge is out, we’ll be finishing the run by heading up blue and across the field. The latest weather reports show 8 to 12 inches of snow with rain starting around dawn so I’m going to recommend we give the park a little extra time to plow the lot and start the run at 8:00 a.m., not earlier. If you think you want to try getting there early, go ahead, but use your best judgement on Sunday whether you can make it safely. (Note: I can run to the park from my house so I’ll plan to be there nonetheless.)

SATURDAY

This Saturday, January 19, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park, Trailhead to Lookout Point when we run some of the trails of the Sarah Bishop Course. I can’t promise we’ll stay on the entire course, we may take a bushwhack or two, but I guarantee it’s going to be fun. More ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Enjoy the photo from last week’s Rock Trail Run.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, January 13, at 8:00 a.m.,meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot when we run a perennial classic—the Rock Trail. We haven’t been there as a group in a while so let’s check out one of the Reservation’s more challenging trails. Looking to start early? Arrive at 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 for some additional unfinished loops from Saturday’s Run.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, January 12, at 7:00 a.m., let’s get loopy. Michigan Road loopy that is. We’ll be running a series of 4-mile loops, returning to the cars approximately on the hour to refuel. How many can you do? One? Two? There are 8 on the map for anyone who’s up for an early-year ultra, just sayin’. If you’re not up for a 7:00 a.m. start, arrive at 8:00 for the second wave.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

Enjoy the photo from last week’s run from the Meadow.