Page 9 – Sunday Runs with the Leatherman Harriers

October 7, Paine to Pain

SUNDAY

On Sunday, October 7, at 9:00 a.m., get ready to run everybody’s favorite trail half marathon in southern Westchester—PaineToPain. The course is a giant loop that winds its way through the woods and trails of five different parks starting at Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle and ending at New Rochelle High School. Get ready for this unique event and learn more at PaineToPain.com.

On Sunday, October 7, at 8:00 a.m., if you’re not running Paine to Paine, then meet at Lewisboro Town Park, upper lot, ready to run the Reservation Perimeter Loop. The total run is 12 miles but I have options for 8 and 6 mile distances as well. If you’re looking to start early, bring a headlamp and start at 5:00 a.m. for a pre-run in the opposite direction. All totaled, overachievers can reach 24 miles with these back-to-back runs.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, October 6, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park, Hemlock Lake Campsite, 201 Hawley Drive, North Salem, NY, for another run of the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack course. While I may be responsible for your sore legs the beginning of this week, I’ve never actually run the course as you did so I’m going to give it a try. In addition, I have a couple little bushwhacks that I’d like to take just to make the day more interesting and make the run a true Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Download the PDF ››

MONDAY

On Monday, October 8, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan road lot when we run some of the southern trails in the park including the rock trail, Indian rock shelter, and bear rock petroglyph. Final course to be determined.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

Thanks everyone for coming out to the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack last weekend. From what we’ve heard, you liked the changes we made to the course. We’re already planning on a few more tweaks for next year’s race so we hope to see you on Sunday, September 29, 2019 for the 7th running of the race. Meanwhile, enjoy our race recap video.

The Squatchung Surprise 2018

By Claudia Rimerman
The gimmick here is that it’s a timed race with four trails, each a different length. You don’t know how far you’ll run or which trails until it happens (pull a colored golf ball out of a bucket and run the corresponding trail). The park is mid-Jersey terrain: gentle rolling hills, nothing really challenging, but very lovely. The trails are 2, 3, 4 and 5 miles, and there is significant overlap at the beginning and end, but it’s along a pretty lake, so it’s not boring or frustrating. The four mile loop has some nice single track and fun turns. The five miler goes through an abandoned Victorian era village with impressive but decrepit homes; I got stalled there an extra five minutes reading the informative placards about the turn of the century summer vacationers, the social class distinctions between wealthy and middle class vacationers, and the bookbinding business that once thrived there. The five miler also had a great combination of single track, gravel road, deep woods, river, and the hardest hill on the course (do NOT think “Blue Hill”—it’s about 3/4 mile and not as tough). That said, I did do a bit of walking. The organizers are enthusiastic, and they bring a whole snack bar of REAL FOOD, prepared in response to a pre-race survey of runners’ favorite snacks. The event ends with a P/T session and a bowl of vegetarian chili. Well worth the drive across the GWB.

September 30, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack

SUNDAY

On Sunday, September 30, at 9:00 a.m., get ready to race the 6th Annual Sarah Bishop Bushwhack—a challenging 10K (ish) trail race featuring the highest peak in Westchester, Bailey Mountain, and beautiful views of Lookout Point and Hemlock Lake. We’ve changed the course and eliminated the Hunt Lane road in favor of giving you more trails. Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday night but we will have same-day on-site registration. Race day registration will be $40 (exact change, please). Also aim to be in the park before 8:45 a.m. The road will be blocked at 9:00 a.m. for the start of the race so if you’re not there by then, well, you get the picture. If you’re looking to pre-run the course, arrive at 6:15 a.m. for a 6:30 a.m. start and make one last course check before the race. If you’re not signed up, register here ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, September 29, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot ready to run one of the Twisted Loops. These eight-mile loops weave through the park using trails that meander back and forth so you’ll want to make sure you bring a map with you. I recommend the green loop which will take you to the overlook but feel free to choose something else. Bring your own maps, though, since I’ll be setting up for Sarah Bishop while you’re running. Download the PDF ››

Meanwhile, enjoy the picture from the past run at Mianus River Park. What a beautiful day to be at this little gem.

Hope to see you out there this weekend…or on Tuesday.
Lee Willett

September 23, Mianus River Park

SUNDAY

On Sunday, September 23, at 8:00 a.m., let’s go where we haven’t been in a while—Mianus River Park on the Stamford/Greenwich border. Meet at the Merribrook Lane parking lot (set your GPS to 250 Merribrook Lane, Stamford, CT 06902) ready to run a counterclockwise perimeter loop which is around 6 miles. But if you want more miles, this park has lots of intersecting trails so feel free to wander aimlessly (typical) and get to know this little gem. Those looking to start early can meet at 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m. for extra wandering.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, September 22, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town Park ready to run the Ward Pound Ridge Perimeter loop. This 12-ish mile loop will take us on the outermost trails in the Rez before returning to Town Park. Not up for the full loop? Peel off anytime and return when you want. The weather should be beautiful with just a hint of fall colors. See the full map ››

Next week we’ll be at the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Shirt order went in and we’ll be prepping the course over the next week. We look forward to a great event so register if you haven’t done so already.

Hope to see you out there this weekend…or on Tuesday.
Lee Willett

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Meanwhile, enjoy the photo from Where the Pavement Ends. Lots of age group awards for this group. Well done all. Next weekend will be Sarah Bishop. Don’t forget to register.

Breakneck Marathon 2018

By Kevin Rader

In 2015, I toed the line with a great bunch of running buddies at the first Breakneck Point Marathon. The race quickly turned into an epic failure at mile 8. 7 hours after starting, I took an early out option and stopped to complete the ~15 mile race. Not a DNF, but it still stung. Yesterday, I made another attempt at this killer trail race, again surrounded by amazing running friends old and new, especially Nick Speranza, Daniel Roberto, Christopher McGovern, Jayden K Smith, Jason Braun, Dave Pond, Lauren Gim, Erin McNally, Michele Zandoná and Ben Drew. It was a tough, slow one, but I’m happy to say, I FINISHED IT! 26+ miles, ~ 9000 feet of ascent, 9.5 hours, two pair of socks, two pairs of shoes, probably a gallon of gatorade, multiple cramps in leg muscles I didn’t know I had, an ankle twist, a couple of sits to take in the scenery (and question my life choices), and some praying for the sweet release of death (especially on that one hill late in the race – you know the one). Such an rewarding experience.

Thanks to Ben Drew from Run On Hudson Valley and Ian Golden from Red Newt Racing for putting on this gnarly, kick-ass trail race. Thanks to all my running friends. To the folks from Taconic Road Runners Club who gave up their usual Saturday run to help out at the race, I really appreciate your volunteering. You ran an awesome aid station and your friendly faces, humor, and energy reinvigorated me before taking on the dreaded Breakneck climb. Thanks to Amy Jennifer Hanlon, Erin McNally, Jim Bixler, Mike Cat Skill, Eric Foxhall their help at the Reservoir Road aid station (a station so nice you hit it twice). Thanks for the laughs and the energy boost to tackle Fishkill Ridge! I am grateful and indebted to ALL the wonderful volunteers yesterday. To those runners whose names I didn’t get or might not remember but with whom I shared a mile or two or a laugh along the way, I was grateful for the experience. Nick and Daniel: you were with me at my worst in 2015. You both helped me get ready for yesterday’s race and were with me through it. Thank you so very much! Kudos to all the Leatherman Harriers for some kick-ass training runs (especially the 5am ones with Lee Willett, Peeter Muursepp, and Jeffrey Koenig). And thanks to my loving family for putting up with me through all the training (love you, Jennifer Pisani Rader) and for encouraging (/tolerating) my hobby.

September 16, Where the Pavement Ends

SUNDAY

On Sunday, September 16, get ready to run Where the Pavement Ends. Started in 2012, Where the Pavement Ends has become one of the most popular trail races in the area. The race winds through the hills and trails of northern Ridgefield, Connecticut, along the Danbury border. Kicking off at Lake Windwing, it traverses fields, rounds the lake, and heads up into Hemlock Hills and dips back to Lake Windwing 4.25 challenging miles later. It’s one hour from Hartford, 45 minutes from White Plains, 90 minutes from New York City.

Racers and spectators park at Ridgebury Elementary, a short walk from Ballfields Park on South Shore Drive, Ridgefield, where the race starts. There is food, water, and post-race entertainment. In 2016, 150 competed in the race–with a winning time of 32:28. Being the last race of summer and the first race of fall, it’s the ideal time of year for trail running. Register today ››

Where the Pavement Ends is the third race in the annual six-race Trail Mix Series, put on by race directors in Fairfield County and Westcheter County. Those competing in four of the six races are eligible for age-group prizes and for guaranteed selection from the Leatherman’s Loop lottery. See more details at trailmixseries.org

SATURDAY

A couple weeks ago we connected the first set of intersections in the Rez when we Ran the Numbers. A couple of us made it to 39 by the end of the day so let’s continue. On Saturday, September 15, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge lot when we run intersections 40 through 52. If you want to continue past that, go ahead, but save some for the race the next day.

Just two weeks away from the next race in the series, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack, on Sunday, September 30. Shirt orders will go in Monday, September 17, so if you want one, you’ll need to register. Register today ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

Beautiful day for this past run at the Trailside Museum no matter how far you ran. Note that I’m going to be posting the weekly photo on the Sunday Runs Facebook page. Please like that page so Facebook can tag you easily.

September 9, Trailside Museum

SUNDAY

On Sunday, September 9, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Trailside Museum ready to run the Trailside to Blue Loop. Options include 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5 mile loops but feel free to be creative. The longer distances start with a downhill while the 6.5 mile course starts with a climb up Fox Hill. Early risers can start at 5:00 a.m. for an 8 mile loop and 7:00 a.m. for an additional 4 miles. See the map here ››

SATURDAY

I’ve had a request for a repeat of last week’s 18 mile run starting at Kimberly Bridge so on Saturday, September 8, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Kimberly Bridge Lot. Options include the Kimberly to Armstrong 9 mile run and continue with the KMA 9 Mile Road Run. In total, it’s a an 18 mile run that’s 19 miles long. But if you’d like to stay within the Rez, follow the Kimberly Bridge Multiloop course that gives you plenty of options for different distances.

Next week we’ll be at Where the Pavement Ends so don’t forget to register. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

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Enjoy the pic from the last run at Mountain Lakes Park. More photos from Rob at SmugMug.com. We’ll be back at Mountain Lakes in just a few weeks for the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack.

September 2, Mountain Lakes Park

SUNDAY

On Sunday, September 2, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, NY) pool parking lot when we run the Sarah Bishop Course. Ok, that may be a lie. Barry, Mark, and I will be up there on Saturday figuring out any changes we want to make to the course so I’m not entirely sure what we’re going to run yet but I promise to bring maps. The previous course is below and we’ll most likely at least start the same way. Early birds can arrive at 5:00 for an 8-mile loop or 7:00 for a four-mile loop.

SATURDAY

This Saturday, September 1, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge Lot for an epic 18 mile runwhich combines two different courses. First, run the Kimberly to Armstrong 9 mile course to the end of Armstrong Preserve. Exit the preserve running south on route 121 over the bridge then follow the KMA 9 Mile Road Run map to the end of Reservoir Road. The total out-and-back distance is 18 fast miles and, with the exception of route 309 and route 121, is all on trail or dirt road. Not up for the full distance? No problem, turn around whenever you want. And if you want, you could plant water at the end of Upper Hook Road and Reservoir Road so you have aid stations on the way. But bring your own maps since I’ll be working at Mountain Lakes Park on the new Sarah Bishop course.

MONDAY

This Monday, September 3, 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 counterclockwise making all right turns except for exiting the park, and excluding the orange, western loop which tends to be swampy. Keep an eye out for the newest trail connecting the “Tulip Tree” to “Layer Cake Rock.” See the map page here. Note: park on the north side of Upper Shad Road. If you park on the south side, you may be ticketed.

And with all this running, you’re ready to sign up for the next Trail Mix Series races—Where the Pavement Ends and Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

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Enjoy the photo from last week’s Run the Numbers run.

August 26, Meadow Lot

SUNDAY

This Sunday, August 26, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation ready to run a very special course. Let’s call this “Run the Numbers.” Starting at the meadow, run from intersection number to intersection number in order, starting at intersection one. If you run from one to ten, you’ll get around 7 miles. One to twenty will yield about 10 miles. Run all and you’ll be at around 45 miles but do note that some numbers in the 60s don’t exist. Looking to start early? We’ll start at 5:00 a.m. from the Meadow and run the numbers backwards from 39 to 31 We will meet anyone else at MICHIGAN ROAD at 7:00 a.m. and run 30 to 25 before heading back to the Meadow at 8:00. See the map here ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, August 25, at 7:45 a.m., we will be running with Ben Drew and the New York Trail Series folks on the northern section of the Breakneck marathon course and maybe part of the 1/2 course. Meet at 7:45 a.m. at the disc golf/beacon pool parking lot at the Settlement Camp in Beacon, 724 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY 12508. We’ll begin this run at 8:00 a.m. and run up to the top of Mt Beacon, then run the Lamb’s Hill loop.

The run will be about 11-13 miles total. Expect a lot of elevation gain and to be out there for about 3-4.5 hours. Salomon rep, Michael DiBlasi, will be on-hand with Speedcross and Ride demo shoes to test out during the run.

This is a free event, but please use the link below to sign-up so we have a rough idea of how many people are running. https://goo.gl/forms/NyyZxXrVoOt6wP0k2
Download the PDF map ››

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Enjoy the pic from the last run. No matter how long you ran or what trails you took, that was fun.

August 19, Bennett’s Pond

SUNDAY

This Sunday, August 19, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Bennett’s Pond on the Ridgefield/Danbury border when we run the 10 mile Realander Run. Meet at the parking lot on Bennett’s Farm Road (see Google map) prepared to run this clockwise loop. I’ll make one modification on Sunday so that we can avoid the tall grass. Anyone interested in adding some extra miles can arrive at 5:00 a.m. for some headlamp fun or 7:00 a.m. for an extra few miles.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, August 18, at 7:00 a.m., it’s time to get twisted. Meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Meadow Lot, and run one of the Twisted Loops. I recommend the Green loop on the map but feel free to choose differently. Bring your own maps, though, I’ll be away on Saturday. See the map here ››

Also on Saturday, August 18, at 7:00 a.m., meet at NY-9D & Howland Ave, Beacon, NY 12508 and run/hike the Beast Loop up Mt. Beacon. This approximate 7.7 mile loop includes over 1000 feet of elevation plus a climb up the Mt. Beacon fire tower. A 10-mile version, the Ultra Beast, includes additional trails that are part of the Breakneck Ridge trail race. But don’t worry if you miss this, I have a reprise of the same run scheduled for next Saturday. Kevin Rader will be leading this run; I’m off this Saturday.

NEW: TRAIL TUESDAYS

We’re going to start an ongoing run from the Meadow Lot on Tuesdays at 5:00 a.m., making one loop and returning at 6:00 for a second loop. For anyone who wants to get a run in before work, just show up ready to run. This gives you a couple options to fit a few miles in.

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Great to run with this big group on Sunday at Michigan Road. Nice to see so many new faces out there. You too, Barry.

Escarpment 2018

By Aaron Stredny, Mountain Peak Fitness

The Escarpment Trail Run, though not a marathon or ultra distance is a multi-mountain race of complicated length and scrupulous strategy. It is short enough at 17’ish miles that you feel you should be able to push your legs and lungs hard the whole way. However, beware, if you push too hard on the long climbs or precipitous descents you may suffer the burly wrath of Manitou via a trembling series of muscle seizures more commonly referred to in the field as “Not-Now- Son-of-a-#$@!%^%$#*$#!” This for me usually happens somewhere on or after the Stoppel Point climb and is determined by my, to date, poor decision making tactics in the jagged miles before. It is a race rich in history and for a beast coast trail runner, an absolute bucket list event.

This 42nd Annual Escarpment Trail Run would be my third time lining up against Manitou. Race morning arrived clear in the craggy, weathered Catskill Mountains of upstate NY with keen anticipation, big smiles, hugs and high-fives all around the bustling start area as a large contingent of the MPF/RNR fam was in attendance. After chatting with a few familiar and surprise faces I said hello to the RD and had a short but decisive conversation which led to a last minute, surprise move for me into the much coveted Wave #1. Not to be dramatic, but since my first Escarpment, I’ve daydreamed in training of starting amongst Wave 1.

Though a little unsure seeing the caliber of competitors this year, this was the wave I wanted to race from, feeling that to run with the best would bring out mine. I like the simple concept of trail racing, you just show up and go to work. It is a welcome respite from the more burdened work week, the regimented training sessions and of course a chance to see how those specific suffer bouts are panning out. It is straightforward, your individual effort today will be the apex of what you can do.

8:58 am. Wave #1. A wily aggregate of speedy road runners and burly mountain specialists each with their respective strengths was called across the road to the rock-strewn singletrack funnel where Dick said we had only a few moments but in fine fashion Matt Lipsey was able to fit in a lightning quick bear joke, unfortunately resulting in absolute crickets. Dick took pity on the joker and his audience and abruptly counted down 5,4,3,2,1, GO! And sent us off to do our own individual combat with Manitou.

After running 3:14 last year, I had memorized 4 splits for the day to try and meet or beat: Windham in 37:00, Blackhead 1:42, Stoppel Point 2:34 and the Finish Line at North-South Lake 3:09). Although, it’s funny the only one I remembered during the battle was Blackhead, you’re simply too busy the whole effort trying to be fast, efficient, eat, drink and not fall on your face to remember any minutiae.

Climbing somewhere around 10th or 11th place on the first ascent up Windham High Peak it all felt terribly hard compared to how I trained but after reaching the summit in 37:00 flat, I quickly refocused on bombing down the bumpy but very runnable backside heading towards Burnt Knob and Acra Point. I was feeling much better now being warmed up, taking downhill switchbacks like a sidewinder and shifting into striped gazelle on the flatter singletrack sections. The effort felt great and sustainable and I celebrated by cramming a delicious (shut up, just tell yourself it’s delicious) gel into my calorie burning furnace, Mmmmm.

Read the complete report ››

See more photos ››

August 12, Michigan Road

SUNDAY

On Sunday, August 12, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot to run the Michigan to Kimberly Loop. This new variation includes distances of 6, 7.5 and 9 miles so if you’re looking for a longer run, you have some options. Want to add more? Arrive at 5:00, 6:00 or 7:00 ready to run some of the Michigan 8 x 4 loops.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, August 11, at 6:00 a.m., we’ll be meeting at 220 Hopewell Rd, Newtown, CT 06470, where we’ll drop cars and proceed to the start of our run which will include Devil’s Den, Saugatuck, and Aspetuck trails in Connecticut. Distance is around 18 miles. Options include dropping a car at Saugatuck reservoir for a seven mile run or at Black Rock Turnpike for 11 miles. We’re looking to include a stop at Ferris Acres Creamery at the end of the run, have some food, and maybe hit up Nod Hill for a flight of recovery hydration. Since logistics are key, try to let me know in advance if you’re interested.

NEW: TRAIL TUESDAYS

Hope to see you out there this weekend…or on Tuesday.
Lee Willett

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Great to run with this group last Sunday. I promise to do something about those bushwhacks before we run this again.

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August 5, Lewisboro Town Park

SUNDAY

On Sunday, August 5, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town Park Upper Lot when we run the Town Park to Overlook loop. Options include distances from under 5 miles to close to 8 miles. For those wanting some extra miles, arrive at 5:00 for an 8 mile loop or 7:00 for and additional 4. I don’t know about you but with all this rain, it’s about time for a great day of running. See the map here ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, August 4, at 6:00 a.m., it looks like it will be raining, possibly a thunderstorm. As such, I’m going to hold off running any particularly challenging trails in the Catskills, so instead, meet at Michigan Road to run one of the Michigan Multiloops. Options include:
6:00 a.m. start: Run the 12 mile perimeter loop, head back around 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. start: Follow the 8 mile loop or one of the shorter loops if you’re not up for 8 miles.

Also on Saturday, August 4, at 5:30 and 7:30 a.m., meet at the Depew Court lot at Blue Mountain and run the third annual Blue-Per Bowl run. Make one 7.5 mile loop starting at 5:30 a.m. and a second starting at 7:30 a.m. Join in for one or both loops and then head over to Peekskill Coffee House for some recovery food and drink. Kevin Rader will be on hand to make sure you find your way. See the map ››

Next week I’m working on a new long run for Saturday linking Devil’s Den to Saugatuck and Aspetuck trails in Connecticut. Also coming up is the Mt. Beacon Beast Loop. Some awesome runs to put on your calendars.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee WIllett

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Meanwhile, enjoy the pic from this past weekend. And congratulations to everyone who ran Escarpment, Bristol, and other races last weekend setting PRs, winning age groups, or finishing first. You are an awesome group of runners.

July 28, Meadow Lot

SUNDAY

On Sunday, July 29, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot when we run a variation of Eleanor’s Escape. This classic run offers 6-mile and 8.4-mile options and includes a variety of terrain from double-wide level trails to single-track technical hills. Not shown is the option of taking the new “cliff side” RT trail when you get to it. Those looking to start early can arrive at 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 for some of the Meadow Loops. See the map page here ››

SATURDAY

This Saturday, July 28, at 7:00 a.m., meet at the trailhead lot to Lookout Point when we run the Mountain Lakes 15k loop. This includes perimeter trails of Mountain Lakes Park as well as Hearst-Mead and Halmi Preserves. We’ll take some of the newer trails in the northern part of the park to avoid Hunt Lane. Download the PDF ››

FRIDAY

On Friday, July 27, at 8:00 p.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation lean-to 24 ready to run. The Trailside Museum is hosting its annual Firefly Festival at our usual meeting place at Michigan Road from 6:30 to 8:30. Join in the fun there then head over to Pell Hill to lean-to 24 for a night run. We’ll head out just after 8:00 aiming to be at Michigan Road as the festival closes. As always, bring some food, maybe something to drink, and hang out by the fire afterwards. The forecast is calling for rain but I’ll still plan on running though it might dampen our post-run activities. See more info ››

Enjoy the pic from this past Sunday.