Sorry for the lack of posts as summer mode continues.
However, as I glance at the calendar and notice it is now August (!), you can
expect more posts as the regular school year looms closer. Preseason will begin
on Sunday, August 19 – a little more than 2 weeks from now!
Last Friday and Saturday, I had the opportunity to
experience first-hand why this mid-Hudson Valley area is so excellent for
running. We are truly blessed with some world-class running right here in our
backyard.
On Friday, Fast Tony took me for a run in the Mohonk
Preserve called “Duck Pond.” This was the second Friday I went there with him,
so I was a little more accustomed to the grueling hill climbing. Now I know why
he is so good! He cruises up and down these hills like nothing. This course is
about 8 miles, with the first half climbing, climbing, climbing, climbing … to
the tune of close to 1,000 feet in about 3-plus miles. After the first
half-mile, which has some technical footing, it is all carriage trails with
some wonderful views – tough to enjoy when you are red-lining it up toward
Skytop. After reaching the Mohonk Mountain House, we are treated to a nice
downhill for the rest of the course. Great, great run. Quack, quack.
On Saturday, my pal JV invited me to join in a coordinated group
run on the Dutchess Rail Trail. We started at the parking area behind HG Page
Lumber, off Route 55 in LaGrange, and we ran 9 miles south to the Hopewell
Junction trailhead. Like most rail trails, it was straight and flat, although
it did seem like it was a gradual climb going in this direction. This trail is
wonderful; great markings, and a side portion that is a softer surface than the
macadam. When completed, the DRT will connect to the Walkway Over the Hudson
and make for many, many miles of uninterrupted running/cycling.
Again, it’s great to have these fantastic running venues.
any trouble with the three "at grade" highway crossings on the rail trail?
ReplyDeleteNone. Barely noticed them. That's one benefit of running very slowly. Decelerating to a stop to look both ways doesn't take that long.
ReplyDelete