Great places to run

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.