You want something different? Are you ready to try the path less traveled?

INTRODUCTION TO TRAIL & ULTRA RUNNING

6 Week Program

If you are ready to take your running off pavement, but need some help on how to get started this program is for you. Even those that are comfortable with trail running, and are interested in discovering new local trails will benefit. We return for our third annual summer LEAP-Coaching Connecticut Trail Running Introduction Series. The 6 week program has been developed for trail runners of all levels, with each week covering a different topic and explores different trails in Southeastern Connecticut. We will cover trail running in general, and explain the differences between road running and trail running. We will cover training approach, trail safety, navigation, how to find trails, local trail running clubs/community, etc. Each session will consist of a 15 minute discussion led by either Coach LaBranche or a guest. We will meet at a local trail head Tuesday evenings starting June 29th at 6PM to 8PM.

Goodwin Trail Sign

Tuesday June 29th, 2021 6PM – 8PM
Where: Nehantic, Lyme Connecticut

Parking at end of Holmes Road (limited to <10 cars). Parking is within 200 meters after the road transitions from asphalt to dirt.

Distance: ~6 Miles

Description: Entirely on dirt / gravel fire road. Most of the run is part of the Goodwin Trail. Flats and some mildly long rolling hills. Mild technical. Run is an out & back.

Topics:

  1. Trail Safety: Hydration, Rocks, Branches, Animals, Bugs (ticks), Poison Ivy, etc
  2. Trail Etiquette: Music, Bathroom breaks, Trespassing
Week One, Nehantic Trail Map
Countdown Till Nehantic Trails!
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Hatch Lot

Tuesday July 6th, 2021 6PM – 8PM
Where: Hatch Lot with Dean Easement, East Haddam, Connecticut

Parking: Hatch Lot Trailhead parking lot off of Mill Road (limited to 8 – 10 Cars)

Distance: 5.5 Miles

Description: Mostly single track, with some old fire road (<0.5mile) and dirt road (<1 mile). Trail is mildly to moderate technical. A mix of flat terrain and rolling. Some steep ascents. Vista view.  Strava with downloadable .gpx available here

Topics:

  1. Trail Navigation: How to find your way around trails
Week Two, Hatch Lot Trail Map
Countdown Till Hatch Lot Trails!
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Beckett Hill State Preserve

Tuesday July 13th, 2021 6PM – 8PM
Where: Beckett Hill State Preserve, Lyme Connecticut
Parking: First Parking Lot on Kenny Road (entering from Northeast side of park)

Distance: 4.2 Miles
Description: Single track trail with fairly little flat. Challenging long rolling hills. Trail is Moderately Technical (lots of rocks & roots). Strava with downloadable .gpx available here.

Topics:

  1. How to find trails and ultra races
Week Three, Beckett Hill State Preserve Trail Map
Countdown Till Beckett Hill Trails!
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Hartman Preserve

Tuesday July 27th, 2021 6PM – 8PM
Where: Hartman Preserves, Lyme Connecticut

Parking on Gungy Road at Park Entrance (limited to ~ 10 cars)

Distance: 4.3 Miles

Description: Single track with flat and rolling sections. Trail is mildly to moderate technical (short ascent section is boulder hoping, hands on rock).  Strava and downloadable .gpx is available here.

Topics:

  1. Differences between Trail and Road Running: Cadence, Terrain, Elevation
Week Four, Hartman Preserve Trail Map
Countdown Till Hartman Preserve Trails!
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Jewett Preserve

Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 6PM – 8PM
Where: Mount Archer Woods and Pickwick’s Preserve, Lyme Connecticut

Parking: Mount Archer Woods, off Mount Archer Road, most direct route is via  Route 156. 2nd parking lot is 200 meters down the road, opposite side. Refer to map.

Distance: 5-6 Miles

Description: Single track trail with fairly lengthy out and back hill towards Pickwick’s Preserve.. Trail is Mild to Moderate Technical.

Topics:

  1. Overview of Trail Runner Specific Strength Training
Week Five, Mount Archer Woods & Pickwicks Preserve Trail Map
Countdown Jewett Preserve Trails!
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Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve

Tuesday August 10th, 2021 6PM – 8PM
Where: Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, Niantic Connecticut

Parking: Plenty.

Distance: 6.2 Miles

Description: Mostly single track, with some old fire road (<1 mile). Trail is moderately technical, with brief periods of extreme technical (boulder hoping). A mix of flat and rolling terrain. Long climb back from the river (view). Optional quick dip in the river.  Strava and downloadable .gpx is available here.

Topics:

  1. What trail and ultra clubs and social group exist in the region
Week Six, Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve Trail Map
Countdown Oswegatchie Hills Trails!
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Trails are full of invisible troublesome minions. They are out to take advantage of anybody not paying attention. They will strike without warning and grab hold of your leg, causing you to fall. This may happen at the most inopportune time, resulting in some serious injuries. Some minions have simply placed objects along the trails (rocks, roots, branches, dog poop) with the sole purpose of trying to sprain your ankle. They want to make your trek on their trails as miserable as possible. They find great joy in watching runners fall, twist ankles, fend off horse flies, get poison ivy, etc. Please understand these trails you will be running/hiking on are public lands. Running / Hiking is not without its risks. LEAP-Coaching, LLC is simply showing you where you can find new trails to run, with some guidance to help you enjoy trails more. LEAP-Coaching, LLC and its representatives, assume no responsibility for what may happen to you on the trails, nor what may ail you after. Should you require medical attention, we will assist to the best of our ability, but don’t count on us delivering you the quality care you can find in an ambulance or a doctor’s office. Should that level of care be required, you should seek it. To summarize, your participation is entirely voluntary, You assume all risk. LEAP-Coaching, LLC and its representatives are not responsible for what may happen on the trail.