All are welcome: WALKERS, JOGGERS, TREKKING POLE WALKERS, RUNNERS, INJURED RUNNERS, RETURNING RUNNERS.
RBSC/RADAR Tuesday AM Track Run Workout – 6/22 – Hill Series #5 brings “The Popes Hill Run” Wear bright clothes since we’re on the road.
Some good news and bad news.
Bad news first:
The track will be closed from June 14 through September 23rd.
Good news:
Tiger hollow is getting a wonderful facelift including a brand new track.
We have a 9 week hill series beginning May 25th, ending July 20th thanks to Steve Mortinger that can start and finish in the RHS parking lot. There will be a non hill and/or walking option for anyone not wishing to run hills. Parking lot, grass field routines and other fun variations can be extended to Sept 23rd.
(All levels of runners are welcome. Workouts and pace can be modified.)
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE WORKOUT HERE: https://rbsc.wildapricot.org/
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS/ RUNS/ RACES:
- Redding Rock & Roots June 26
- Griskus Sprint Tri (Wed evening) July 7
- Hopkins Vineyard Tri July 17
- NYC Triathlon July 21
- SWC Margarita 5K July 30
- TriRidgefield Aug 29
- Pavement Ends (trail) Sept 12
- Ridgefield Half Marathon Oct 17
- Redding Road Race Oct 31
- Check in with RADAR for more weekly group run opportunities
(All levels of runners are welcome. Workouts and pace can be modified.)
There are two options Tuesday morning:
1. The Pope’s Hill Run once again takes us off campus for some nice vertical miles training. Please wear bright clothing or a vest since we’ll be sharing the road with cars. http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1740163922 Go very easy down Chestnut Hill Rd. It is a steep downhill and we don’t want knee issues or shin splints.
2. Or remain at RHS for two laps of the Xcountry loop.
(All levels of runners are welcome. Workouts and pace can be modified.)
Location: RHS Parking lot (SRMS side) 6:15 AM:
- Warm up laps two short loops in RHS parking lot ~ 0.5 mile
- Dynamic Stretching (5 mins)
- THE POPE’S HILL RUN ~ Roughly 4.47 miles with 312 feet of elevation gain. ** scroll down for some Charles Pope history **
- http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1740163922 Please study the route before arriving.
OPTION #2 if you should prefer to remain at RHS: 2 x Xcountry loop
- Cool down (2 ) laps – of the 400 loop in the RHS parking lot [work in some backwards running on the straight/flat section] ~ 0.5 mile
- Static stretching (10 mins)
Total run distance ~ 5.72 miles (More if you run faster and get back early for more track time.)
Weather.com is forecasting a 13% chance of precipitation and 68 degrees at 6 AM.
As always, feedback and workout suggestions are encouraged and appreciated.
** Why is the switchback turn on Ridgebury Road called Pope’s Corner?
Today, the swooping downhill curve on Ridgebury Road is famous for the concrete-and-steel, 16,000-square-foot, Rafael Vinoly-designed hilltop residence, but for many years that area of Ridgebury Road was home to Charles Pope, a conductor, composer, musician, and teacher. And for that reason, the downhill turn that has caused drivers to grit their teeth during treacherous winter months, is called Pope’s Corner.
Charles Pope sold his home and land in the 1990s, but prior to that, he was a fixture in Ridgefield. He dedicated his life to the study of music and instruments and was a published composer and arranger for choruses and English hand-bell groups. He served as an organist, choir director, and minister of music for many churches and temples in New York and Connecticut. Pope taught at several area schools including Ridgefield’s Notre Dame Academy, now home to Ridgefield Academy. He also arranged and recorded commercials for both television and radio. But perhaps, he is most famous for the Charles Pope Choristers, a full chorus and show group that he organized and conducted for more than 34 years and 1,600 shows. **
Please be sure to thank Steve Mortinger for these great hill workouts. We are all getting stronger!
