HMRRC Forum

NY Steeler · 2006-06-26 08:30:55 pm

Question: I am trying to guage distance runners interpretation of hills, rolling hills, flat, etc. I am trying to use it to move my long runs around the area(7-15M). What would you call the crossings, flat, rolling hills, hills. What are some long run suggestions because of Band Syndrome in my left knee, running in uneven gutters(streets)kills my training? Does anyone use outdoor tracks for long runs?

sherluck · 2006-06-27 09:48:23 am

Crossings: FLAT
Long Runs: Bike Paths

kellym · 2006-06-27 10:23:50 am

I was really impressed with the trail starting at the Corning Preserve, heading north.

And the Mohawk Bike/Hike trail in Colonie is gorgeous - we usually park at Lyons Park (in Niskayuna) and head Northeast.

For the Crossings, you can extend your route by running out of the park either at Sand Creek Middle School (the access is from the wooded trail that starts near Maria Drive entrance) or out Alyssa Court, running down the sidewalk at Sand Creek Road, Right onto Wolf Road (sidewalks), Right onto Metro Park Road (no sidewalks, though) and back into the park, near the Ciccotti Center. (Here's a map of the park's trails: http://www.colonie.org/parks/crossings/ … e_8_11.pdf)

NY Steeler · 2006-06-27 09:26:33 pm

Sherluck, could you be more specific. Starting points, some better for long runs, some with/out hills, etc. I appreciate the help.

EillaM · 2006-06-28 11:27:31 am

If you can do a long run (15 mi) on a track, you deserve a big, shiny gold star. I can't make it more than 3 miles.

I would consider the Crossings pretty flat. Great park for a shorter run but it would get pretty redunant for a long run - unless you have some fabulous music playing.

Where are you and how far away would you want to travel for a good loop? Having grown up in Averill Park (though I live in downtown Albany right now) I'm partial to the wide, soft shoulders you can find on some of their roads and head out that way when I'm in need of a long loop or some hill training. Granted, some of the slopes may be harder on your ITB (I've been there with that painful issue) but running on the tarmac, rather than concrete sidewalks, definitely has its advantages. Not to mention a dip in one of the lakes when you're done. Let me know if you're actually interested and I'll give you some starting points and some of my favorite loops.

Obviously you don't have to go as far away as AP for a good run, just saying that some of the slightly more out of the way towns can give you better bang for the running buck, if you make the trip. But, I'll also have to ditto the recommendations of the paved pathways, though I'd read SumoRunners thoughts on the Corning path before venturing down there in the next couple of months.

Also, have you made acquaintance with the google pedometer?
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/
Love that site for planning routes. Too bad it doesn't show you where the hills are.

zman36 · 2006-06-28 01:04:24 pm

ElliaM,

Acutally, the gmap-pedometer does show you hills. Just click the "Elevation small/large" link and you'll see the elevation chart below the map.

It's pretty darn cool...

Z

Last edited by zman36 (2006-06-28 01:05:20 pm)

NY Steeler · 2006-06-28 08:14:18 pm

BIG THANKS E!
Thanks for the link and advice. Growing up in Lansingburgh I am familiar with Averill Park, great roads, just never though about it. In Clifton Park now, so that would be a bit of a hike on a regular basis but will definitely try it at least once in the training. I have 15 or so long runs to fill so I will take ALL reccomendations.

!!!!So, everyone please provide your favorite long route(9-20mi), details please since I am not familiar with most by name. I more than likely will use them at some point!!!! Variety is the spice of life.

SumoRunner · 2006-06-28 09:46:56 pm

One of the reasons why Lyons Park in Niskayuna is popular for long training runs is that there are plenty of opportunities for water stops. One can never downplay the need for water on long runs.

Starting at the old train station where there are both rest rooms and water fountains, you can head west toward Blatnick Park where there is another water fountain at the little league field and it also happens to be 4 miles. So you can get water and head back if you're doing just 8 or continue out a few more miles westward and on the return have another water stop.

If you head east, you can do the same and find a water fountain at the Colonie Town Park which is 5+ miles out.

Some people don't like the straight out and back routes, so it's also possible to make these a bit less monotonous. From Blatnick Park you can head back along River Rd to Rosendale and reconnect to the bike path via Lock 7 Rd.

If you're out by the Colonie Town park you can return through Dunsback Ferry to Pollock Rd and return to the bike path via Forts Ferry Rd. This also gives you some significant hill climbs.

EillaM · 2006-06-29 11:24:59 am

zman36 wrote:
ElliaM,

Acutally, the gmap-pedometer does show you hills. Just click the "Elevation small/large" link and you'll see the elevation chart below the map.

It's pretty darn cool...

Z

No kidding!?! That's awesome. Thanks for the tip!

HMRRC Forum

#1 2006-06-26 08:30:55 pm

The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#2 2006-06-27 09:48:23 am

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#3 2006-06-27 10:23:50 am

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#4 2006-06-27 09:26:33 pm

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#5 2006-06-28 11:27:31 am

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#6 2006-06-28 01:04:24 pm

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#7 2006-06-28 08:14:18 pm

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#8 2006-06-28 09:46:56 pm

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

#9 2006-06-29 11:24:59 am

Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs

zman36 wrote:

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	HMRRC Forum Index User list Search Register Login You are not logged in. The message board requires you to register and then login. Pages: 1 Index » Where to run, who to run with. » The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs #1 2006-06-26 08:30:55 pm NY Steeler Member Registered: 2006-06-23 Posts: 14 The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs Question: I am trying to guage distance runners interpretation of hills, rolling hills, flat, etc. I am trying to use it to move my long runs around the area(7-15M). What would you call the crossings, flat, rolling hills, hills. What are some long run suggestions because of Band Syndrome in my left knee, running in uneven gutters(streets)kills my training? Does anyone use outdoor tracks for long runs? Offline #2 2006-06-27 09:48:23 am sherluck Member Registered: 2006-01-17 Posts: 99 Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs Crossings: FLAT Long Runs: Bike Paths Offline #3 2006-06-27 10:23:50 am kellym Member Registered: 2006-05-05 Posts: 67 Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs I was really impressed with the trail starting at the Corning Preserve, heading north. And the Mohawk Bike/Hike trail in Colonie is gorgeous - we usually park at Lyons Park (in Niskayuna) and head Northeast. For the Crossings, you can extend your route by running out of the park either at Sand Creek Middle School (the access is from the wooded trail that starts near Maria Drive entrance) or out Alyssa Court, running down the sidewalk at Sand Creek Road, Right onto Wolf Road (sidewalks), Right onto Metro Park Road (no sidewalks, though) and back into the park, near the Ciccotti Center. (Here's a map of the park's trails: http://www.colonie.org/parks/crossings/ … e_8_11.pdf) Offline #4 2006-06-27 09:26:33 pm NY Steeler Member Registered: 2006-06-23 Posts: 14 Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs Sherluck, could you be more specific. Starting points, some better for long runs, some with/out hills, etc. I appreciate the help. Offline #5 2006-06-28 11:27:31 am EillaM Member Registered: 2006-02-13 Posts: 13 Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs If you can do a long run (15 mi) on a track, you deserve a big, shiny gold star. I can't make it more than 3 miles. I would consider the Crossings pretty flat. Great park for a shorter run but it would get pretty redunant for a long run - unless you have some fabulous music playing. Where are you and how far away would you want to travel for a good loop? Having grown up in Averill Park (though I live in downtown Albany right now) I'm partial to the wide, soft shoulders you can find on some of their roads and head out that way when I'm in need of a long loop or some hill training. Granted, some of the slopes may be harder on your ITB (I've been there with that painful issue) but running on the tarmac, rather than concrete sidewalks, definitely has its advantages. Not to mention a dip in one of the lakes when you're done. Let me know if you're actually interested and I'll give you some starting points and some of my favorite loops. Obviously you don't have to go as far away as AP for a good run, just saying that some of the slightly more out of the way towns can give you better bang for the running buck, if you make the trip. But, I'll also have to ditto the recommendations of the paved pathways, though I'd read SumoRunners thoughts on the Corning path before venturing down there in the next couple of months. Also, have you made acquaintance with the google pedometer? http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/ Love that site for planning routes. Too bad it doesn't show you where the hills are. Offline #6 2006-06-28 01:04:24 pm zman36 Member Registered: 2006-02-07 Posts: 24 Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs ElliaM, Acutally, the gmap-pedometer does show you hills. Just click the "Elevation small/large" link and you'll see the elevation chart below the map. It's pretty darn cool... Z Last edited by zman36 (2006-06-28 01:05:20 pm) Offline #7 2006-06-28 08:14:18 pm NY Steeler Member Registered: 2006-06-23 Posts: 14 Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs BIG THANKS E! Thanks for the link and advice. Growing up in Lansingburgh I am familiar with Averill Park, great roads, just never though about it. In Clifton Park now, so that would be a bit of a hike on a regular basis but will definitely try it at least once in the training. I have 15 or so long runs to fill so I will take ALL reccomendations. !!!!So, everyone please provide your favorite long route(9-20mi), details please since I am not familiar with most by name. I more than likely will use them at some point!!!! Variety is the spice of life. Offline #8 2006-06-28 09:46:56 pm SumoRunner Member From: Latham Registered: 2006-01-23 Posts: 340 Website Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs One of the reasons why Lyons Park in Niskayuna is popular for long training runs is that there are plenty of opportunities for water stops. One can never downplay the need for water on long runs. Starting at the old train station where there are both rest rooms and water fountains, you can head west toward Blatnick Park where there is another water fountain at the little league field and it also happens to be 4 miles. So you can get water and head back if you're doing just 8 or continue out a few more miles westward and on the return have another water stop. If you head east, you can do the same and find a water fountain at the Colonie Town Park which is 5+ miles out. Some people don't like the straight out and back routes, so it's also possible to make these a bit less monotonous. From Blatnick Park you can head back along River Rd to Rosendale and reconnect to the bike path via Lock 7 Rd. If you're out by the Colonie Town park you can return through Dunsback Ferry to Pollock Rd and return to the bike path via Forts Ferry Rd. This also gives you some significant hill climbs. Offline #9 2006-06-29 11:24:59 am EillaM Member Registered: 2006-02-13 Posts: 13 Re: The Crossings in Colonie/Looking for long runs zman36 wrote: ElliaM, Acutally, the gmap-pedometer does show you hills. Just click the "Elevation small/large" link and you'll see the elevation chart below the map. It's pretty darn cool... Z No kidding!?! That's awesome. Thanks for the tip! 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