Musser Gap Trail Is Complete To Tussey Ridge
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- Written by Marty Mazur Marty Mazur
I led a group run up the Musser Gap trail on October 10. I had advertised the run as one that might entail some bushwhacking, particularly if we wanted to get all the way up to Tussey Ridge, the high ridge just south of the gapped ridge that Musser Run flows out of. The last time I ran to Tussey Ridge from Musser Gap, back in December, I’d made a nearly vertical assent because of almost non-existent trail marking. That was some tough, and treacherous, climbing, so if the group consensus was against that kind of adventure, we’d have just run in the sun along the power line cut in the saddle between the ridges.
But when we got to the log footbridge across Musser Run a mile up from the Rothrock parking lot on Rte 45, I noticed a brand new DCNR trail sign that wasn’t there even a couple of months ago. As we progressed through the gap, more new signs. And when we got to the power line cut, there was a new sign for a trail to Tussey Ridge. We decided to take the adventure. The trail to the ridge is, like most trails on the higher ground in Rothrock, pretty rocky. But it’s a trail, with enough switchbacks to greatly reduce the risk of teetering back and going ass-over-teakettle down the mountainside. The trail is pretty obvious in most places, and well blazed where it’s not. Getting to the ridgetop is strenuous, but not dangerous. The total climb from the lowest point on the run (the bridge across Slab Cabin Run on the greenway path near Rte. 45) to the top of Tussey Ridge is just under 1000 feet over 2 miles.
NVRC Supports 2015 United Way Day of Caring
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- Written by Marty Mazur Marty Mazur
For the fifth year in a row, Cheree Jones and Sheryl Balkey helped to organize a crew of bushwhackers for the United Way Day of Caring,. The project was again the golf course perimeter bikepath/jogging path, this time along the south and west edges of the Penn State Blue Golf Course. There were saplings, bushes, brush, assorted shrubs, and unruly tree branches that were clogging and cluttering the path, as well as an ungainly tree blocking the view of runners, bikers, and drivers approaching the path's crossing of the Clubhouse Road.
The volunteers were: SF & Company (12 volunteers), Joe Hughes--Penn State Golf Courses PGA General Manager/Head Golf Professional, who helped tremendously with the planning and execution, and Sheryl & Seth Balkey and Cheree Jones. The crew cleared the way so that runners have a clear treadway and golfers can see runners so they can yell "fore!". The NVRC chipped in to pay for some food and refreshment. Here are a few pictures.
Many hands make light work of shrubs, brush, and trees!
Nittany Track and Field Youth Cross Country Is Starting!
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- Written by Mark Fedkin Mark Fedkin
If you have children who are interested in cross country training this fall, please see below:
Nittany Track and Field youth club invites girls and boys ages 8-18 to participate in the youth cross country program. Practice starts next week!
The goal of the program is to create a positive and fun atmosphere for youth to learn the the basics of distance running and cross country as a sport. The program promotes active lifestyle and encourages the kids to set goals and develop skills and commitment to work towards those goals over the season. Both beginners and experienced runners are welcome.
Practices will be held Monday through Thursday, 5:45 to 7:15 pm, starting August 24th, at Tudek Memorial Park and on Sundays, 3:00 to 4:30 pm at different locations (TBA)
More information is available on the NTF website: www.ntfxc.com or you can email me any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
NVRC Fall Runners Seminar Series
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- Written by Martin Mazur Martin Mazur
Our Spring runner’s seminar series was a success. We’re doing it again. The Fall seminar series will be presented by Dr. Jon Carlson at Champion Sports Rehab. He has some really great topics that I think will be of great interest to many in the club. All seminars will take place at the State College Area YMCA and the cost is only $5/seminar for NVRC members and students ($10 for non-members). The events are on our Calendar online: http://nvrun.com/index.php/community/calendars
More information below:
Seminar 1 - Champion Sports Rehab: Biomechanics of Running
*Gait Analysis
*To Heel Strike or Not
*Picking the Right Shoe
When: Tuesday, Oct 27th at 7:00pm-9:00pm
Register at: http://www.imathlete.com/events/CSRBiomechanics
Seminar 2 - Champion Sports Rehab: Rehab for Runners
*Common Injuries & Causes
*Injury Prevention
*Stretches for Runners
*Kinesio-Taping & Orthotics
When: Thursday, Nov 5th at 7:00pm-9:00pm
Register at: http://www.imathlete.com/events/CSRRehab
Seminar 3 - Champion Sports Rehab presents: Training to be a Better Runner
*Cross Training Benefits
*Functional Training
*Physical Performance Testing
*Functional Movement Testing
When: Tuesday, Nov 10th at 7:00pm-9:00pm
Register at: http://www.imathlete.com/events/CSRTraining
If anyone has any questions, please email Cheryl at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Weekly Hill Workout: New Construction
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- Written by Mike Renz Mike Renz
August 11, 2015
Tired of the same ole hills, the crew set out to explorer new hills to test their legs on. What seemed to be a large hill workout group starting from Rec Hall, quickly dwindled down to a smaller number. Some runners were scared of anything new, some had to get back to work, some had to train for the Pikes Peak half marathon by not running any hills, and some claimed to have already completed their lunchtime run (although judging by the lack of perspiration, I’m guessing they too were scared). Thankfully the entire group wasn’t as nervous as the rest, and we headed off towards the Toftrees Trail to find this new hill, which had been previously deemed to be a mere 1.5 miles from Rec Hall.
2.5 miles later, we arrived. The hill is a nice single switchback, not too long, not too st! eep. A great newcomer hill to add to the repertoire. Confronted by construction equipment, box colverts, crushed stone, dirt, retaining walls, and confused construction workers….the crew wasted no time getting to work. Shovel Senior, Steamroller Zimmerman, BellefonteBackhoe Shafer, Excavator Maquire, Dozer Davis, Mechanic Martin, Wideload Weyandt, MackTruck Minard, Caterpillar Cornwall and Rusty Renz sped up the hill. What they weren’t expecting was the rain from last night turning the hill (a gravel construction road) into a soft and sometimes squishy terrain. Some places were extremely soft, sinking your shoes an inch into the mud/dirt as you pushed off to climb up the hill at a surveyors pace. The most busy of the group constructed 5 repeats, while the more jobsite managers of the group were happy with completing 3 or 4 repeats, knowing that they are the boss and could simply record that they did more.
Due to the distance of this hill from Rec Hall, we may not hit it too often, but it is a decent short climb / high volume workout for anyone looking to conquer some hills in their spare time. Next week we shall find something a little closer to home so that we can complete a more fuller set of hill repeats. In the mean time….make sure to not avoid any hills on your normal runs!
Wahoo Beginners' Running Group Starts Couch-To-8K (or 5K!) Program
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- Written by Renee Lojewski Renee Lojewski
Nittany Valley Running Club Wahoo Beginners' Group
Couch to 8K**
September 28, 2015- November 19, 2015
Join the Wahoos as we train for an 8K loosely using a popular Training Guide for Novice Runners. See Calendar below!
(*NOTE: Only highlighted days are runs lead by a NVRC leader @ TUDEK PARK @ 5:30 pm!!)
Read more: Wahoo Beginners' Running Group Starts Couch-To-8K (or 5K!) Program
Wahoo Beginners Running Group: Sassy Seven
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- Written by Renee Kotch Renee Kotch
July 27, 2015
We had a great run yesterday. Seven people showed up...we ran a little over 3.5 miles (although Adam was sure to remind me that he ran more because he was running circles around us !) and the picture I took was trying to capture one member that has been working toward a goal. This was her reaching it...a bit of a "Rocky" moment for her. I'm really pleased at what this group is doing for people's motivation and stamina. Having repeated runs at the same park is helping people set realistic goals and track personal records. I don't quite have the time to write a cute and funny email like the other runners, but perhaps someday I'll find the time!
