Manchester - Essex Wilderness Conservation Area Recon

After spending a week indoors with a sinus infection and a 101 degree temperature I was itching to get out of the house for some fresh air. Although still very congested and feeling worn out I decided to do a short recon of the trails in the Manchester - Essex Wilderness Conservation Area, also known as Millstone Hill. I was surprised to find an extensive trail system through mixed forest with an abundance of glacial rock and three large swamps. It was difficult to find any online information about the area but I estimate there is likely 12-15 miles of trails. You can also gain access to Chebacco Woods to the west and the Wyman and Great Hill Conservation Areas to the south for a total of 25 to 30 miles of trails.

I'll certainly be back for a longer hike or maybe a trail run.

Happy New Year!

Gear Review - Ultimate Direction Scott Jurek Essential

Ultimate Direction's Jurek Essential is a lightweight, minimalist, durable waist belt designed to meet your basic needs on shorter runs. Take a hand-held water bottle along with you and you're good to go on long runs as well. It weighs a mere 2.1 ounces on my scale so I'm not surprised I don't even notice the Essential when I'm wearing it. And it stays put, no bouncing. As an added bonus the belt is very breathable and will not absorb moisture.

So light you'll forget you're wearing it.

The waterproof, silicone impregnated nylon pocket is perfect for storing your cell phone, ipod or any other electronic device that needs to stay dry. The expandable mesh pocket is large enough to hold an assortment of gels, bars, electrolytes or other nutritional item within easy reach. The tiny belt pocket can hold your ID, car keys, and chap stick. Hey, you're only going for a training run not running from a zombie apocalypse! What more do you need? 

Plenty of storage for your basic needs.

I wear this belt on most of my runs and can't think of anything I dislike about it. OK, maybe the wild colors, but it also comes in a gray/black style that may be more to your liking.   

Likes:

Lightweight

Comfortable

Well-made

Dislikes:

Color!

Disclosure: Ultimate Direction provided Breakheart Trail Running with a sample product for testing but the author was under no obligation to post a review.