Tropical Night with Friends

It was a great night to be outside for Team R.E.D. Tropical night at the O'Leary's.

The long route got quite a few comments from "That was tough!" to "That's a great route!" The Middle route runners encountered a few dogs, luckily they were not aggressive (the dogs, not the runners!). The short route walkers were the first to return for a well deserved cocktail!

The evening was fun. Thanks to all who could make it, and congrats to the winners of the 4 Bears Den Gift cards!

I've divided the slide shows below into three segments. Too many pics for one show. (I don't have any pictures of the Wheel Barrel race, however, I suspect at some point it could show up on Renee's blog at ramblinrenee.blogspot.com

Routes are up!

Looking forward to seeing many of you Thursday 7/29 at the O'Leary's place for Team R.E.D. this week. Address is 805 1st Ave NW in Byron. The routes of 2.7 to 6.2 miles are posted on the right hand side of the blog.

Should be a fun night, with a Tropical Theme... think tropical as you choose what to wear... or just come as you are... everything is optional.

Kabobs, beer and a tropical drink are awaiting your arrival. Welcome to the island.. Let's have some fun!

Weather Smeather

While it may have been warm, a whole lot of people got together for hills, track and/or biking tonight.  We did get casually, politely accused of being idiots!  Which, by the way, I get.  It was not the greatest night for a hard workout... but.. hey... we had each other!   That's one thing that struck me tonight.  It's highly unlikely any of us work that hard, in those conditions, without each other.   For that, I am very grateful!  You all rock!

My camera was tucked away by the time we ran into Randy, Andy and Erin... so you won't find them in the slide show.. but I think I captured the rest of the crazy people!  One "guest star" is KP!  He, along with Rachel have been traveling, having a trip of a lifetime, and I'm looking forward to hearing about it this Thursday at Team R.E.D.

Homes Host Update

I'll start with a quick update in regards to home hosts.... the summer dates are flying past!   The O'Leary's are next up.. come one come all!   Our address is 805 1st Ave NW in Byron.   We'll kick things off at 6pm this Thursday.  

(note,  we'll keep accepting home hosts as long as people want to host!)   

July 29th <<--- Wendy & Tom  O'Leary   
August 12th <<--- Sara & Joe Ryan 
August 26th  <<--- Adam & Jill Walters
Sept 9th
Sept 23rd  <<-- Tod & Meg Bellrichard
Oct 14th
Oct 28th

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Some of the upcoming themes...

• Tropical Night
• Formal Wear
• Inappropriate Shirt

There's nothing that says Theme nights are limited to home host nights.  We could have some Bears Den theme nights as well.   Here are some of the other suggested theme nights I've heard (sorry, as I'm sure I've forgotten several of the suggestions, as I didn't start a real good master list.)   Please let me know the ones I forgot!  Thanks for all the input!

Western -Cowboy/Cowgirl
Ugliest Race Shirt
Celebrity Look A Like
Gilligans Island
Hippies
Decade - 40's/50's/60s/70's/80s'
Gangster
Vegas - Casino
Karaoke

Cartoon Character
Lady Gaga

Routes for Thursday should be available for viewing Tuesday.

Trash Pickup

Hey all.. there are a lot of workouts going on the next day or so, yet there is other work to be done as well.    If you're available and so inclined, please consider helping the Rochester Track Club with trash pickup around Soldiers Field.  Details from Jean Murray are below.  

There is an RTC Trash Pick-up planned for tomorrow night (Tuesday)  5:30pm.  Meet in the small parking lot right across from Snappy Stop (on Broadway).    You can contact Jean Murray  at  murray.jean@mayo.edu   if you're available to attend.   

Thanks for your consideration! 

Theme Notes & Sunday Review

Before we roll into Sunday's update, I'd like to give you a heads up that Thursday, July 29,  is a home hosted night.   The Theme has been selected as "Tropical".   Details will follow in a reminder email on Monday - that note should capture several opportunities for Tuesday, Wednesday and of course, Thursday.  (Are you not on our Team R.E.D. distribution list but would like to be?  Please drop me a note at byron.teamred@gmail.com and I'll be sure to add you!)

If you've got a workout planned and would like people to join you, please let me know, and I'll include it in the list of Opportunities. 

A couple other upcoming Theme's include "Formal Wear" and "Inappropriate Shirt" night!   These should also be very fun!     I plan to publish a list of what's been done,  what's to come, and what has been suggested as possible ideas.   (just haven't gotten that done yet!)


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A couple small groups got out for an enjoyable Sunday afternoon.    Below, you'll see Mike, Aaron, Tod, Wendy, Meg & Ann taking on a hike at Oxbow Park.    Wendy reported that while it was warm, the shade at Oxbow made for great hiking conditions!

Additionally, Bri, Tom O' and Tom W. met at Soldiers Field for quite a workout.   We warmed, up, dialed in some speed work, then rolled over to the local hills, for some repeats.  All combined, we  reached 10 miles.   Not a bad Sunday afternoon!

Congrats are due to Tom Woo... he ran yet another fantastic 5K!  Completing the Lumberjack 5K in Stillwater in 18:03.   The guy can fly!

Favorite Sports Team Night

As promised, here is the slide show from the evening with the Francks, feature favorite sports teams!

Many people sported their favorite colors, so that was a lot of fun... but the top, all out gear wear, has to go to Tod with his Byron Bears Football jersey, and shoulder pads! Looking good Tod!

Fun at the Francks!

Another great turnout for Team R.E.D.    It was a hot one with the sun blazing!    People went anywhere from 2.5 to 6.3 miles (a few started early and front loaded another 3.5 miles).

My weekend is pretty full, so it could be a day or two before the slideshow becomes available, but for now, I've added a couple snap shots.   Additionally, below the pics, I've added a few weekend opportunities for your consideration.

The first two pics demonstrate the fact, Larry does all the work, while Emily sits back and enjoys her life of rest and relaxation.    

This next pic is Tod, Adam and Annette having their way with the Byron Bear.  Yes... Tod has some pretty broad shoulders (I think he's been working out!)

 As mentioned above.. a slide show will follow in the coming days.

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Saturday Morning 7am:  Full & Half Marathon Training Long runs from the RAC in Rochester.    The marathon training route is 16 miles and can be seen by clicking on the the Running Rochester link.   The half marathon training is likely in the range of 8 miles.

Sunday Afternoon 3pm:  Track & Hills.  Starting at 3pm at the track at Soldiers Field, for approx 3 miles of speed + recovery on the track.  Then head over to the hills for some additional punshiment.

Sunday Afternoon 4pm:  Trail hike.   Starting at 4pm from the 3rd Bridge at Oxbow park.   What a great place to go hike and enjoy what Oxbow has to offer.

Rain or Shine

We're still on for tonight!   Meeting at Emily and Larry Franck's place:

6pm --- 615 7th Ave NE in Byron.

Routes are up for Thursday!

This Thursday's Team R.E.D. is home hosted by Emily and Larry Franck... Thanks so much for having us over!   The Francks live at 615 7th Ave NE in Byron.   Bring your own beverages (and a lawn chair).. a dish is welcome as well, as they are grilling dogs, hamburgers and pork patties

Theme:  Favorite sports team... pro, college, high school or pee wee!   Wear something you're proud of!    Mary & Dave Silhasek will probably be sporting Gopher gear... you know how they are.  

We'll kick off at 6pm with the route talk, then hit the road!    I realize it's a pretty big gap in routes, to go from 2.5 to 4.7... so to let you know, you can easily shorten the 4.7 to 4 mile by simply skipping the loop around the High School (turn around after you pat the bear on the backside).   We'll chat about those type of options before we get rolling.

Good Neighbor Day Slideshow

It was a great morning for a run (tad warm, but great fun!) Team R.E.D. was out in force... and we sure had a good time (as well as some good times!)

P.R.'s that I'm aware of include both Tod Bellrichard and Sara Ryan. Way to go you two!  Non Team R.E.D. member (but my son), also had a P.R. and finished 2nd overall.  The pic below is courtesy of Sam Ellis, Thanks Sam!   -- several of his pics are included in the slide show below as well.

After competing in the race, Team R.E.D.'s Paul and Annette later fell into a trap, and were surprised with a 25th Wedding  Anniversary party thrown by their daughter Cassie.   Nothing say love,  like cake in the face!

... and of course, it wouldn't be right if Cassie didn't pay the price for setting this party up.

Last Night.. fun!

Here are a few pics from last nights gathering followed by a slide show.  Good work on a warm evening everyone!  

 Below, Randy and Adam are sporting Byron Good Neighbor Day Race tee shirts... somehow they got shirts early!   The race starts at 8am from the Middle school in Byron.  There's still time to register  for either the 5K or the 2.5K.     Come early Saturday and get signed up...  Let's run!   

Additional events as part of Good Neighbor Days include, a parade, fireworks, street dance, classic cars and much more! 

Tonight!

Routes are posted!   We'll incorporate most of the Byron 5K route into the long run.. if others want to get on the 5K route, we'll work that out at the Den at 6pm.. see you there!

Here we go!

A great part of the week is upon us... Team R.E.D. gathers at the Bears Den on Thursday at 6pm. Routes are posted on the right hand side of this blog.... come join us!

A handful of R.E.D. members gathered this morning for a Progressive run... the humidity was thick, but we were able to battle and give the workout one heck of a shot, before it kicked our collective butts!

Now for a little quiz.. I will buy a drink for the first person to email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com  with the correct answer to who said each of the following things as we prepared to run at 5:30am Wednesday.   The suspects are in the pic above and  from left to right, they are Marv, Renee, Bri & Paul.   

*** Note***  those people in the pic above are not eligible to win.   ( although you're all winners in my book!)

Who said or  did the following.... 

• Who said "This is a really bad idea"
• Who said (this is paraphrased, as I don't recall it exactly)  "I'm all mixed up, my mind and body doesn't know if it's day or night"
• Who said "We have to stop doing this shit! (then following laughter added)  I'm serious!"
• Who walked up and said "I'm pulling a Gatsfield" then immediately laid down in the grass

Rochester Aea High School Running Program

Please see the note from Joey Keillor below... he, along with a set of volunteers are conducting a summer running program for high school athletes.   Along with their group runs, they have a great set of guest speakers.   

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If you want to attend any of the sessions listed below, that is great. It is $3 a person per student per session. ($5 for adults).

We also plan to run either before or after the guest speaker. You are welcome to join us for the run, but you must either be accompanied by an adult chaperone or a coach or sign a waiver before you can run with the group.  Questions?  e-mail Joey Keillor at: rochester.running@gmail.com

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Guest speaker calendar:

Saturday, July 17, 8:00 a.m. at Essex Park: Double-Header

Jennifer Horn-Ommen M.D. Runner, Nordic skier, cyclist and Family Medicine physician at Mayo will talk about common health issues that young endurance athletes may face

Greg Hexum of Esko, Minn. has been a recent member of the U.S. snowshoe team that competed in Italy at the Snowshoe World Championships. He is a regular top-10 finisher at the National Hill Running Championships, as well. Greg will be in town to give us a brief hill running clinic.

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Monday July 19, 7:00 p.m. at Quarry Hill (Parkwood Hills Park entrance):

Jon Finnoff M.D. Nordic skier, cyclist and Sports Medicine Physician at Mayo will talk about injury prevention for runners.

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Wednesday, August 4, 7:00 p.m. Quarry hill (Parkwood Hills Park entrance):

Jason Lehmkuhle is one of the best marathon runners in the U.S. This year he was 9th place at the Boston Marathon and has a marathon best of 2:12.

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Monday August 9, 7:00 at Quarry Hill (Parkwood Hills Park entrance):

Steve DeBoer is a fixture of the Rochester running scene and a nutritionist at Mayo. He’ll be telling us what we need to eat and drink. Also Steve has not missed a day of running since, like, before I was born. So we’ll ask him about that.

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Also, Olympian Carrie Tollefson has said she should be able to come for a visit sometime in late July or early August. I’ll let you know when we settle on an exact date.

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Congrats & Updates to Tuesday Workouts

Here is what I know...

Tom Woo walked away from Eyota as the Overall Champion!   Congrats to Tom as he continues to race well at each and every distance.  His son Alex also completed the race.  Way to go Woo's!

Andy Becker completed the Missoula Marathon, beating 90% of the participants!   Andy has been having fun, while traveling and competing of late.   Looking forward to hearing his story from his trip west!

Tuesday 5:20am.. at the Byron Middle School (track is behind the school)... there is a track workout taking place.   We'll warm up for about 10 minutes, then get the speed going.     Join us!

Tuesday various start times ranging from 5:00-5:30 pm... a hill workout taking place at 9th Ave and 10th St SW in Rochester.  Head for the hills and join in!

Tuesday at 6:15pm... a trail run along the horse trail of Douglas Trail.  This will be starting in small parking area near the intersection with Co Rd 3 . Here is a link to a Google map where the start will be.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=113986902097805382307.00048aca9f94519978436&ll=44.142936,-92.601088&spn=0.00522,0.009602&t=h&z=17

Tuesday at 6pm....   Runners Social at Twigs in Rochester, (no running required!).. my kind of runners social!

Another Big Week!

There is a lot going on.. details and updates on many of these items will post throughout the week.

Tuesday Workouts:  A couple things seem to be shaping up... times will go up regarding these on Monday, but.. it appears there will be a hill workout in Rochester, a Track Workout in Byron, and typically, Jim Mason sets up a trail run.

Tuesday Social 6pm:  Runner Social at Twigs in Rochester... no running is required!  Twigs is located on 6th St SW and 4th Ave SW, just a block north of the S.F. Memorial.
 
Wednesday:  5:30 am... Progressive run from my place at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron.. We'll start at 10/min mile pace.. and increase pace each mile, you can join us and run until you've reached a strong tempo pace for yourself...

Wednesday:  5:30pm... The Rochester Track Club trash pickup.  Soldiers Field parking area just west of Snappy Stop on S. Broadway.      Garbage bags &    latex gloves provided!  There is even an option of having a post trash chat at either Brothers or O'Neils!

Thursday:  6pm:.. Team R.E.D. from the Bears Den in Byron.   Routes will post on Tuesday, they will be in the range of 2-7 miles.

Saturday:  7am... Full & Half  Marathon Training from the RAC.  Routes are expected to be 15 (full) and 7 (for the Half marathoners)


Saturday .. 8am.. .Byron Good Neighbor Days 5K & 2.5K races.   Team R.E.D.'s Charro Coleman is the race director of this event.. and it's always a lot of fun!

Retro Night Slide Show

The pics in the slide show below are a combination of my own and Tom Woo's ... Thanks Tom!    I had to do a little censoring, so until I can get approval from some of the 'photographed people" I may not be able to share a direct link to Tom's photo album... 

This single pic of Paul (above)... gives you an idea how the night was bound to go!  It was a whole bunch of fun!

Great Retro Night!

I want to share a lot of pics and stuff on Retro night, but before I get to sleep, I want to recognize the newest members of Team R.E.D.!   It's great to have them with us!

Below... Erin & Andy Hemenway... they've been coming by of late, and I finally hit a price point we could agree on! hahaha.. .kidding of course

Trevor Distad also ponied up some cash tonight.. and has become a member of
The R.E.D. Club... he'll have to ask Randy just what requirements are different for The R.E.D. Club vs Team R.E.D.      It's really not my issue.. but below is Trevor receiving his Team R.E.D. shirt!

 

Dave Duncan joined us as well!  Dave is a funny guy, he seemed to think Team R.E.D. was a running club... hahaha.. ok ok.. Dave, you caught us!

More to come tomorrow..... lots of pics.......

Just a Quickie

Reminder of tonight's Retro Night!  Come and join us.... and thanks to Maureen for sharing these great youtube clips of the post party at Grandmas Marathon.   These clips could be titled:

"Bri & Lindsey Make A New Friend"

GM2010 CopperRunner - Wolfman1

GM2010 CopperRunner - Wolfman2

Routes are set for Retro Night!

Come one come all!  Retro night will be a ball!   Randy Quint is our host this Thursday at 6pm, his place is 1363 Woodland Dr SW in Rochester...  see the note below from Randy (and a picture of him and George, volunteering at the Tuesday Night All-Comers Meet at Soldiers Field).

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This week's team RED's gathering will focus on past, "glory day" athletes. Let's make it a "retro" theme where you can come dressed in old running gear from past decades. ( eg. long socks, tennis shoes, headbands, wrist bands, cutoff shorts) We will have routes of 2,4, and 6 miles with a special 1/4 mile beer route for those interested in small "r" and capital  "ED". And speaking of "ED", the grills will be fired up for burgers and brats. Additional munchies and treats with bottled soda pop, gatorade and water.  Oh I almost forgot, keg beer on tap for those so inclined. 

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I suppose everyone's definition of Retro could be a little different, some of you will connect to sports, some to disco, old school rock... here are a couple links to gems I found that trigger my thoughts of retro...

Levi Jeans
 
Kinny shoes

Routes are as follows.. even a 1/2 miler for those of you in a hurry to get to the keg! (Thanks Renee for creating the routes)

Half mile: http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/mn/rochester/267127846956592757

Two mile: http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/detail/19459120/

3.33 mile: http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/detail/19459830/

Six mile: http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/detail/19459352/

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If you want an additional workout on Thursday you are welcome to join Paul, Marv and myself as we set out on a Progressive Pace run at 5:30am on Thursday morning..   We'll gather at my place 805 1st Ave NW and take off from there (running primarily flat terrain) with a plan that looks something like this... 

Mile    Pace
1        10:00
2         9:00
3         8:30
4         8:00
5         7:30
6         7:00
7         6:30
cool    10:00


With that said... I would like to leave you with a useful piece of information that I always try to keep in mind.   

Congrats to all you Racers!

There were a bunch of you who got out and raced this past weekend!  Congrats!  I'll try to list participants below.. let me know if you ran someplace else, or if I missed any Team R.E.D. members!

Stewartville offered a 3 mile and 5 mile.. (or a combo platter)..  finishers included...
Tom Woo (both)
Roger Heil (both)
Renee Kottschade (3 mile)
Lana Lapi (5 mile)
Wally Arnold (5 mile)



Park Rapids Firecracker Run (10K & 5K0
Tom O'Leary (10K)
Shane O'Leary (10K) -- ok ok.. Shane is not a team red member, but he get's recognized because I maintain this blog!

Oklee Centennial 5K
Paul Melby (5K) - over all winner! -- and running in honor of his brother, wearing his high school basketball jersey.. . Congrats to Paul!

Rochester Half Marathon - Volunteers Needed!

 Team R.E.D. hosted a wonderful water station during last years, Rochester Half Marathon &  5K... we did such a great job, we have the opportunity to do it again!   This years race is August 28th.... if you're available and would like to join the fun, please drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com

Volunteering is a great way to stay involved and see the race up close!   

Full Weekend Ahead!

There are plenty of opportunities to get out and about this holiday weekend! Below, I've listed a few...


Saturday 7/3: Stewartville Summerfest Runs... this event is top notch, directed by Kevin & Lori Torgerson. You can run a 3 mile race, a 5 mile race... or both!

Saturday 7/3:  Full & Half Marathon Training long run.   This group gathers at the RAC at 7am.   If you're considering a full or half marathon, these training runs should be part of your regular plan..  It's fantastic to have support of banana's, gatorade, water and other runners, while pounding out such long miles.  

Monday 7/5:   John Shonyo and Jean Murray are heading up a group run starting at 7:30am from Panera South.   I'm quite sure there will be time for coffee and socialization post run!   Consider it an on-season Off season strider run....


Tuesday 7/6:   Tuesday Night Trail Run with Jim Mason.   This week Mason and crew are setting out from the 2nd picnic shelter at Oxbow Park (just north of Byron).    If you've never run trails, you should consider, as it builds great strength, and creates a nice change of pace from the pavement!

Tuesday 7/6:   Get the kids down to Soldiers Field for the All-Comers Meet... this is great fun as well.  Lots of smiles. 

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Now this one is a little further out.. but very interesting!  Please consider participating in support of the Y's Stong Kid's Campaign.....

Jim Parry's Endurance Challenge for the YMCA

7/2/2010

Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge for the YMCA

 

Come in and support Mr. Jim Parry on Tuesday, August 3rd. Jim will be running from 5AM-10PM (17 hours!!) on a treadmill in our lobby to raise money for our 2010 Strong Kids Campaign! You may have heard of Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge in Stewartville a few months ago. Mr. Parry teaches 6th grade and he is interested in raising awareness about the importance of exercise for youth and everyone in the community. During his 24 hour run in Stewartville, he completed 100 miles. Jim used to work at the YMCA in Rochester and so did his father. Jim shared, "My family was able to take part in Y programs when I was a child because of the scholarship program. We would never have been able to afford those opportunities without the generosity of others." So Jim is giving back on Tuesday, August 3rd from 5AM-10PM at the Rochester Area Family YMCA: Visit www.rochfamy.org for more information.

 

You can help Jim out by:

1) Running along side Jim. We will have a schedule for people who can run with him on a 2nd treadmill in the lobby.

2) Pledge Jim efforts with a donation to our Strong Kids Campaign at www.ymcastrongkids.org.

3) Spread the word. Share this information and invite others to participate by visit www.rochfamy.org.

4) Volunteer to help organize this effort by emailing brendak@rochfamy.org.

Fantastic Turnout!

Great to see so many people out tonight!  I think at last count, about 28 people engaged in the festivities!

Below, among others, you'll see Casey Graham... as many of you know, Casey is recovering from a pretty tough bike accident.  Today was her fist day running!  She felt great.. and was in very good spirits... it was fantastic to see her out and about with her run on!

We had several new Team  members tonight... we love new members! Check out the shirt presentations....  each of these people are great Free Agents for Team R.E.D.     Amber signed with us 2 weeks ago... and today she got her official Team R.E.D. shirt.  

Scott and Sonjia Kranz joined us tonight as well... it's great to have them on board!  I think they'll be back, as they snagged a huge gift card!

Then finally, Joe Ryan ponied up some bucks and said, if Team R.E.D. is good enough for his wife, it must be good enough for him!  Welcome Joe!

Here are some more pics from the evening via photobucket slideshow... somehow I didn't capture Anne and Mark Baron... shoot! (they were late, but they did run!)