Nice Work All!

The calendar may be looking like it's time to slow down for the winter, but wow.. you are all over the place!  On the trails, on the track, and on the road!

This Thursday's Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den at 6pm... routes are up! -- Be sure to wear reflective clothing and headlamps if you got 'em!   -- in a few weeks we'll start seeing more light, right?

It's looking like we'll reach Iceland in mid December.  It should be one fun party, as well as a chance to give to the community... !    If you haven't been contributing miles to the trip, it's not too late to get on board!  Drop Lori an email at lbelaen@gmail.com   and let her know how many miles a week you've been exercising.    If you'd like to come along, we would love to have you make a pledge for each mile you log, and we'll contribute that money to the Byron Food Shelf upon our arrival.

What will we do in Iceland?  Well, I hope you can dance!

Updates & Congrats!

Before we hit a couple of workout opportunities...

Congratulations are in order for one of our Team R.E.D. members!   Laura Mesenburg was awarded Most Photogenic at the Miss Minnesota Teen USA Pageant.   That's fantastic!  ... and the judges are clearly spot on!

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Here we go with the other stuff...

• Monday 6pm - Meet at the 1st Bridge of Oxbow for a Trail Run... Wear your headlamps!  Word on the street is there will be some post run beverages. 
• Tuesday 5:30pm - Gather at the field house of RCTC for an indoor track workout.   Speed Speed Speed.   Bring a change of shoes, to keep the track dry.  
• Tuesday 6pm... Mason leads another trail run at Oxbow.  The route will change from the Monday night jaunt, keeping it fresh!
• Wednesday TBD...  just let me know if there is something you want to do, i.e. Track workout in the dark? or any other option, drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com I'll be sure to communicate it. 
• Thursday 6pm... Get together for Team R.E.D. at the Bears Den in Byron for routes in the range of 3, 4 or 6 miles.  Routes will be on the blog by Wednesday. 

Sunday's Plan

There were a lot of Team R.E.D. members at this morning's Off Season Striders (OSS) run... was a really fun group! There's another chance to hook up with OSS on Sunday... 

• Sunday 8am: OSS meets t Dunn's North, along Elton Hills Drive. Routes are typically in the 6-10 mile range, and paces vary. You can easily shorten or lengthen most OSS runs.
• Sunday 3:30pm:  Afternoon hike at Oxbow Park.  Park in the zoo parking lot, and we'll head out from there.  Won't be long, and these trails will be set for snowshoes!

In case you missed it... see the previous post for a 20% coupon good through Dec 4th at Running Room.  Click the link, print it, and hit the store! 

Starting the Holiday Out Right!

Wishing you all a great Thanksgiving Weeekned!      It was a strong turnout at the O'Learys for a  fun group run...  Distances varied, and chatter was aplenty!  Many others were in Stewartville racing a Turkey Trot (while Adam & Amber are in Ohio doing the same!).   Others got up bright and early to get some miles in Rochester... before heading off to spend the day with family and friends.  

We can all be thankful for being surrounded by so many fun & active people!  Way to go Team R.E.D.!   Be sure to look below to catch a peek at more fun ahead this weekend, with the Off Season Striders!

• Saturday 7:30am:   Gather at Brother's Bar & Grill (please park in the back, so as to allow prime parking for the breakfast goers while we're off on the trails).   Additionally, Jean & John say  if the weather is really bad we'll just order bloody's & mimosas before hitting the mall.
• Sunday 8am:   Gather at Dunn's North for more miles and smiles!

Also... see the following link, if you'd like to score 20% off your purchase at the Running Room, this is good even on Sale Items!    In case you're wondering  --  Nike & Asics are my favs and I'm size 11.5

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Running-Room-Black-Friday-Sale----Nov-24-to-Dec-4--2011.html?soid=1010990144290&aid=Afl3fM2tOKI

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey all.. here's to a happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day!

• Tonight 5:30pm... meet at the Byron Track (located at the middle school).. weather permitting, we could be on the track in the dark... or just take a nice trek around town.
• Thursday morning.... 8am from the O'Leary's home at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron. If you have guests in town, bring them along! Everyone is welcome!  Remember, they don't need to be runners to join, they can go for a great walk!  We'll have some options of shorter to longer routes..  and come back to our place for some cider or coffee...
• Thursday morning... Turkey Day 5K is a Fun Run and Walk for the Whole Family. Event starts and finishes at the Grace Church, 702 1st St E. Stewartville. $5 Registration fee due on day of the race. For more info go to http://www.grace-free.org/ Event day registration begins a 8:15 am on Race Day. Run/Walk begins at 9:00 am

Living History + couple of things

It's going to take me a bit to sort through some of these pics from Living History farms, as I spent some time just recovering myself!  Here are a few shots...

I'd like to let you know that I'm proud of our team... We had some racers go run hard.... finishing 10th out of 106 co-ed teams!  That's top 10%... way to go R.E.D.!

Also, many of you decided to group run the event.. and it was great to see!  People stopped, waited for others, helped them up embankments and such.. very fantastic!  Be Like Tod.   

Additionally, the bus ride gave us a chance to met some new people.... welcome to Kelly & Andrea who joined us for the ride.. and for many it was the first chance to meet Jacy (although we did see her at Warrior Dash!)... hope to see all 3 of you again!

A few of the items I know are taking place this holiday week are listed below... if you have something you'd like to add, let me know! **Note the indoor track is set for Tuesday this week**

• Monday evening, Team R.E.D. is invited to the home of Paul & Annette Chmielewski  as Paul turns old. 50!  This is not a surprise party (so shout it out loud!)  You are invited to attend a happy hour at their home.. from 5-9pm at  507 9^th St. NW, Byron, from 5-9pm.  Food & Drink are provided.   If anyone wants to run, I would join you, meet at 5:30pm and we'll go get 4 miles or so... then come back for the party.  
• Tuesday evening...  Track work at the RCTC indoor track at 5:30pm.  This is located inside the fieldhouse and is Free of Charge.   Please bring shoes to change into at the track, as them's the rules.
• Wednesday evening... meet at the Byron Track (located at the middle school).. weather permitting, we could be on the track in the dark... or just take a nice trek around town.
• Thursday morning.... 8am from the O'Leary's home at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron.   We'll have some options of 3-6 miles.. so you can walk or run... and come back to our place for some cider (or something else if you like).
• Thursday morning... Turkey Day 5K is a Fun Run and Walk for the Whole Family. Event starts and finishes at the Grace Church, 702 1st St E. Stewartville. $5 Registration fee due on day of the race. For more info go to http://www.grace-free.org/    Event day registration begins a 8:15 am on Race Day. Run/Walk begins at 9:00 am
  

Living History Farms!

Bus riders, be at the Bears Den parking lot in Byron at 4am!    Please call me at 507 358 9188 if for any reason you're running late, but also, please don't run late!

Here's what's available when you arrive...

• A bus
• Muffins/Breads
• Fruit
• O.J.
• Chips
• Water
• Beer
• Soda
• Hard Lemonades
• Let's go!

Weekend!

A note will go out this afternoon with reminders for those of you attending Living History Farms... for those of you not.. there are some options with the Off Season Striders!

• Saturday       Newt's North     8am   
• Sunday         Panera S.    8am for  those running  6+ miles   9am for those who would like to do <5 miles

Also, Sunday afternoon hike will be a little later.. 3:30pm from the 1st Bridge at Oxbow park (this will give us time to watch another Vikings debacle prior to the hike).  

Routes are up!

Check out the routes on the right hand side of the blog...  Wear reflective clothing & headlamps as we're planning to run into town, the shoulder is narrow at first!  

Two days to Living History Farms Off Road Race!    We could use some things yet... let me know if you can assist with any of these

• 1 more changing tent.  Someone told me they had a pop-up tent with side walls that we could use, but I can't recall who said that... - if it's you, come clean!
• Volunteers to help set up and take down the tents
• 5-6 coolers

Next few things

Wednesday 5:30pm is our first Indoor Track workout.   People have had some questions... here are the answers!

• Why 5:30pm?:   Well, start time is a hard thing to get agreement, and we'll figure it out as we go.  In truth, some will start early, some will join at 5:30, and others will come late... the key is to show up, and get your work in!
• How big is the track?:   200M  or 8 laps to 1 mile
• What do you mean when you say it's "shared space"?:   There are basketball leagues, various camps, private coaching taking place on the courts inside the track.  Those people participating are essentially in different space, however, they wander across the track without realizing someone may be coming around the corner sorta fast!...We'll see how Wednesdays compare to last years chosen night of Tuesdays.... we'll try Wednesday, but we should discuss, which night is the best night for most.
• I'm not available Wednesday night, are there other times this track is open to the public?  Yes.. see the post from the RCTC website.   I do know that people who go in the morning, have not run into some of the issues of leagues taking place. 

Open Field House Hours

The Field house is open every morning from 6 - 8 a.m. and evenings 5 - 10 p.m. Monday through Friday for your walking/jogging pleasure. Weekends are on a hit and miss system depending on what is scheduled in the field house (see Sports Center Schedule). The city has priority use and there is no charge for jogging/walking.

Thursday 6pm is Team R.E.D.... and it's one of my favorite themes!  Inappropriate t-shirt night is being hosted by Tod & Meg Bellrichard at 8431 14th Street NW Byron.   ***NOTE:  while the address says NW, they are actually located on the east edge of Byron.... Here's the direction from Meg...

• We are only 1/2 mile from the HIP lumberyard off Hwy 14. Going west on Hwy 14, take a right on co rd 3. We are exactly 1/2 mile...   House on the rt side surrounded by pine trees. Can't miss it. Hope to see you there.   Contact phone #'s are 775-0931 or 272-7707 
• Tod is in charge of a surprise menu.. but we know it'll include food, beer & wine
• If you want to bring something, that's ok too.
• A cake is in the works for a member celebrating a little something, and no Paul C... it's not for you!
• Routes will hit the blog on Wednesday - wear your headlamps and dress with reflective clothing! 
• Don't have an inappropriate shirt?  (because you're a saint like Tom O).. well, no worries, Tod has loaners, turns out he has quite a few! 
• Prizes will be awarded for most tasteless t-shirts!

Saturday... Living History Farms Road Race (and bus ride!)   oh my!   More details to come!

Link to Gamehaven Pics

Hey all.. I know a lot of people have been enjoying some of the pics on facebook... but if you go to the Gamehaven blogspot you'll see even more!

http://gamehavenrun.blogspot.com/2011/11/team-spirit-winners.html?spref=fb

Week Ahead!

Before we look ahead, I've included a few shots from Gamehaven.  KC Reed and Team R.E.D.'s Jim Mason do a great job with this race! -- the participation grew significantly in this 2nd year event, growing from 77 runners to 197!  (pictures are courtesy of Woo & Li).

I think the cannon fired start went off a little prematurely, and gave Mason a run for his money on that 4-wheeler!  

Becker sporting a great look!

Jenifer approaching the water crossing

Paul getting wet!

Wendy, Adam & Amber enter the castle!

Here's a look at how the week is shaping up so far...

Tuesday Night Trail:  TBD - check back as I have not yet heard for certain on this one.
Wednesday Night Track 5:30pm - We're moving indoors!  Meet at the RCTC indoor track, located in the field house, along circle drive.  Bring a pair of shoes to change into, as outdoor shoes are not allowed on the track.  The track is free to use in the evenings, and early mornings, however, it is shared space, so be alert while flying around the track!
Thursday Night Team R.E.D.!  6pm:   We're meeting at the home of Tod & Meg Bellrichard for a much anticipated theme of inappropriate t-shirts!   Wear what you dare, and do not fear offending anyone.  More details to follow.

Great Job R.E.D.!

Wow!  You were all amazing at the Gamehaven run!   I know we'll see lots of pics from Tom & Jim ...

Here's a quick shot of the Byron Cross Country Superhero's posing at the Gamehaven lake overlook... they ran the race together and earned the Team Spirit Award!   Very nice!   Picture courtesy of Elaine.. Thanks!

• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are running from Panera Bread South - distances are chatted about at game time, and adjustable.  As always, paces are varied, come on out and join us!
• Sunday 1pm:  Hike at Oxbow Park, meet us at the 2nd bridge. This is a great hiking location and a great way to spend a portion of your afternoon.   The 2nd bridge is located near the entrance to the zoo and campground.  Enter the park as though you're going to the zoo.. turn left just prior to the zoo parking lot and drive straight ahead, past the campground, and you are there...
  

Still time to sign up!

If you are on the fence for Gamehaven True Cross Country race Saturday morning.. get off the fence and on the course!   Start time is 9am.. and race day registration is available!    Team R.E.D. theme is tropical... I'll have some Lei's available.. but tropical it up!

Also, bring a change of clothes, it's so nice to get changed and dry after the event! 

The race is lots of fun, including a Cannon start!   It's also a great fundraiser for the scouts!   The Gamehaven Scout Reservation is located at 5015 Simpson Rd SE, Rochester, MN.. If you are traveling on Highway 52 take the County Rd 1 exit and turn south. It is 1.5 miles south of Hwy 52. The camp is on the right hand side of the road.  

Follow this link to see a great view of what is ahead of you! 

http://gamehavenrun.blogspot.com/2011/11/exciting-news.html?spref=fb 

Team R.E.D. track work Nov 9

We have a 50 year old among us!

Very soon... Paul Chmielewski turns 50!   There's a "not a surprise party" taking place... food and drink provided!  Come and help him celebrate (and ease the pain) by attending a happy hour in his honor on Monday, November 21. The celebration is at his house 507 9^th St. NW, Byron, from 5-9pm.

Reminder:  Thursday (nov 10)  at 6pm we're at the Lovik home, located at 1504 7th St. NE in Rochester.  The long route will take us down near Silver Lake and the Running Room.... shorter options will also be available.   Dan & Linda are providing burgers & beer... bring a dish to share if you like.  The fire pit and hot tub will also be fired up!

Thursday's Host!

This week's Team R.E.D. is being home hosted by Dan Linda Lovik in Rochester. Their address is 1504 7th St. NE. cell 507.269.8745. Lovik's are providing beer!   -- More details to follow...

Also, check out the post below for details on the rest of the week...

The Week Ahead!

When I say Team you say R.E.D.!    Team! .....   Team!.....     Congrats to all you R.E.D. members who  raced this weekend... what fun!   There should be a lot of stories to share, as rarely does a marathon go down, without a story behind it, particularly the NYC Marathon! 

Congrats in particular to Erin Hemenway as she completed her first Half Marathon!  Way to go Erin! (photo to come).


This week is another great one... check out some of the many options below...

• Monday 6pm:  Quarry Hill Trail run... be sure to wear your headlamp and pick up your feet!   We'll meet at the Quarry Hill baseball fields. Just follow 9th St NE it ends right at the park.  Jim Mason is the guide for the evening.
• Wednesday 5:30pm:   Track workout on the Byron Track (located behind the middle school).  Last week was a weak showing, let's get out there and build some speed!  Post workout will be spent at the Mesenburgs home, advancing the Chocolate Raspberry Port that has been fermenting away!   Typically there are a few samples to sip, but Bring your own beverage of choice...
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. -- location TBD, but one thing we know.. it will involve Fitness & Fun! 
• Saturday 9am:   Gamehaven True Cross Country race.  Come on out to the scout camp and have some fun with this 5 mile race (including 2 creek crossings and 1 castle! )   You can find more information and registration forms at http://rochestertrackclub.com/Calendar/Calendar-Detail.aspx?raceID=459
• Saturday 9am or later:  Renee Saxman is moving!   If you want to be part of the crew, just drop me or Renee a note so we know what time you'll be available.   If you can contribute 1 hour or 4 hours.. any help is appreciated.   For those running Gamehaven... swing by when you're done celebrating, and we'll lift and move!  Renee can be reached at rsaxman@charter.net and I'm reachable at byron.teamred@gmail.com
• Sunday 1pm:  Sunday afternoon hike at Oxbow... this time we'll gather at the 2nd bridge.  Located near the entrance to the zoo and campground.  Enter the park as though you're going to the zoo.. turn left just prior to the zoo parking lot and drive straight ahead, past the campground, and you are there!  

New Members! Great Fun!

Best of luck to all the area High School runners competing at the State Meet on Saturday!  What a great achievement, and a memory for a lifetime!

Also, best of luck to Team R.E.D. members and other area runners taking part in the 2011 NYC Marathon on Sunday!  R.E.D. members taking on the course include, Renee S, Tom W, Peter, Andy B., & Mike S...  Enjoy the experience, and kick some bottom! 

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Thursday evening offered a chance for many people to meet several new faces!   I've attached a set of pics below... some are brand new members, and others are members who are recent additions and FINALLY received their Team R.E.D. shirts!

Let's meet them now.... the first pic is courtesy of Alan (lifted from facebook).. the next series are mostly from Dan's phone (as I can't remember a camera!).... and the last is courtesy of Jill & Adam (lifted off facebook once again!)

Getting Ready!

Welcome Brenda!

Welcome Jean!

Welcome Heidi!

Welcome Abbie!

Welcome Ashley!

Welcome Brandon!

Brandon & Jean -  Winners of Bears Den Gift Cards!

Anonymous Gift for Esme!

Looking just like mom and dad, after a night at Team R.E.D.

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Saturday 9am:   The Bear Creek 5 mile starting at Mayo High School... and it's a predict your time race... which means leave your Garmin at home, and just go have fun!  Anyone can win this race... young, old, fast, slow.. the winner is the person who finishes closest to their prediction (without finishing faster, or they are DQ'd!)    More details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/Calendar/Calendar-Detail.aspx?raceID=461

Sunday 11am:  Dan Valentine of the Winona Running Club has organized a great quarry run.  Dan & Lonna get to the Rochester area for some of the Trail stuff Mason sets up... here's a chance to go visit them!   If interested, Dan & Lonna are running this 5 mile loop for sure.. so if you want to join, give Dan a call for details on where to hook up, 608-797-1989.  

Sunday 2pm:   Afternoon hike at Oxbow Park, just north of Byron.   Meet at the 1st Bridge (which is the 2nd parking lot on your left).   Come on out and enjoy the great trails!  There's no hunting in the park, but wear something bright anyway!

Destination Iceland!

Team R.E.D. is going to Reykjavik Iceland!   ... and wow, it's going to be both fun and rewarding!  

Reykjavik is approximately 3,000 miles from here.. so if you want to join us, here's what you need to do.

• Each week, keep track of your fitness miles (running, walking, biking, swimming... )  and send the totals to Lori at lbelaen@gmail.com   (I haven't asked Lori yet... just wait to see her surprise when she reads this!) 
• Make a pledge per mile of a contribution you're willing to make to the Byron Food Shelf upon our arrival in Reykjavik.  
• Your pledge can be any amount...  but just for example, if I log 100 miles during this journey, and pledge 10 cents a mile, I will be contributing $10 to the food shelf when we arrive.  If 10 cents is the average pledge... the food shelf will benefit with a $300 donation!     
• When we reach our destination, we'll have a party... and be making a difference in the community!   Win-Win!

Follow the link below, and you'll see how easily it is to be inspired by Iceland!

http://youtu.be/PLGyykLFTMs

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Bears Den tonight!   6pm... routes are posted... and t-shirts are in!  Come and get 'em!

Coming up..

Hey all.. it's been a crazy weekend/week... so here is a shot at letting you know what's ahead!  ---  I still owe a ton of pics of fun days in the last week.. they're still coming!

Before we get to that.. Congrats to Kim Hakes!   She ran her first ever 5K last week! Sweet.. very sweet!  Nice job Kim!   Below is a shot of how Kim & Gail celebrated the accomplishment!

Wednesday 5:30pm:  Track workout at Byron Track (located at the middle school in Byron)  - we'll keep it simple... at 5:30, we'll start with a  1 mile warmup (easy pace), then we'll roll into repeats: 400M with 200M recovery. 
Thursday 6pm:   We are back at the Bears Den for another great night... (wear your headlamps!)... don't have any?  Please wear something reflective, all black is a bad idea this time of year.
Saturday 9am:   The Bear Creek 5 mile is very fun!   It starts at Mayo High School... and it's a predict your time race... and it's got a great format... the slowest predictions start first, with more people starting every 30 seconds... the person closest to their prediction wins!  ( no timing devices allowed of course )... if you finish faster then your predicted time, you are DQ'd!    -- essentially, if everyone predicts correctly, it should be a giant, group tie at the finish line.. !  -- registration is just 10 bucks...   details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/Calendar/Calendar-Detail.aspx?raceID=461