Happy New Year Everyone!

Hey.. the 2011 Reflections post won't come until Sunday or Monday.  Please email me any thoughts, memories, achievements or stories you have in regards to the 2011 year of Team R.E.D... to be included in the post.

Take a peek at R.E.D. member Allan Jorgensen..  He's serving in Kuwait and appears to be in great shape while sporting his Team R.E.D. shirt.  In the next pic he's posing with Puddle of Mudd...  that's right up there in the CFI - Cool Factor Index!   Thanks for your service Al! 

•  Sunday 9am:  Off Season Striders is planning a 3 mile run from Panera South in Rochester.  3 miles.. wake up and get on out there, it'll be good for the blood stream!
• Sunday 11am:   Good luck to those of you running the Running Room's Resolution Run, the event is sold out, but I know many of you got registered in time, have fun!
• Sunday 3:30pm:  Hike at Oxbow Park.  Meet at the 1st bridge (2nd parking lot on your left as you enter the park) ... and off we'll go for an hour or so.
• Monday 8am:  Off Season Stirders are out and about again, this time meeting at Dunn Bros. on Elton Hills Drive. 
• Jan 15th 1-4pm:   Come to the Rochester Eagles Club and help with Blankets of Hope! As many of you know, Erin is involved with this group, and the generosity of Team R.E.D. has been recognized and greatly appreciated.   You can continue to help by coming on the 15th to tie blankets, or make a contribution to make a blanket for a solider.   

Here's a few shots from this past Thursday's Run / Walk from the Bears Den... always great fun with this group!  Now, you have to look close at the last pic of this series, Dave Eide is in there, he's just in the dark... !

The week continues to fill!

See below the new additions, including a New Years Eve party that you are all invited to attend!

• Today!  Last minute, spontaneous run!  B-Double-E-Double-R-U-N Beer Run!  See the note from Jean below... 
• It isn’t Thursday,  but it should be.    Anyone up for a spontaneous Beer Run today,  at  3:30pm,    gather at  Beetles in Rochester.     
• Please pass the word…     

• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. meets at the Bears Den in Byron.   Routes will be in the regular range of 3,4 and 6 miles. -- should see those routes up later Wednesday.
• NOTE:  The first couple of Thursdays of January will not follow our regular alternating schedule, which says 1st & 3rd Thursdays are at the Bears Den.  Rather, January 5th will be in Rochester, and January 12th will be at Somberby. 
• Saturday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders are returning to the scene... the run will kick off at the Crown Restaurant on 2nd St SW (across from St Marys).   
• Saturday 8pm:  New Years Eve Party at the Ryans! Everyone is welcome.  Bring your own booze, a snack to share and party favors/toys.  5236 Middlebrook Dr, NW. 281-9328. Please RSVP to Sara at sararyan37@hotmail.com
• Sunday 11am: The Running Room is hosting their annual Resolution Run.  This is always a fun event 
• Sunday 3:30pm:  Hike at Oxbow Park.  Meet at the 1st bridge (2nd parking lot on your left as you enter the park) ... and off we'll go for an hour or so.
• Monday 8am:  Off Season Stirders are out and about again, this time meeting at Dunn Bros. on Elton Hills Drive.

What's next?

The RCTC Fieldhouse is hosting a wrestling tournament (The Clash) this weekend.   In the past we've found it was very difficult to do quality speed work on the indoor track, while set-up was taking place for this event (i.e. bleachers covering half the track).   So.. with that said, I'd suggest a Tuesday night hill workout instead.   -- Wear your headlamps and reflective clothing! --

• Tuesday 5:30pm:  Hill repeats!   Meet at the Soldiers Field memorial in Rochester.  Run a warmup over to the base at the intersection of 10th St SW & 9th Ave SW.   For a hill workout, you will run up, pressing your work effort, while focusing on efficiency and form.   When you reach the top, head back down the hill at recovery pace... the idea is to reach the bottom ready to press up the hill again!    You can pick one of the two hills to work on, or alternate. 
• 10th St SW is the longer of the two hills,and doesn't appear very steep until the last 100M or so.
• 9th Ave SW is the shorter of the two, and is plain old steep!
• If you arrive late... participate anyway, run over to the hills and join in! 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. meets at the Bears Den in Byron.   Routes will be in the regular range of 3,4 and 6 miles. --
• NOTE:  The first couple of Thursdays of January will not follow our regular alternating schedule, which says 1st & 3rd Thursdays are at the Bears Den.  Rather, January 5th will be in Rochester, and January 12th will be at Somberby. 

Twas the Morning of Christmas Eve!

Wow.. what a great gathering at the Crown Restaurant. This combination of R.E.D and Off Season Striders was a hit! In all 66 members, family & friends started out the Christmas weekend in fantastic fashion. Lots of smiles, hand shakes, hugs and well wishes. Not to mention a great breakfast buffet! Gotta love it!

Many thanks go to Randy & Jean for coordinating this breakfast run, as it takes a bit of planning to fill a restaurant to capacity!  Even overflowed a bit to the bar side!

The pictures you'll see in the slide show are a combination of Tom O's and Tom W's... Tom W's will be the clear ones, so easy to spot.

Before we get to the slide show I have to share a couple of things. First, it's often been said the Women of R.E.D. can stop traffic.. and here is proof, as I had to stop to take this picture!

Millie Larger than Life!

Attention all Snow Shoe'ers! The SnowShoe Crew Jackets are in process of being completed. They look fantastic! If you ordered one, and haven't paid Team R.E.D. yet, please do so very soon! I'll pick up jackets as they are available, for all those who have paid. If you didn't get in on the initial order, but are interested, just drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com

And, finally, here's a look at the Christmas Eve fun!

So Much Fun! - So Much Good!

It's always great to see this team get together!  It was a very nice turnout at the Suk/O'Leary household (Wendy and I moved in immediately, we are not dummies).   

The run was fun... the caroling at Beatles Bar was a hit!  Nice work all of you!   The food, the drink, and most of all, the company was fantastic!   Also keep in mind, we welcomed a new member.. Gwen!   I've said it before and it's worth repeating.. new members are fantastic!



Looking forward to seeing so many of you at the 2nd Annual Christmas Eve Morning Run for the Fun! -- Fitness & Fun is what it's all about!

Update!

I know I promised track pics.. they are not yet available... ....but the routes are up! 

There is a little bit of explaining to do with the routes.. there are lots of options on distance that we'll discuss before we roll... but the key is, I have us heading to Beatles Bar... why?  To spread a little Christmas cheer!   Please bring your voice (if you hate this idea, still join us, but mouth it! or worst case, run around the parking lot )      --- if you have something festive to wear, sport it up!  all in all.. prepare for a fun run! 

So we'll run to Beatles.. to go direct is 1.25 miles... we'll ask some of the faster travelers to take a loop, coming in at about 2.25 miles.. then, once we're all gathered.. we will go inside and sing a couple Christmas Carols!   Why?  Same answer as last year, because drunks are people too! 


See you soon!

R.E.D. in Rochester!

This Thursday at 6pm we're back in Rochester with a gracious home host! We'll meet at Millie's place 800 Clover Lane SW, 55902 Multiple routes will be posted this evening, and range from roughly 3, 4 to 6 miles.

Carve out a little time for Thursdays fun! The menu isn't totally set yet, but will probably be a ham/potato hotdish, dessert, bread, other side dish(es), and some beer and wine for the post run. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.. Wooooo hooo!

Tuesday night was a strong turnout on the track... more pics to follow this evening (along with those aforementioned routes!)

Fantastic!

Team R.E.D. visited the Byron Food Shelf on Tuesday afternoon.. and they were very appreciative!   It's amazing to think what little effort it took for this group to raise $614.30 for the food shelf!  Nice work all!

The slide show below shows Adam, Ann & Mike presenting our super-sized check to Nancy & Ursula at the Byron Food Shelf. -- another special thanks goes to Megan O'Leary for creating the presentational check! ---

Here we go again!

• Tuesday 5:30pm: Tuesday Night Track work at RCTC... let's get on the indoor track, and focus on speed! How does this work? Arrive by 5:30... run a warm up. Then we'll discuss 'the plan' and go! Not everyone does the very same workout, there are options, but the key is to turn the feet over!
• Thursday 6pm: Team R.E.D. is heading to Rochester, home hosted by Millie! She is providing everything we need for the social... just need you and your shoes, your fun spirit and get ready to walk or run!   Then back to the homestead for the party. -- Millie's address will follow.

Here's a shot of Tom O's new mug!   It's a big boy mug... heavy! Requires two hands!  -- The mug is sweet!  As is the Plaque!  .... and all the generosity we've seen from this team.  I'm not over stating when I say, you are all Amazing!

Weekend Options

We have a couple of options to get out and about...  Note:  I do not have a hike planned, as Wendy and I can not be there, and we haven't heard from anyone who is planning to lead one. If you're interested in having a group hike added, let me know and I'll share away!

•  Saturday 7:30am:  Meet at the back door of Brothers Bar & Grill for a run with Off Season Striders.   The paces vary... and distance is really up to you!   
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders again!   This time gather at Panera South, and enjoy! 

Tonight, Friday.. a few Team R.E.D. members were spotted at Mia's Birthday party.  

Overwhelmed..

Overwhelmed is the best word Wendy and I could come up with... wow.

We'll share details on the dollars to the Food Shelf, as well as the dollars to the Blankets of Hope project! You are all so amazing! -- then you gifted us... and we don't know exactly how to express our appreciation for all of you!    We are in this for the same reasons you are.. to meet people who share a passion for fitness... while having a social outlet.

You are all the best! As a friend of ours would say (and she's right).. YOU ROCK!

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Welcome to our newest member....  Katrina... !

Great Job.. raising money for the cause!

Welcome to Iceland!

Bears Den 6pm!

This Thursday is a Bears Den night!  ...Gather at 6pm.. there will be 3 options on routes (not yet posted!)

Hey, it turns out we have arrived in Iceland!    Lori had us take the long route, so for those of you who pledged by the mile... good for you, as you get to give more!

Hot Track Night!

Wow.. there was a strong turnout on the track.. I think, it was 16 members! I tried to capture most...

Note:  This Thursday we're physically at the Bears Den, but actcually, arriving in Iceland!   If you are interested in making a contribution to the Byron Food Shelf, in conjunction with our arrival please come on out and place your contribution in the Iceland For Food bucket!  We're accepting your check, money order, cash, and even donations of food! -- we'll deliver the collected donations to the Byron Food Shelf next week, Tuesday,  possibly capture a picture or two!

If you can't make it this Thursday, you still have time to give!  Send your check to:
Food Drive
805 1st Ave NW
Byron MN, 55920


Byron Food Shelf is a satellite of Channel One (so any checks should be payable to Channel One, but please note in your memo line 'byron food shelf' ).  

Thanks so much... I find this Team incredible! 

It's time !

Everyone has a lot going on.. but there's always time for Team R.E.D.!

Given the sudden warm up in temps, we're lucky we got out on snowshoes Sunday. 8 people strapped them on, and hit the hills of oxbow.  Great fun!   Additionally, if you ordered snowshoe jackets, they are coming soon... !

• Tuesday 5:30pm:  Track at RCTC indoor track.   Meet at the field house, bring some dry shoes to change into!  We're looking at a ladder workout, and if you've never done one, this is a great chance to give it a shot!
• Thursday 6pm:   We're anticipating our arrival in Iceland! Please submit your weekly mileage to ensure we make it to Iceland!  -- We'll meet at the Bears Den in Byron, and celebrate with routes ranging from 2.5 to 6 miles.. The celebration will continue post run or walk, with some great social time! 
• If you pledged, please bring your contribution for the Byron Food Shelf on Thursday. 
• If you haven't pledged, but want to donate, please do!  
• If you can't make it Thursday, but still want to contribute, you can send a check payable to Byron Food Shelf, to me at 805 1st Ave NW, Byron MN  55920 -- and we'll get it rolled in with the gift. 

For any of you single guys hoping to pick up a Viking woman ... here's a tip..

Weekend updates!

A big Thank You to Randy for handling the route talk at Brothers Bar & Grill this evening... sure sounded like everything went fantastic, as long as your name wasn't Franck!  ... but really, if you're going to get lost, it may as well be with Team R.E.D!


Here is the weekend plan.. it's loaded!

• Saturday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders will gather at Dunn Brothers (north).   This group typically offers a flexible route of 8-10 miles (flexible means, it's typically easy to lengthen or shorten the route).   -- don't forget to enjoy the post run social! --
• Saturday 9am:  There's a FREE class being offered, titled Barefoot Training.  It's described as using a blend of Pilate's, Yoga, & Sculpting for a complete total body workout. The class starts at 9am at the Emily Griffith Photography Studio, 328 South Broadway, Suite C in Rochester... you can register by calling Michelle at 319-6712 or visiting www.suremichelle.com
• Additionally, Michelle and I have discussed pulling something together in January, incorporating a run or walk, prior to the class.  Might be a great way to maintain mileage and get the benefits of strength and stretching along with it.  -- a great chance to try something new!
•  Sunday 8am:  Off season striders meets at Panera South, again a flexible run with a great social post run. .
• Sunday 12:15pm:  If snow permits, dust off those snowshoes and meet at the 1st bridge of Oxbow park!  -- Check back to the blog in case weather forces a delay on this, i.e. it warms up too much! --
• Sunday Night Run & Wine Bottling!:   It's Chocolate Raspberry Port .. and it's ready!   See note below from Messenburg: 
• Anyone or everyone! We will officially be bottling the 2011 CRAP on Sunday December 11 at 5pm at the Mesenburg's (1098 8th Ave NW in Byron). We could do a run at 5 and then bottle, but as Tom O'Leary knows, bottling is like running 5 miles. Bring an appetizer and the Mesenburg's will have some beer (think some was left from the last time). Plan on 2 hours.

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More Opportunity

About 8 Team R.E.D. members hit the track on Tuesday.   It was a great workout, followed by another fun social...

We also learned that Erin is working with a group to make 200 fleece blankets for wounded soldiers overseas, what a great commitment and contribution to our soldiers!  Last year, they sent 107 blankets, so they are nearly doubling the effort!     Erin says the cost of each blanket is about $10 (would be 25-30 retail). If you'd like to contribute, you can do so by getting a check or cash into her hands! If you have questions, or wonder if there are any other ways you can help, drop Erin an email at erinhemenway2000@gmail.com

Below is a picture from last years fleece blanket crew... with a mountain of their work in the background.  Way to go!

Below are a few shots from the track workout....

Let's look ahead

Here we go.. the plan as I know it... some of it is still TBD

• Tonight 5:30pm:   Indoor track at RCTC.  We'll put together a string of 800M repeats with 400M recovery.  800's are great to not only work your foot turnover, but they also require you to concentrate, and maintain pace for a longer period. 
• Thursday 6pm:   Team R.E.D. meets at Brothers Bar & Grill on South Broadway in Rochester.  Route opportunities will range from 3-6 miles.  Come on out for the fun!
• Saturday morning OSS:  Off Season Striders will gather... location TBD.   This group typically offers up a flexible route of 8-10 miles (flexible means, it's typically easy to lengthen or shorten the route).   
• Saturday morning Something new!:  There's a FREE class being offerred, titled Barefoot Training.  It's described as using a blend of Pilates, Yoga, & Sculpting for a complete total body workout. The class starts at 9am at the Emily Griffith Photography Studio, 328 South Broadway, Suite C
  Rochester... you can register by calling Michelle at 319-6712 or visiting www.suremichelle.com
• Additionally, Michelle has been in touch with me, and would offer this class at a different time, if there is group interest to get together for something like this.  Please drop me an email if you plan to attend on Saturday, or if not, let me know if you have interest in another time, possibly a Team RED only class.  
• Sunday ShoeShoe :  Location and time is TBD... but the hiking crew definitely said, it's time!
• Sunday Night Wine Bottling!:   It's Chocolate Raspberry Port in fact... and it's time to bottle.  See note below from. 
• Anyone or everyone! We will officially be bottling the 2011 CRAP on Sunday December 11 at 5pm at the Mesenburg's (1098 8th Ave NW in Byron). We could do a run at 5 and then bottle, but as Tom O'Leary knows, bottling is like running 5 miles. Bring an appetizer and the Mesenburg's will have some beer (think some was left from the last time). Plan on 2 hours.

Slippery Yet Fun!

You may have noticed, the sidewalks, bike paths and streets are slick!   Be careful out there... we don't want any falls!

More updates will follow this evening.. but wanted to get a couple things posted before I could capture all the details.... check back for details on R.E.D.

Tuesday 5:30pm:  Indoor track work at the RCTC indoor field house.   Come on our and get some speed!
Thursday 6pm:   Team R.E.D. for a walk, run and of course, fun!   Location still TBD

Team R.E.D. attentive to the route talk - is that a glass of wine on the right side?

Sunday Hike Crew - reported slick conditions.. snow shoe time?

Saturday / Sunday - Let's go!

Here's what's cooking this weekend....

• Saturday 7:30am - Off Season Striders will take off from the Crown Restaurant on 2nd St SW - across from  Mary's Hospital, in the Blondell Motel.   -- it appears to be a Royal Theme, and you're welcome to sport a Crown or Tiara if you wish... not sure who would best play the role of Court Jester. 
• Sunday 8:00am -   Off Season Striders step out again!  This time from Panera South.. come on out and enjoy fun on the run!
• Sunday 3:30pm -   Afternoon hike at Oxbow park just south of Byron... meet at the 1st Bridge (2nd parking lot on your left as you enter the park.).   Typically 4 miles or so on this weekly hike.  

Tis the Season

Randy Quint is organizing a Christmas eve early morning run from the Crown Restaurant. (very appropriate given that Christmas marks the birth of The King)   Crown Restaurant owner Charlie Brannon and Randy are getting some special things lined up.  I'm sure looking forward to what they describe as "special"!

Mark your calendar for 7AM December 24th and stay tuned for details.

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In more current news... see you at 6pm tonight at the Bears Den in Byron!  Routes are posted on the right hand side of the blog.  

A Lesson In Pronunciation

Tom O's has been accused of not properly pronouncing where Team R.E.D. is going while raising money for the food shelf.  I am proud to say.. I can now pronounce Reykjavik... thanks to a little help from my friend, and online tutor.