Go Gophers! They beat the #1 team in the land!

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The track was on fire tonight!  (I'm only guessing, because I wasn't there!)... but I know how you all are when you get your speed rolling!

Before we get to the week ahead, I just wanted to share this story that has been popping up all over facebook, if you have not seen it, watch it... very inspiring!

• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. hits Brothers Bar & Grill located at 812 South Broadway in Rochester.   Please park in the back of the bar, as we don't want to take up the prime parking spaces in front, and then leave for an hour!  
• Saturday 7:30am-10:30am:  All you can Eat Pancake Feed at the Bears Den in Byron.  This event benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and it's mission to find a cure for Type-1 Diabetes.   Cost is $7 per person, with a family max of $25. 
• Important Note:  You can still get your long run in, and have pancakes. See the next bullet for details.   Read carefully, as you'll find a support crew that will make it easy for you to run to Byron for the pancake feed and have dry clothes to change into upon your arrival, as well as a safe place to store your clothing, money, phones, ect...   
• Saturday 7:15am Long Run:  Lots of options to run .. and as mentioned, some of them bring you to Byron for Pancakes!   If you run from Rochester to Byron, we will have shuttles to get you back to Rochester when you are ready to roll.  Additionally, Randy is picking up any gear bags you may have for clothing and valuables.  Tom has arranged for a volunteer to receive those gear bags and keep them safe in Byron awaiting your arrival.    
• 7:15am is the official start of the Marathon Training Long run from the RAC.   The route is scheduled at approx 13 miles... it will run you from the RAC to Silver Lake for a waterstop, and loop you back to the RAC (2nd waterstop).. from there you'll head west out of Rochester on 19th Street (we will have course markings pointing you in the right direction)... working your way toward Byron where Team R.E.D. member Randy will be hosting another water stop on your way to the Pancake Feed!  -- if you don't want to participate in the feed, you would simply turn around at Randy's aid station and head back to the RAC. Either way you'll get 13 miles in!   
• If you are planning to run to Byron for the Pancakes for Goodness Sake... you can give Randy a drop bag before you depart the RAC at 7:15am, and he'll shuttle it to Byron!   
• In Byron, the drop bags will be watched over. 
• 6am:  Some members are looking to get more like 20 miles in on Saturday, and they'll be starting from the RAC at 6am.  If you need more then the scheduled 13, this might be an option for you. 
• 6am:  Some members are planning 13-14 miles, but want to get done earlier.  Additionally, they are starting from the Bears Den in Byron.   Feel free to join this crew if you wish!  
• Between 8:05-8:20am:  If you wanted to take part, but run less miles.  You could run approx 7 miles from the RAC to Byron.  I would suggest you get to the RAC about 8:05am.. and wait for runners coming back from the Silver Lake Loop, and join them as they make the trek west!   If you want to do this, please drop Tom an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com so we can make sure we pick up a gear bag from you, and have it ready for you in Byron upon your arrival.    We are happy to accommodate this option, but please be sure to email, otherwise we won't know to have your bags picked up! 

Whew... hope I covered it all!

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Below are a few shots from this past weekends snowshoe crew!  Luckily we got another shot to get out and about!    As long as it's cold, keep the snow coming!

Mike & Jeremy.. not sure what they were playing, but Jeremy must have won!

Amy all smiles

Adam, Jeremy & Dave.. in danger!

Must be cold.. Mike has his shoulders covered.

Gail stylin'

Deb & Kim leading the way!

The crew.. Dave, Gail, Adam, Kim, Jeremy, Deb, Amy, Mike & Dan

What's next?

• Monday 6pm: The Maniacs are heading on a snowshoe trek from the trail parking lot in Douglas... and of course, the post shoe social will take place at the Douglas Social Club & Saloon!  It's a fun place!
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail blazers are heading to Indian Hieghts and hope to get a little history lesson regarding the Wilson House!   See Jim's note below. 
• Meet at Indian Hights parking lot at 6:15PM and we'll hike around and hopefully catch a glimpse of the Wilson House Indian Hights Parking Lot  https://maps.google.com/maps?q=44.040836%2C-92.472621&hl=en&ll=44.040072%2C-92.469671&spn=0.003864%2C0.006577&num=1&t=h&z=17   We'll re hydrate at Glynners afterwards  
• Wednesday 5:30pm:  The speed wheel continues as the track crew knocks out 300M repeats and adds a little tempo running!  (don't know what tempo or repeats are?  stop out to the track, and you'll soon find out!)
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to Rochester!  The location is TBD - will be posted Tuesday.   Routes will have options of 3-6 miles.   Come on out and meet some team members!

Erin continues to do great work with Blankets of Hope!  She shared some great pics of some Team R.E.D. members joining forces and building blankets!

Congratulations!

Winners Winners all over the place!   Probably the biggest winner was Matt... as he joined Team R.E.D. last night!   Welcome Matt!

Matt joins R.E.D.

Congrats to Lana and Steve... as they each won a pair of Brooks Shoes from TerraLoco!   Many thanks to TerraLoco for making such a great donation!  Also Congrats go to the winners of the Bears Den gift cards!  It's a whole lot of you!  

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More opportunities! 

• Saturday 7:15am:  Marathon training long run takes off from the RAC.   This is a great way to get some miles as the run is supported by volunteers with Water, Gatorade and sometimes snacks.   Please bring $1 to help offset the costs.   
• Saturday 1:30pm:   Snowshoe at Oxbow... Finally!   Gather at the 1st Bridge at 1:30pm and prepare to travel the park.  (the 1st bridge is the 2nd parking lot on your left as you enter the park area.)
• Sunday 8am:   Off Season Striders are heading out for a run from Brothers Bar & Grill!  Park and meet behind the bar... and have some fun post run!  
• Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading back to Douglas for some snowshoeing along the horse trail!  This is pretty flat terrain, come give it a shot!  Of course, we'll mosey on into the Douglas Saloon post shoe!

Speed!

Join us on the track tonight at 5:30pm at the indoor track in the RCTC fieldhouse.   We start with some slow laps to warm up, then roll into the speed session!  If you've never tried tack work before, now is the time!  

Thursday at 6pm Team R.E.D. gathers at the Bears Den in Byron. We'll give away 2 pair of Brooks shoes courtesy of TerraLoco!   Come on out for the run and stay for the fun!   Don't worry about the alleged storm... all we know is it's going to snow somewhere between Nebraska and Ohio...

Saturday at 7:15am:   The marathon training long runs continue from the RAC.  This weekends route is a 10 miler and can be found on the following link http://runningrochester.blogspot.com/

Below are a couple shots from Monday's Maniacs... what a windy jaunt that was!  It won't be long and we can start to ditch the headlamps.. yippee! 

 

 

 

See the note below from Jim Parry... he's about to embark on his 16 hour treadmill run!  You can join him for a portion of it, and/or consider a contribution to the YMCA.  Good work Jim!

 

• I will once again be running on a treadmill in the lobby of the Rochester Area Family Y from 5am-9pm on Friday, March 8th to raise funds for their Annual Support Campaign. We have set the ambitious goal of raising $5000 during my time on the treadmill this year. Due to the generosity of others through this program, my brother and I were able to participate in Y programs as kids. Come run or walk with me on one of the other two treadmills that will be set up next to mine in the lobby that day and consider donating to this worthy cause. Call 507.287.2260 to sign up or donate and see http://mrparrysendurancechallenge.blogspot.com/ for more information.

A few updates

We had a great night at the Hakes on Thursday...  Awesome of you to invite us to your home! 

Gail provided a fire for the route talk

Paul doesn't get out much, so he was excited! Jenny seems more calm.

Esme was the center of attention in the living room

8am Sunday - Off Season Striders are heading out from Panera South.  Get out for the run, and settle in for some post run coffee and chat time.
6pm Monday - Monday Maniacs take off from WildWood Bar & Grill (located on the back side of the Ramada near the TJ Max Plaza).   Post run.. might include a cocktail of your choice.
6:15pm Tuesday - The trail crew is heading to Eastwood park for the Eastwood "this might suck" trail run.   See the note below from trail leader Mason,

• It's going to be cold and windy;The snow is little more than a frozen crust; and it will probably be super slippery.  But that hasn't stopped us yet :) Let's meet at the Eastwood Parking lot at 6:15 and we'll Snowshoe,or run, your choice. If all else fails the Wicked Moose is nearby.

5:30pm Wednesday - It's speed on the track at RCTC indoor track!  Get out and turn the legs - quick quick quick!  If you've never tried speedwork before, make this your first week.  
6pm Thursday - Team R.E.D. gathers at the Bears Den in Byron.  You can expect routes in the ranges of 3, 4 or 6 miles.   This week we'll give away 2 pair of Brooks Shoes courtesy of TerraLoco! 

Route for tonight!

Gail has come up with a route for tonight.. follow the link to check it out in advance        http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/173324410  during the route talk, we'll discuss how you can turn this to a 3 or 4 miler as well! 

Dwight doesn't mix words...   Happy Valentines Day everyone!  

Time to register!

Warrior Dash June 29th at 3pm.. has only 118 slots remaining.... if you plan to race it with Team R.E.D go get signed up! https://www.registrationation.com/register/index/299

 

Also, we have a group campsite reserved at St.Croix Bluffs Regional County Park for June 28th & 29th. You can stay one night, two nights.. or no nights! (but it's more fun to stay!) We're estimating it'll be just 15 bucks per tent (same price, whether you stay one night or two).

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Below are a couple shots from Monday Maniacs... it was a cool, windy, slippery evening, but fun as always!  Just one encounter with a little doggy...

Front - Mike P, Andy, Gwen & Paul
Back - Chris & Dave
Missing but participating - Tom, Wendy, Mike N, Ann N & Aaron

Team R.E.D. on the train tracks! - safest place to run Monday night!
 

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• Get on the track tonight at 5:30pm!  Gather at the indoor track of RCTC and get your speed rolling!
• Thursday at 6pm we'll be at the Hakes residence 1017 8th Ave NW in Byron.. Thanks for home hosting a R.E.D. Hot Valentine Run / Snowshoe!   Bring your own beverage and dish to pass. Some beer and wine will be provided. Pork sandwiches will be served.
• Saturday Long Run!  The long runs from the RAC return!  This Saturday's long run kicks off at 7:15am from the Rochester Athletic Club in Rochester.  The scheduled route is 9 miles and details can be found at http://runningrochester.blogspot.com/
• If you're interested in more miles, a group is frontloading at 6am.. and at least one other is starting the early miles at 5:30am

Opportunity to Support Our Troops!

As you know, Team R.E.D. member Erin H is passionate about the Blankets of Hope Campaign.  See the flyer below.. and join them if you can! (if you're like me and it's hard to read that flyer on the blog.. click on it, to enlarge. 

If you're not available to help on that day, you sure can support the effort by helping to pay the postage!  Monetary donations are accepted and greatly appreciated.  If you'd like to donate, or have additional questions, please contact Erin at erinhemenway2000@gmail.com

New Member & A Look At Next Week!

With the recent updates regarding Lace Up Against Breast Cancer, I now realize I have not shared the picture of our newest member!  

Meet Sarah... she joins us 'officially' after checking us out a few times!  Sarah is a strong runner, and has a passion for the Ragnar Relay.

Welcome Sarah! 

 Now meet the winners of the Bears Den gift cards following a relentless round of Rock, Paper, Scissors... (Tom cheated, by playing one less round then everyone else.. but it appears the judges still ruled in his favor!)   -- We're very happy Steve won, as that was probably a big help with his tab, after buying a round of Harvey Wallbangers!   -- The Bears Den had to go buy some OJ to complete the round!

Winners!  Steve, Tom and Andy!

The following gloves and headlamp were found at the Den  -- if they are yours, please contact Tom at byron.teamred@gmail.com  

Lost & Found

In the pic below.. Team R.E.D. member Shane takes to the start like at Carleton College today!  Way to go Shane!  

Shane is 2nd from the right... Go Shane!

Check the post below for details regarding the cancellation of the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer Half Marathon & 5K.    If roads are safe to travel... consider joining for the walk that starts at 10am tomorrow... and if you're really feeling confident, join us for an outdoor run at 9am..  All details in post below.

**** The Week Ahead! ****

Monday 6pm:  The Maniacs are gathering at Dooley's for easy access to the downtown trails and of course the nightlife of downtown Rochester!   Come on out for a fun run... and some fun post run social...
Tuesday 6:15pm: The Trail crew is returning to the scene of last weeks fun! Heading to Chesterwoods park for a snowshoe jaunt.  Meet at the beach house.
Wednesday 5:30pm: It's the Need for Speed!  Meet at the indoor track of RCTC.  Come out and pick up the pace!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. Home Host!  We love home hosts!   See the details below for a Red Hot Valentines day!

• Join the Hakes on Thursday, February 14 at 6PM. Hakes are hosting a  red hot valentine’s day party. Pull the red out of your closet and let’s go. Running and snowshoeing routes will be available.  Bring your own beverage and dish to pass. Some beer and wine will be provided. Pork sandwiches will be served.
• Kim & Gail live at 1017 8^th Ave NW, Byron, MN

Update for Lace Up

Due current icy conditions of the trail system,  and anticipated bad weather looming for Sunday... the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer 10 Mile and 5K has been cancelled.  Organizers plan to hold an indoor walk starting at 10am.

Notes: 

• Registered runners can still pick up their packets at TerraLoca today between 1:30 - 5pm. TerraLoco is located at 1190 16th St in Rochester.   You can also pick up your packet Sunday from 7:30-10am at Mayo High School.  
• Volunteers can also pick up their volunteer gift during those same times.

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On a related note... Team R.E.D. is planning to meet at Mayo High School's south parking lot at 9am.  For anyone who wants to get outside for a run or a walk, we can go anywhere from 30-60 minutes, then come back to Mayo to support the efforts.   A soup luncheon is being served.   

Tonight and into the Weekend!

Hey all.. updates have been slow to come this week... but here we go!

• Tonight 6pm: Team R.E.D. gathers at the Beard Den in Byron!  We'll keep it mostly flat and on city streets... as hills, and trails are quite slick!  Wear a headlamp if you have one, and reflective clothing of course! 
• Saturday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders are gathering at Newts North in Rochester.  Woo will be your fearless leader. 
• Sunday 8:45am:  Come to help set up and rock the water stop for Lace Up Against Breast Cancer!
• Sunday 9am;  Run the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer 5K or 10 Mile.  Please see the note from the race director, John below:

For the safety of our runners we have made the difficult decision to shorten the half marathon route to ~10 miles due to significant ice on a portion of the course.

We are are also keeping our eye out on Sunday's weather...if it is just snow we will still have the events (10 Mile, 5K and Walk), although we might have to adust the courses. If it is freezing rain, then we will cancel everything. We will be making that decision late Friday or very early Saturday--we will post the information on our website www.luabc.org as soon as a decision is made.
Please email runluabc@gmail.com with questions.

Thank you for your understanding.

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One of our Team R.E.D. members received a great honor last weekend, and we'd like to congratulate him!  Byron's Boys & Girls Head Track and Field coach, Charro Coleman actually received recognition on a few counts... at the Minnestoa State High School Coaches Banquet, Charro was recognized as:

• Minnesota Class A Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year!  Awesome recognition for a coach who works wonders with his athletes, sharing his passion while treating them all with great respect!  
• Section 1A Girls Track & Field Coach of the Year
• Section 1A Boys Track & Field Coach of the Year!   

Many of you may have already noticed, Charro was nominated at the Rochester Area Sports Banquet for Coach of the Year as well.    What a nice roll!

Congrats Charro! 

Heat Wave!

Things are turning for the better, temperature wise!   -- and there are plenty of chances to get out and enjoy it....

• Sunday 8am:  The Test of the Lace Up Against Breast Cancer Half Marathon route, takes place starting at the south parking lot of Mayo High School.   We'll run the 13.1 mile route... and if you only want to run part of it, that's ok too!  
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are getting connected at Beetles Bar & Grill on 2nd Street in Rochester.   This is a nice location for a scamper around the town! 
• Tuesday 6:15pm: The Tuesday Trail group is doing a Moon Rise over Chester Lake Snowshoe .  They are gathering at the Beach House of Chester Woods Park, and heading out for a snowshoe hike around the lake... keep that snow coming! 
• Wednesday 5:30pm:  The RCTC indoor track is the place to be on Wednesdays!  The team is seeing a great turnout, and the speed is cranking up. Come on out and take part in the workout!   
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is back at the Bears Den in Byron!   It's been a few weeks, and we're sure looking forward to returning to the scene of our start!   Come on out for a run of 3, 4 or 6 miles... and let's have some post run fun! 

All it is .. is Wow!

13 Team R.E.D. members ran outside in this windchill tonight!  Very nice work.   Several others found warmer places to log some miles... and that's ok.... but really, you're in Minnesota, let's get out and go!   (actually, I don't blame anyone, but since I was one of the outsiders, I feel good picking on the rest!)

In truth, it's amazing how much this group continues to run no matter what!  ...Now while there were 13 outdoor runners at R.E.D. there were approx 40 at E.D.!   That's awesome.... This is part of what keeps us all rolling... the connections, friendships, inspirations, motivations and all that stuff...

We have new members to announce!

Jess and Dan joined us tonight!   Jess had joined a run from Broadway Pizza about a year ago, and after that she must have entered therapy, as we didn't see her for a long time.  It seems now, she has gone against Doctors orders and officially joined Team R.E.D. anyway!  

Dan has run into R.E.D. on the indoor track at RCTC.  He reports if you want to run track with less interruptions, the morning is a great time to get that workout in, and not have to battle the crowds coming and going.    Welcome to the Team.... Jess & Dan! 

Jess & Dan join Team R.E.D.!  Two Free Agents join the Team!   

Steve joined Team R.E.D. tonight as well.. Steve has run with us on several nights, and it seems he had commitment issues.   No no... that's not true.. but what is true is he can moonwalk and kick up his heels very nicely!   

Steve is a big dog with Camp Victory.... and they have an awesome breakfast coming up this weekend.  Steve did not ask me to plug this, but I am anyway.

FOR TICKETS:
1) Online: (link to our donation/ticket page) https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRotKDOEmP1l3hM8IxR5VRm5fcDUR8Pm2EuvGLceWdCNK2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouQOFvXRX5pmnfr9hjrQcRVQ%3D&ver=3
2) 507-843-2329
3) stevedawson@campvictory.com


  Welcome to the Team.... Steve!  

Steve Joins Team R.E.D.!  New Free Agent!

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Happy Birthday!  

Our own Rising Star celebrated a birthday today!  Happy Birthday Chris!   Here he is getting a birthday pic with Monica... who apparently is taking all precautions while getting near Chris.  

Chris & Monica

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Go Team R.E.D.!!!!!!!