Seeking Volunteers!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving Day and it continues through the weekend and beyond!

Looking ahead to 2014 and seeking some volunteer coordinators for a few things.  There may be more requests for volunteers in the future, but for right now, these are the roles we're seeking to fill.  

Please email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com if you're interested and available for any of them.  Every role is reasonably easy to fulfill... it's just nice to identify a point of contact for each event.  

2014 Home Host Coordinator -  Adam W  fulfilled the role in 2013, and we'll open it up as an opportunity for another volunteer this year.   The role involves communicating which dates are available for home hosting, and making sure Tom O' knows where/what to communicate regarding a home hosted event.   i.e. "This week we're at Randy and Marilee's place... the theme is 'bring nothing' as they are providing unlimited donuts and french fries".  

Typically, home hosting starts when the weather becomes nice enough to either let people hang out, outside, or at least not track mud into someones home.

Polar Plunge Coordinator - Feb 8th- - There has been talk of a Team R.E.D. polar plunge for the Special Olympics and it sounds like a great idea!  Seeking someone to coordinate this effort.   Would entail communicating what it takes to plunge, what the team theme will be, and basically making sure the plungers know where to celebrate pre and post plunge!

Lace Up Against Breast Cancer Water Station coordinator - Feb 9th -   This is a great winter event for a great cause.  Team R.E.D. has had a themed, party type water station, and we're looking for someone to continue that tradition this year!

Millie and Trevor cruising through Team R.E.D. water stop. 

Fetzer 20K to End Hunger water station coordinator.- April 26 (tentative date).  -   This is another water station where Team R.E.D. has had a rockin' and/or country good time!   Organizers have contacted us about being a piece of this great event and we'd love to support them once again!

Team R.E.D. water stop... Cowboy Theme! 

Med City Marathon weekend.- May 25th -   Team R.E.D. is once again hosting the post race party... and Tom O'Leary is coordinating the volunteers.  This is a fun volunteer gig!  Please let me know if you're available to volunteer post race. Duties will include, checking id's, serving beer and overall having a great time!   Our Theme is once again, Summer of Love!

Wendy totally understands a summer of love theme! 

Additionally, we'll need people staffing our Team R.E.D. booth at the expo!


Chester Woods Trail Race - June 7th -  Seeking an Aid Station Coordinator for some quality time in the woods!  It takes very few people to staff this station, but it sure is fun as many of the runners stop and chat with the volunteers.   Be careful... last year volunteers ran into a Bear!

Does an bear shit in the woods?
Only when Erin scares him or if he really has to go.

Byron 4-Bagger - special awards to anyone who participates in all 4 of the following events.   Participation as a competitor and/or volunteer makes you eligible. 

• July 17th - Beer Mile for charity (charity TBD).  Tentatively I have Dan M and Jen S as race directors and they will be seeking volunteers for race day!  Free Beer for volunteers! 
• July 18th - Seeking a coordinator for a Free Kids 1/2 Mile.. and for a nominal fee, open 1 Mile.  Both to be run on the Good Neighbor Days Parade route 30 Minutes prior to the parade (tentatively 5:30pm).  - we'll also need volunteers at the start / finish lines. 
• Team R.E.D. will also participate in the parade!   
• July 19th - Byron Good Neighbor Days 5K directed by Charro.  Always seeking volunteers at registration, along the course and finish line. This is a great family event with lots of prizes every year. 
• July 20th - Trail Race at Oxbow Park to complete the 4-bagger.   This event is directed by trail king Jim Mason.  We'll need volunteers to help mark the course, registration, aid station and finish line.   

Volunteers work hard at the beer mile! 

A few other notes:

Ragbrai 2014  :   Be sure to contact Gwen at gwenjacobson@charter.net if you're interested in Joining Team R.E.D. at Ragbrai in 2014!   Sounds like it's going to be a party on wheels!  

2014 USA Track & Field Events:  Tom O'Leary will communicate the schedule, and as each individual event approaches we'll seek someone to coordinate carpools/caravans 

for the races.  

Tough Mudder / Warrior Dash / Gamehaven / Living History Farms...   all of these events are great team building events!   If you're interested in coordinating themes, car pools or keeping people on track for registration.  Let me know! 

TerraLoco Sale!

If you're in the shopping mood... I thought I'd share this link from one of our sponsors.  Brock would love to see you stop in his shop!

Be sure visit all of our sponsors as you find yourself looking for goods and services!  You'll find links to our sponsors on the right hand side of the blog.  

http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=442126c566d03abfa70b73ac1&id=92a0c45d44&e=014cc64b90

Off Season Striders Update - and then some..

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!   I hope everyone finds a day, or weekend, filled with great friends and family!  Here's a quick look from the view of children..  "sometimes they call them chickens"

• Thanksgiving Day - No Official Team R.E.D....  there are some opportunities to walk,  run or race that day.
• Off Season Striders are heading out at 6:30am from Dunn Bros South (near TJ Maxx).   Off season striders is a great group that helps us fill the weekend with miles all through the winter (or off season!)
• Mom's on the Run Gobble Wobble:   This event is FREE!  Official Gobble Wobble Gift with a $25+ donation to the Salvation Army while supplies last.   https://motrgobblewobble.webconnex.com/gw5k
• 6:00am – 8:00am  Check-in & Event Day Registration
• 8:00am    Lil Turkey Trot - Kids Run
• 8:30am    5K Gobble Wobble
• 8:35am    2 mile Walk

• Turkey Day 5K - Grace Luthernn Church in Stewartville.   
• 8:15am - Registration
• 9am - TD 5K 
• http://www.grace-free.org/turkey-day-5k/index.html

• O'Leary's home hosted run - you can join the O'Leary's at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron... we're planning a fun walk or run which will end back at our home for some Cider and Coffee (Irish Creme optional). 
• 7:30am start time
• Spend 45-60 minutes outdoors
• 8:15am social time

Rolling into the weekend.. the Off Season Striders have us covered again!

• Saturday 7:30am:   Gather at Brother's Bar & Grill for 6-10 miles of fun!   Park in the back and gather for the route talk just inside the back door.
• Sunday 8am:   Jean Murray is hosting a Run & Brunch!   8am for the run or walk... 9:15am Brunch is served.  Jean's home is located at 515 17th St SW Rochester.  Please RSVP at runintojean@gmail.com  

Living History Farms 2013 - Fantastic!

A fantastic group of Team R.E.D.er's boarded the bus to Living History Farms about 3:40am Saturday and headed south.. The Pirates and Wenches ready to tackle 7 miles of terrain (some might have elected to tackle less than 7).

Living History Farms 2013 - Pirates and Wenches.   Picture courtesy of Tom Woo.'s camera.
Bus driver Ed was kind enough to snap the shot.  

Special Thanks to K&S Heating, Appliance Village and the Bears Den for their great contributions to cover the cost of the bus!   Additionally, all of these sponsors, along with Need's Car Wash  have re-upped their Team R.E.D. sponsorship!    We have some very awesome sponsors!

We held a pathetic talent contest on the bus... a couple headstand, a really good joke and some attempt to explain Elaine's inappropriate t-shiirt.    When the contest was over, no winner was declared. 

No winner determined, but we do have some great prizes from another great sponsor, TerraLoco.  So, this morning, Wendy and Tom conducted a drawing... and the results are posted below.  I'll keep the prizes in my car, so when we see each other next, we can get you the goods!  If the prize you won doesn't fit, I would suggest stopping into TerraLoco to see if you can exchange.   The winner of the Run Minnesota Shirt just needs to go see Brock, as I have already let him know who the winner was!  

Congrats to the following winners!  

• Adidas Headband - Gwen 
• Adidas Headband - Mike M.
• Adidas Wrist bands - Jess I
• Adidas Shorts, Size Large - Tod B.
• Features Elite Socks - size Large - Sarah C
• Features Elite Socks - size Med - Heidi W
• Strobe Light - Cathy T
• Run Minnesota T-Shirt - Don G. 

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Team R.E.D. week ahead... !

• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs from Beetles Bar and Grill on 2nd St SW.  This should allow us to stay on dry sidewalks, and hopefully Gwen stays upright this time!
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail crew rolls out from Eastwood Park in Rochester.  They'll be dashing through the snow on 
• Thanksgiving Day - No Official Team R.E.D....  there are some opportunities to walk,  run or race that day.

• Mom's on the Run Gobble Wobble:   This event is FREE!  Official Gobble Wobble Gift with a $25+ donation to the Salvation Army while supplies last.   https://motrgobblewobble.webconnex.com/gw5k
• 6:00am – 8:00am  Check-in & Event Day Registration
• 8:00am    Lil Turkey Trot - Kids Run
• 8:30am    5K Gobble Wobble
• 8:35am    2 mile Walk

• Turkey Day 5K - Grace Luthernn Church in Stewartville.   
• 8:15am - Registration
• 9am - TD 5K 
• http://www.grace-free.org/turkey-day-5k/index.html

• Thankful for the ability to Walk or Run - If you need an earlier start, before you roll into the rest of your Thanksgiving day, you can join the O'Leary's at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron... we're planning a fun walk or run which will end back at our home for some Cider and Coffee (Irish Creme optional). 
• 7:30am start time
• Spend 45-60 minutes outdoors
• 8:15am social time

Winners Winners!

I think we have discovered who is the most inappropriate on our team!    They will not be named on the blog, nor will the content of their shirts be released here... but they were good!

The winner of the woman's division had an exceptionally fun entry that resonates well with fans of the tv series, the Brady Bunch.!   She is now a two time winner!

The winner of the men's division was much more direct with what he wants, and when!  His wife is also a previous winner.  I'm not sure if that means they are creative or flat out inappropriate!

I will go on record, I once again.. did not win because I am very angelic.   It's a burden I'm willing to bear.

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Everybody have fun this weekend, whether you're running Living History Farms, Off Season Striders, getting out on your own, or just showing up to bottle wine... wherever the weekend takes you, make the best of it!

Speaking of bottling wine.. you are invited to the Mesenburg home this Sunday to help with the lastest batch of Chocolate Raspberry Port (aka: CRaP).   Bottling begins at 5:30pm at 1098 8th Ave NW in Byron... and should take a couple hours at max.    -- if you plan to attend, please bring something to share, as the hosts are providing pizza.   Sampling will likely certainly take place.

Living History Farms Bus Manifesto

The Manifesto regarding the Living History Farms bus has been emailed... if you were planning to ride the bus, and didn't receive an email.. let me know!  I'll get it forwarded to you.

If you received the email, but are not planning to join us.. please let me know that too... I sometimes get mixed up on the list!

Also note... the ride is 10 bucks and that covers the drivers tip, and beer for us!  If you are interested in pulled pork, jo-jo's and cole slaw at the Den when we return, that's another 6 bucks, payable on the bus, so I can call ahead and give them an approx head count.  We'll be tired up our return, but it's good to have a little real food, and some calm down time before heading home.

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Off Season Striders info for anyone looking for some local miles with friends.   See notes from Jean below.

Saturday Nov. 23rd   
             Charlie's On 2nd    @ 7:30am   Meet in the Brentwood hotel foyer.  

?Perhaps we can head west on 2nd St and do the loop up/over History Center hill.  Those who want more miles can run to Mayowood Rd,  otherswise we head back on Cty 8 to W. Frontage   

Sunday Nov. 24th 

            Panera South    @ 8am

  We never know when it's going to be the last time until Spring-- shall we head out Mayowood trail again?   
Also-- for anyone interested in some community service,  please join RTC Board members at 9:15am for a hopefully quick trash pick-up on the bike trail on south side of Soldier's Field golf course.  Bags provided..  

  

Thursday Update: Inappropriate T-Shirt night!

The hosts are providing Soup, Beer, Wine and Water... a little fire to get it kicked off as well!  You can bring a snack or appetizer if you like... and bring a ready to have fun attitude!

Additionally, do not shy away from this evening if you are not yet prepared with an inappropriate shirt.   Our hosts have shirts to loan out!

Address and directions are in the previous posts...   should be lots of fun!  Prizes are involved!

Going the miles!

Congrats to Amy and Ann who pushed each other on their longest runs of their lives!  Each logging 17 miles for the first time, as they prepare for their first marathons!  (Amy is preparing for her 1st two marathons!)   

They got caught in a little rain for the last few minutes, but they got it done!  Very nice teamwork!

New Distance PR! Amy and Ann

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• Tuesday Trail 6:15pm: Essex park in Rochester is the place.  Fun is the plan.  We'll hit some of the trails and then enjoy the evening with some great friends!  
• Wednesday 5pm:  You can join the Rochester Track Club for the trash pickup along soldiers field.  Lots of goodies to find along that fence line!
• Meet at the traffic light post on the north side of hwy 14 (across from HyVee).  Jean will provide bags and gloves (you may want to bring a headlamp and be sure to dress warm!) 
• Plan to have a 'good works' social afterwards at either Brothers or Oneils 
• Upddate to Track pickup.. it's been rescheduled for Sunday morning at 9:15am.. same place, at the stop light across from HyVee.  Jean will provide bags and gloves.
• Thursday Team R.E.D. 6pm:  One of the favorites of the year...  Inappropriate t-shirt night!   Below is a sample of a shirt (one that likely isn't over the line enough, but good none the less) ... get creative!  Make your own or buy one.  If you can't do either.. come along anyway as Tod and Meg have plenty to share from the loaner closet! 

• Hosted by Tod & Meg 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...
• 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 
• Routes will be in the range of 3-6 miles... you choose how far you like to go.  
• 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!

New Long Sleeves are in!

The highly anticipated new long sleeve shirts are in.... and the even more highly anticipated new singlets are a step closer to being in! 

Adam, Wendy and I worked out some of the final details for the singlet.  Now we're working with TerraLoco on pricing and availability of some nice Brooks mens and womens singlets to print on. High quality singlets and a fun design... Hope to get those singlets on to the printing stage very soon...

In the meantime.. here's a peek at the new long sleeve shirt.  They are the Sport Tek brand.  It's a quality wicking material, with a good fit for both men and women.   

The back...

 

The left arm..

 

The wrinkled view...   meanwhile the front still has the runner guy, with the words Team R.E.D. on left chest.

Add Zumbro Bottoms to the mix!

• Saturday 7:30am:  The Off Season Striders are gathering at Panera North with a plan to hit the Douglas trail on an out and back jaunt.   Of course a sip of coffee and breakfast to follow.
• Sunday 8am: It's the Off Season Striders again, this time from Roosters, on Circle Drive.   It'll be another run down the trails for some fitness and fun!
• Sunday 11am:   Zumbro Bottoms Up!   Rochesterites meet at Shop Ko North parking lot at 10:15 AM and we'll caravan/carpool to Zumbro Bottoms. We should arrive at 11:00 AM. Plan on a nice slow loop around the bottoms 15 miles or so. We'll get some refreshments afterwards
• We will meet at the West Assembly area at Zumbro Bottoms
• Note: Wear Bright Clothing - blaze orange is good!  Don't want to be on the wrong end of a mistake in the woods with a hunter.
• Monday Maniacs 6pm: Head to Newts North along Hwy 52 Frontage Rd, near Menards.  Should be a great location for some walkin', runnin' and funnin'!  
• Tuesday Trail 6:15pm: Essex park in Rochester is the place.  Fun is the plan.  We'll hit some of the trails and then enjoy the evening with some great friends!  
• Thursday Team R.E.D. 6pm:  One of the favorites of the year...  Inappropriate t-shirt night! 
• Hosted by Tod & Meg 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...
• 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 
• Routes will be in the range of 3-6 miles... you choose how far you like to go.  
• 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 Nov 23rd 4am: ... Living History Farms Off Road Race (and bus ride!)    More details to come!
   

Trail Night!

It's warmer in the woods.. or so they say!   Join us tonight at Whitewater State Park for a nice trail run!  Be sure to wear a headlamp (that rule applies the rest of the winter season!) 

Rochester people meet at RCTC Fieldhouse parking lot at 6:00PM to join a carpool/caravan.  From there we'll head to the Nature Store at the park 6:30ish

There's always a post run celebration, and this time we'll celebrate Dan's Birthday!   He was looking young on Saturday as he scampered across Gamehaven grounds.

Here Dan photo bombs the chick pic

Jen, Meagan and Oliver - Oliver looks a tad chilly!

Steve & Dan with that peaceful, easy feeling

Teri - That's a new look!

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Thursday 6pm:  We're at the Bears Den once again!  Always fun at the Den, we think we have a few prizes to give away Thursday night!  Plan on 3, 4 or 6 miles then join the comfort of the indoors post run or walk.
Saturday 7:30am:  The Off Season Striders are gathering at Panera North with a plan to hit the Douglas trail on an out and back jaunt.   Of course a sip of coffee and breakfast to follow.
Sunday 8am: It's the Off Season Striders again, this time from Roosters, on Circle Drive.   It'll be another run down the trails for some fitness and fun!


 

November is a fun month!

• Nov 9th - Gamehaven True Cross Country Race at 9am - It sure looks like registration has been rockin' with lots of high school teams, as well as us old school kids at heart!  

Team R.E.D. has a theme of Hippie!  Summer of Love!

 

• race day registration is available at 8am.. come out for the fun!
Where is gamehaven? Click on the following link to find it..
• https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Gamehaven+Scout+Reservation%2C+Simpson+Road+Southeast%2C+Rochester%2C+MN&hl=en&sll=44.021631%2C-92.469899&sspn=0.223176%2C0.438766&safe=vss&t=m&hq=Gamehaven+Scout+Reservation%2C&hnear=Simpson+Rd+SE%2C+Rochester%2C+Minnesota+55904&z=11Gamehaven 
• Nov 15th - Ragbrai Registration opens.    Talk of forming a Team R.E.D. Ragbrai team is picking up steam.  If you're interested in some serious B.E.D. during the Ragbrai bike event in Iowa... contact Gwen at gwenjacobson@charter.net
• Nov 21st - Inappropriate t-shirt night is back!  Hosted by Tod & Meg... keep in mind, nothing is off limits!  In fact, Tod says if you would wear it in front of your kids, then it's not inappropriate enough!
• Nov 23rd - Living History Farms Off Road Race - We board the bus at 4am in Byron and return at 4pm!  Team R.E.D.'s theme is Pirates and/or Wenches... you can be either one!  

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More upcoming group running opportunities below.

 

• Saturday 7:30am:  If you're not running Gamehaven, Newts North is the scene for Off Season Striders. Join them for the fun!
• Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders are at it again.. this time from Brothers Bar & Grill... park in the back, and come inside the back door to hear the route talk.
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs will gather at Brothers Bar & Grill... same drill, park in the back for the route chatter. We'll stay on some well lit, dry trails and/or streets.
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues the 5K fun run series.  $5 entry gets you in the run, and the money goes to a local charity, a new charity most every week!
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  I believe the Trail Crew is heading to Whitewater but check back as I'm confirming this.  Be sure to pack the headlamp!   My guess is there will be a stop at Mauer Brothers Tavern in Elba post run.
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. gets it going from the Bears Den in Byron once again.  We are back to the Den as our 1st and 3rd Thursday at the Den schedule is thrown off by the awesome home hosted Inappropriate t-shirt night on the 21st!

And another critical link in our mission to prove beer is good... Thanks for sharing it Lindsey!  http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/runners-who-love-beer/?smid=tw-nytimeshealth&seid=auto&_r=0



We may or may not like it....

... but it's fall / winter running time!  

Be sure to wear something reflective during every early morning run and every evening run (or walk!)   Headlamps are awesome... some drivers will complain about them being distracting, however, I would argue, at least they saw us!

Here's a pic of the SE Mn trail run on Tuesday... I continue to suggest you get to these runs, they are so much fun!  We are not nearly as cold as it appears.... and there is a castle behind us!  How often do you run to a castle?  Well, you can run through one on Saturday!

The few the proud...  Peter, David, Oliver, Anhar, Tom... and not pictured here is the leader... Jim! 
 

• Thursday 6pm:   Team R.E.D. gathers at the Bears Den in Byron.  We'll have routes from 3 to 5 miles.... keep in mind the Vikings play that evening, so the Den will likely be hopping!  Wear some football gear post workout if you see fit.. I still fit into my Jared Allen jersey, we're about the same size!
• Saturday 9am:  Gamehaven True Cross Country Race!  Not registered?  No worries, you can register at the Running Room on Friday evening, or on race day morning starting at 7am.   
• Team R.E.D. has a theme of Hippie - Summer of Love!  (get your hippe on, but put some under clothes under there, it may be a tad chilly!) - The Team R.E.D. banner will be on display so you can find the crew! 
• If you're currently a Team R.E.D. member or not... but want to get on board with the hippie theme... just do it!  Come visit us, get involved in the fun! 
• Saturday 7:30am:  If you're not running Gamehaven, but want some miles you can meet Off Season Striders for some miles and fun at Newts North.
• Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders are at it again.. this time from Brothers Bar & Grill... park in the back, and come inside the back door to hear the route talk.

Another great pic appeared tonight... Team R.E.D. is now on the wall at TerraLoco!  They are a great addition to our running community and now showing off the R.E.D. ! 

Team R.E.D. goes big!

Team R.E.D. got a brief bit of air time this morning on the Today Show! R.E.D. members still celebrating their successful NYC Marathon results, made sure to get lined up for the Today Show this morning... they were spotted on TV with the sign you see below... very cool!

Way to go Gwen, Sonja and Alyssa!

 

New York... New York!

The New York City Marathon rolls on Sunday.. and Team R.E.D. is well represented!  

Here's to great runs for Gwen, Sonja, Alyssa, Kristin and Shuan!    Below is a pic of some of the ladies enjoying some pre-race together time... enjoy every minute!  

Anything can happen in NYC....   I hope our members out there have similar fortune as Tod did.. when he ran into Lady Gaga!   She looks thrilled to be pictured with the man! 

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Of course, also great wishes to any of you running Rails To Trails or elsewhere!   Your training is what carries you... you will rock!  

• Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading to Wildwood!   It's a great spot for Monday nights, always room for fun post run or walk.  Join us no matter what your pace, or no matter what your distance.  People typically run or walk anything from 3-6 miles.
• Tuesday 6:15pm: Gamehaven Preview!   Gamehaven after dark!   Come see the course before the Saturday race Nov 9th!   Keep in mind, the Team R.E.D. theme for the race is Hippie!  Summer of Love!   Come to the Tuesday trail run... and get registered for the race!
• http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=396
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. gathers at the Bears Den in Byron.  It'll be fun routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles.. you can walk run or skip if you like!  

Saturday is Gamehaven True Cross Country Run!   Come join us as Team R.E.D. takes a hippie theme and runs for fun!   It's muddy, it's fun!   
Check out Mason's slide show below... what a great event!