Seriously... get on the Trolley!

There are less than 10 spots left on the trolley to the Torchlight 5K!  If you register today, you get an extra drink ticket.... I see that as good!

This race is fast, slightly downhill... and such a great team event as some of our Twin Cities members are also attending!   We also compete against other clubs throughout the state.. it's sorta awesome!  

You can register for the event at the following link.. http://www.torchlight5k.com/page/show/502309-registration.... be sure to message messenburg at dan@smdo.com if you want to get on the trolley (and you want to get on the trolley)!

If you want to race for the Team RED race team in the USATF team circuit..... you'll get 15 bucks off your registration... that's half of your USATF membership, let's do it!   To race for RED it really doesn't matter how fast you are, we just want to field teams, and compete against other clubs throughout the state.  It's very fun!

To register for USATF you can visit http://usatfmn.org/membership and make sure you tie your membership to team #435 Team RED.... note, there is a Minnesota RED... you can sign up for them too, but I prefer you pic Team RED.  

Torchlight 5K!

If you're planning to attend the Torchlight 5K, we're contemplating a bus (or trolley)...   We need to make sure we have the numbers to justify it before we book it, so please drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com  or reply to the post on the Team R.E.D. facebook page.  

This race is a fantastic race, with a slightly downhill course all the way!  all the way!  didn't I mention it's slightly downhill all the way?!

No Fear of Rain

Team R.E.D. members are staying after it regardless of the rain... nice work all!

Congrats to Lorelei  for a great run at the Nashville Rock n Roll Half Marathon... she ran into, and met for the first time (I believe) another Team R.E.D. Member Jim Raasch from Zumbrota.  Jim completed the full marathon at Nashville in his quest for 50 states.

An interesting note on Jim, he has completed all 6 of the World Marathon Majors!  What are the 6 Majors?  Try Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, NYC and most recently added, Tokyo.  Congrats Jim!

************************

• Monday 6pm:  Head to the trail parking lot in Douglas and we'll run or walk some nice miles along the Douglas Trail.   Of course, the social moves to the Douglas Saloon.. bring cash, they ain't taking your credit! 
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco is hosting a 5K in support of the Roll & Stroll for JDRF!  Both the trail crew and track crew have elected to attend, which is awesome!  Come turn your wheels a little quicker and help raise some funds to cure Type-1 Diabetes! 
• Wednesday - Nothing is currently scheduled... 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is back at the Bears Den (turns out last week was the 4th Thursday... and they weren't expecting us!  They will be expecting us this week however!)
• Saturday 7:15am:  Marathon and Half Marathon long run training continues.  
• Saturday 8:00: The Melby Kids Mile - a 1 mile race, with FREE Entry!  Come have fun!  Details at http://rochestertrackclub.com/SiteImages/FileGallery/Spring_2014_RegForm_Draft_2_737.pdf
• Saturday 8:30: The Spring Classic 15K .. it's the first of the Rochester Track Club Grand Prix events for this season.  They can still use additional volunteers for this event as well!   http://rochestertrackclub.com/SiteImages/FileGallery/Spring_2014_RegForm_Draft_2_737.pdf
• Saturday 8:40:  The Spring Classic 5K gets underway just after the 15K rolls out.   (same link as above). 
• Saturday 9:30am:  Racin' For Jason at Bear Cave Park in Stewartville - several Team R.E.D. members have expressed interest in this event to help support the Jason Hatz family, as Jason was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease. It's suggested you wear a Hat for Hatz. http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=484
• Sunday 8am:  The trail crew heads out from the 1st Bridge of Oxbow Park.  Always fun to run or hike at Oxbow!

**************************

Planning is well underway for a few items coming up in July, mark your calendars... details on each of these events will follow...

• July 17th - Beer Mile
• July 18th - Trail Race at Oxbow
• July 19th - Byron Good Neighbor Day 5K
• July 20th - Team RED hosts a 1 Mile - and marches in the Good Neighbor Day Parade! 
• July 27th - 5th Year Team R.E.D. celebration!  This will start in the afternoon.

New Members!

Tonight at the Bears Den we had 2.5 new members!   Well, the .5 is a bit of an exception as Marley joined (paid) after the Beer Mile (possibly the beer mile influenced his decision, just sayin')... well, it's now been roughly 10 months and he finally received his Team RED tee!  The other two, are legit new members!

All in all a great night of signing free agents!  Please welcome Marley, Jessica and Joe!

Tom introducing Marley, Jess and Joe... Welcome to the Team!  

Also, be sure to check out the previous post as it has a lot of great news with some of our teammates, as well as a look at what's going on between now and Monday! --- It's a lot of stuff!

Boston Leigh Hemenway! - WELCOME!

Congratulations to Erin & Andy as they have added a baby girl to the family... Boston has arrived at a healthy, happy 7 pounds 2 ounces... Mom and daughter are doing well, and Andy is taking a nap!

Once again Congrats! Totally Awesome!

***************************

Another congratulations is in order as Roger hit the track tonight! He didn't literally hit it, as he stayed upright on his feet the entire time... Roger logged 1 mile running, his first run not on a treadmill since his hospital stay.. very exciting to see him run!

Roger leading the pack!  Left to right Todd, John, Tom, Roger, Tom and Becky... thanks to Christina for snapping the pic! 

*************************

Congratulations to all the Team R.E.D. and Rochester area runners who competed in Boston on Monday!  What a great accomplishment.  You all crushed it! 

Below is a pic from Woo's Boston Album showing some well deserved celebratory beverages at Fenway Park!   

Dawn, Tom, Trevor and Gwen... in all there were 17 Team R.E.D. members out there!

*************************************

Volunteer Opportunity! 

The Rochester Track Club's Spring Classic 15K, 5K and Melby Kids mile is on Saturday May 3rd.   They can can use volunteers on Friday the 2nd as well as on race day!   Looking to fill approx 10 volunteer slots, please consider pitching in!  You can register as a volunteer at the following link.. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DAAAA2CABFF2-rochester

***********************

Want to the the Green Bay Half Marathon, but didn't get registered?  Run onto Lambeau Field... touch the tundra!   Irene has a bib available and it's eligible for transfer... cost is $75 plus transfer fee.. contact Irene at irenie6279@gmail.com  if you'd like to get your hands on a bib!  The race date is May 18th.

*********************************

Here's what's still to come this week...

• Thursday 5:30am:  Progressive run from the RAC.  Meet at the front doors and we'll take off on the flat streets of Rochester!   
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads to the Bears Den in Byron.  We'll get some miles, and always smiles! Plan on routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles. 
• Friday 5pm:  Join the Rochester Track Club for trash pickup.  The Track Club has adopted the path that curves around soldiers field golf course.  Meet on the trail just across from Hy-Vee... gloves and bags will be provided. -- afterwards join the crew for post 'good works' beverages! 
• Saturday 7:15am:  The marathon and half marathon training long run takes off from the RAC. It's 17.5 miles for the marathoners complete with volunteers staffing aid stations. 
• Saturday 8am:  The SEMYO 5K is ready to rock again. The event takes place at Century High School... more details at the following link.  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=454&TM=83071.53
• Saturday 2pm: The Color Dash is taking place to benefit The Place!   The location is at the Olmsted County Medicial Center Sports Medicine factility at 5155  55th St NW in Rochester.   Color Dashes are a lot of fun!   You can find more information at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=462&TM=83071.53
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders take off from Dunn Bros North.  A fun group to run with, typically 5-8 miles. Always coffee to wrap it up. 
• Sunday 8am:  The Trail crew is heading to Oxbow Park at the 1st Bridge.  This is now a weekly event.  Never tried trail running?  Give it a shot, trail runners seem to smile all the time! 
• Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading to Douglas!  You know it, that means a flat run along the Douglas trail, followed by festivities in the Douglas Saloon!  One of my favorite stops! 

Boston Strong!

I think they're ready.. what do you think?

Reminder:   You can stream the Boston Marathon online at CBSBoston.com

Also you can track our friends at http://www.baa.org/individual.html  All of the local participants are listed in the previous post (with bib #'s). Set it up to see the race unfold for each of them!
Once again.. here's a list of area runners.. along with a few Team R.E.D. members living outside our 559XX area code range.

Go Team R.E.D.!  

BIB	NAME	CITY
15863	Allen, Marni	Rochester
4745	Asmus, Aaron	Austin
7057	Asmus, Michele M.	Austin
13420	Benjamin, Ron	Winona
16832	Boynton, Dawn	Byron
12391	Bram, Richard J	Rochester
21626	Devine, Rick	Rochester
8942	Distad, Trevor	Pine Island
11123	Ercanbrack, Rachel S	Rochester
12965	Esch, Linda A	Caledonia
18563	Etter, Laree L	Rochester
19457	Ewen, Mike	Rochester
14733	Fallon, Jeffrey J	Rochester
19104	Feda, Jessica	Rochester
4485	Fogarty, Zachary	Rochester
3193	Gilmer, David	Winona
14153	Griffee, Susan R	Rochester
1749	Hemenway, Andrew J.	Rochester
24256	Hubmayr, Yvonne J	Rochester
11483	Huerta, Sarah M	Winona
23155	Jacobson, Gwen R.	Rochester
23513	Jones, Maureen	Rochester
10377	Kallmes, David F	Rochester
17391	Larsen, Chelsie M	Rochester
17102	Nagorney, David M.	Rochester
27761	Napton, Darin R.	Rochester
16489	Ormsby, Haley	Rochester
14572	Palmer, Shaun C	Rochester
32402	Psutka, Sarah P	Rochester
3497	Richardson, Braden M.	Rochester
3794	Richardson, Evan	Rochester
17218	Schaefer, Paul W	Rochester
13177	Scheitel, Marianne R	Rochester
17841	Schiefer, Dene M	Rochester
13812	Sobeck, Janneke Q.	Winona
16695	Truax, Lisa S	Winona
20151	Tuma, Mikki A.	Rochester
6010	Van Deursen, Jan	Rochester
16671	Woo, Tom T.	Rochester

8051       Hogan, Alyssa     Madeline Island
14902       Hogan, Diana     Minneapolis
13804      Graham, Casey

Easter Sunday and Boston Marathon Eve

I hope people have a chance to reflect on the power of Easter Sunday - and if that reflection comes along with a run, walk or bike ride, fantastic!

********************

We want to make sure we celebrate 5 Years of Team R.E.D!   Please see the poll on the right hand side of the blog.  Vote for 'all the dates' that you think work for you to attend.  We'd love to maximize the party with members current, past and future!  We'll have some great awards, prizes and music!

When voting, please note some dates are listed twice and it's a matter of afternoon or evening party.  Please take the time to consider when it works for you, and place a vote for one, or multiple dates/times that work for you!  

*********************

As you well know, tomorrow marks the 118th running of the Boston Marathon... The Boston Strong theme is building even more swell as race day approaches!  You can stream it online at CBSBoston.com

Also be sure to track our friends at http://www.baa.org/individual.html  All of the local participants are listed in the previous post (with bib #'s). Set it up to see the race unfold for each of them!

*********************

What if I'm not running the Boston Marathon and I still want to run with a group?  We have you covered!

• Monday 6pm: Monday Maniacs head to Beetles Bar & Grill in Rochester.  This location has been great for the group as we can either hit trails or head downtown. 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail crew hits the trails of Oxbow Park with a run titled "Yo, we're goin' to Oxbow!"   Meet at the first bridge (which is the 2nd parking lot on your left as you enter the park) 
• Wednesday 5:30pm:  Join a speed/hill session!  This is a little different from the normal plan but here it is.  Meet at the Memorial of Soldiers Field. Get on the track for some warmup laps, then get ready to run either a tempo 1 mile or an all out time trial mile.  Run a little cool down, then head to the hills for repeats!  - If this workout doesn't make you stronger, it just might kill ya.. kidding kidding.. it'll make you stronger! 
• Wednesday 6pm:  Join TerraLoco for this week's (April 22nd) 5K for charity! I know I've mentioned before, and many of you have mentioned what a great way for Brock and team to be a part of the community!  These runs are typically on Tuesday nights.. but this week is a Wednesday.. so adjust and enjoy!
• Note - on April 29th... TerraLoco is running the 5K for Roll & Stroll for JDRF.  Thanks Brock and Tiffany for setting it up.  I've learned Tiffany is the go-to person while Brock is sort of a figure head. That's ok, somebody has to be the figure head. 
• Thursday 5:30am:  Progressive run from the RAC.  Meet at the front doors and we'll take off on the flat streets of Rochester!   
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads to the Bears Den in Byron.  We'll get some miles, and always smiles! Plan on routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles. 
• Friday 5pm:  Join the Rochester Track Club for trash pickup.  The Track Club has adopted the path that curves around soldiers field golf course.  Meet on the trail just across from Hy-Vee... gloves and bags will be provided. -- afterwards join the crew for post 'good works' beverages! 

Can You Believe It!?

Team R.E.D. is celebrating 5 Years of existence!  Just think... 5 years ago, it was merely a crazy idea that has grown into the real deal.... and so many great friendships have been formed over those years as well! That's the part I enjoy most, our teammates are so very awesome!

Happy Anniversary Team R.E.D!  We will place a poll on the right hand side of the blog to see which dates might work best for most people, regarding a celebration!  a.k.a. Paaarrtee!  At this celebration we'll present some awards, have some music, and let's say, ahhh.... some beverages!

The Anniversary Party, much like all things R.E.D. is open to all....  

• We'd love to see people who are currently active with Team R.E.D.
• We'd love to see those who had been involved, but maybe less often lately, come on back!
• We'd love to see those who have simply been thinking about maybe giving Team R.E.D. a shot! 

Even The Little River Band is happy for us!

Boston Marathon around the corner.. meantime?

Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon Training run is 20.5 miles this week!  You do not need to be a member of the RAC to attend, but please bring $1 to help cover the cost of the gatorade and bananas that are served along the run.
Sunday 8am: The Off Season Striders have an Easter morning run planned from Panera South. This group typically goes 5-8 miles at various paces, and loves their coffee post run! 

Sunday 9am:  Easter Sunday also brings a trail run, starting at the 1st Bridge of Oxbow Park. (that's the 2nd parking lot on your left, as you enter the park along the gravel road).   

Monday is the Boston Marathon!   Here's a list of area runners in the 559xx zip codes.  If you want to track any of them, just go to baa.org and use the bib #s to get it done.

Go Team R.E.D.!  

BIB	NAME	CITY
15863	Allen, Marni	Rochester
4745	Asmus, Aaron	Austin
7057	Asmus, Michele M.	Austin
13420	Benjamin, Ron	Winona
16832	Boynton, Dawn	Byron
12391	Bram, Richard J	Rochester
21626	Devine, Rick	Rochester
8942	Distad, Trevor	Pine Island
11123	Ercanbrack, Rachel S	Rochester
12965	Esch, Linda A	Caledonia
18563	Etter, Laree L	Rochester
19457	Ewen, Mike	Rochester
14733	Fallon, Jeffrey J	Rochester
19104	Feda, Jessica	Rochester
4485	Fogarty, Zachary	Rochester
3193	Gilmer, David	Winona
14153	Griffee, Susan R	Rochester
1749	Hemenway, Andrew J.	Rochester
24256	Hubmayr, Yvonne J	Rochester
11483	Huerta, Sarah M	Winona
23155	Jacobson, Gwen R.	Rochester
23513	Jones, Maureen	Rochester
10377	Kallmes, David F	Rochester
17391	Larsen, Chelsie M	Rochester
17102	Nagorney, David M.	Rochester
27761	Napton, Darin R.	Rochester
16489	Ormsby, Haley	Rochester
14572	Palmer, Shaun C	Rochester
32402	Psutka, Sarah P	Rochester
3497	Richardson, Braden M.	Rochester
3794	Richardson, Evan	Rochester
17218	Schaefer, Paul W	Rochester
13177	Scheitel, Marianne R	Rochester
17841	Schiefer, Dene M	Rochester
13812	Sobeck, Janneke Q.	Winona
16695	Truax, Lisa S	Winona
20151	Tuma, Mikki A.	Rochester
6010	Van Deursen, Jan	Rochester
16671	Woo, Tom T.	Rochester

8051       Hogan, Alyssa     Madeline Island
14902       Hogan, Diana     Minneapolis
13804      Graham, Casey   

Go Lori!

We haven't seen Lori around Team R.E.D. a lot lately, and it's largely because she's preparing for a brand new challenge.  She's competing as a Body Builder in May!

Check out this interview with Chad Austin, Be Fit for Life...  Lori starts at about the 14:45 mark... she has great references to all areas of fitness.  Listen to the entire interview and you'll learn a lot about what pushes her... yet the spot you might most like starts about the 32:20 spot, where she soon references Team R.E.D. (and Tom O' with a great physique - at least that's how I heard it!)

http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/77081/when-you-believe-in-yourself-you-are-never-the-underdog

Looking forward to seeing you all tonight at Eagles Club!  It's a great thing that Erin is involved with... and great that we can support it!

Updates for Thursday

Just a couple quick notes for Thursday.... Note the change in location for the progressive run.

• Thursday 5:30am - Progressive Run from 805 1st Ave NW (O'Leary's house).  This run is designed to challenge you both physically and mentally by starting slow, and getting faster each mile.  It's a 7.5 mile workout (with recovery).  
• Thursday 6pm - Team R.E.D. heads to the Eagles Club in support of Soldiers Wings and their efforts to help a Veteran with two children and another on the way.  This veteran has a bathroom in desperate need of repair due to mold, rotted wood and there is damage to the basement ceiling. 
• How can you help?
• Attend the run Thursday and stick around for BBQ, Beans & Chips for just $5!  (of course, if you feel inclined to contribute more, that's awesome!)
• Can't make the run?  The food is served from 4-8pm... so stop in anytime!
• Also, if you'd like to contribute or volunteer you can contact Erin Hemenway at erinhemenway2000@gmail or mail a contribution payable to Soldiers Wings SEMN to 929 17th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904 or, yet another option is to give your contribution payable to Soldiers Wings SEMN to another member who is planning to attend.  

Below are a few shots of the trail runners at Carly State Park.  The trail run crew rotates locations each Tuesday.   

Blazing the trails

David and Christina seem afraid of heights

Now they seem to have reached a comfort zone

Andrea, Christina and Sarah call this trail running... I call it disturbing!  Yet they look like they're having fun! 

Poll Question

If you were to choose an album by its cover.  Noting they are a similar format, which of the two would you select?

• Would you select the 4 long hairs walking across the street safely in a cross walk? 
• Would you select the superstars celebrating a 50 miler which took volunteers and runners through darkness, wind, rain, lightning and hail?  

  See opportunity to vote on the right hand side.

Donut Run! Online Registration Now Open!

Thanks to Mase for setting up online registration for this years Donut Run!   The event takes place on a Friday night in Byron.  Register here:    http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=558&TM=60116.41

Bring friends and family, and please share this registration link with others!  It's affordable and fun!  Bring kids, they absolutely love it!  - and I know you're all kids, so I know you'll also love it!  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=558&TM=60116.41


If you're not familiar with this event.. it's a 4K (2.5 Mile) Run or Walk.   The winner is not necessarily the fastest person, rather the person that finds the right mix of pace, with donut consumption!  You will get time deducted from your finish time for each donut you consume on the course, the deduction escalates...  donut number one might have a value of 15 seconds, but donut number three might have a value of 45 seconds... still working those details out!

The reason Donut Discount times are still in the works, is that I need to determine just how big this years donuts will be!  The first year they were pretty small, year two, they were giant!  - I'd like to see them small again, working on it.

I imagine after donut cleanup, a trip to the Bears Den is in order!

**********************

If you're looking for what's going on this week.. as usual, it's packed with fun opportunities!   Continue on to the previous post for details of this week ahead.

Wow! Members at Zumbro Bottoms crushed it!

Congrats to Mike and Dave for successfully completing the Zumbro Bottoms 50 Mile Trail run!  They ran trough darkness with a midnight start, and encountered mud, rain and hail!

Dave with volunteers Elaine and Ann.  

Mike has this.. no worries! 

Also, congrats go to Rick, Ryan, Peter, Christina, Adam, Megan, Chris, Sarah, Tod, Steve, Dan, Lonna and Ann for fighting similar elements (less the darkness) in their 17 mile adventure on the trails! Very impressive!  **Please let me know if I missed any RED members on this list! - Also, Hurricane got in a 17 mile loop as well!

Super thanks go to all the volunteers in Elaine, Ann, Lorelei, Meg & Gwen!  That's awesome you could all be there in a support role!  ** again let me know if I missed any RED members on this list.

It wasn't a walk in the park for the volunteers... check out this pic of them getting where they need to go..

***************************

Another new event is May 3rd - Racin for Jason.. check it out as this gentleman is diagnosed with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig s Disease.   http://m.runnersworld.com/race/C2033345-FB86-4C31-8393-822802154BC9/racin-for-jason-5k

*******************************

Here's a look at the week ahead... 

Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are gathering at WildWood Bar and Grill near the TJ Maxx plaza.  Plan on a great run or walk, and come back for some cocktails!
Tuesday 5:30pm:  The Track crew is shifting to a hill workout!  Meet at the parking lot of the Soldiers Field Memorial (on 7th St SW).  From there you'll run a short warm up to the hill, for repeats.  It's a great way to work on form and strength, which in turn builds speed.
Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco 5K is supporting Bikers Against Child Abuse. You can participate for a donation as low as $5, of course, you can contribute as much as you feel as well.   Great series Brock has going on, great local impact.
Tuesday 6pm:   The Trail crew is heading to Carly State Park. You can join a caravan/carpool at RCTC parking lot (near the field house).. or join at the park itself about 6:30pm.
Wednesday 6pm:  Naked Wednesday from Beer Bellyz on Civic Center Drive.  We play frogger across civic center, then have the trails to run on from there. If Wednesdays fit, come out and run!  It was a very light turnout last week... love to see more of you!
Thursday 5:30am:  The Progressive run is on again. *New location * Meet at the front doors of the healthy living center, O'Leary's house, 805 1st Ave NW, Byron.  We'll head out on mostly flat streets to log this 7.5 mile workout.
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads to the Eagles Club for a run or walk, and when we get back you'll have an opportunity to support a great cause Erin has been connected to for quite some time.  See the details below.. you get a $5 meal.. and help a veteran!

• Please come join us for our Fund Raiser to raise money for our Soldier’s, home and abroad ~ A current part of our mission we’re working on is to raise funds to help a Veteran who has served abroad ~ She lives south of Albert Lea, has two boys & a baby due in April. Current bathroom is unusable, (mold, rotted wood, damage to the basement ceiling).
• $5.00 DONATION - BBQ, Beans, Chips (beverage for purchase)
• Please let us know if you're interested in helping out at the event or donating any baked good for the sale!
• We hope to see you there!!

Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon Training run is 20.5 miles this week!  woo hooo!  All with friends and volunteers!  Join us at the RAC to kick off the route talk.  You do not need to be a member of the RAC to attend, but please bring $1 to help cover the cost of the gatorade and bananas that are served along the run.
Sunday 8am: The Off Season Striders have an Easter morning run planned from Panera South. This group typically goes 5-8 miles at various paces, and loves their coffee post run! 

Sunday 9am:  Start your Easter Sunday with a trail run!  Join the crew at the first bridge at Oxbow Park.  Sunday's at Oxbow are becoming a regular thing!  

Monday is the Boston Marathon!   We have so many area runners going.. it's going to be fun to track them all! We'll post a list of Bib #'s and names of R.E.D. members and even some of the non-red who are close to us!  I know our Team is ready, as they've been following the training program below! 

Volunteers, Runners & Weather!

I'm impressed by so many people today!  Team R.E.D. members are the best!

Despite the weather, I know we have runners out on the 50 Mile and 17 Mile course of Zumbro Bottoms.  Below is a pic of the start at midnight... yes.. the 50 milers started running at midnight!  The people you may know in the field?  Dave Eide, Mike Schmitt and Hurricane Schrader.

Lots of RED members are wrapping the 17 miler about now.. and some great volunteers were out there too!  Weather is bad enough for runners, but to volunteer in severe weather is also tough, as you're not creating the same warmth!  Thanks to Ann, Lorelei, Gwen, Meg and Elaine for being out there with those runners today!

50 Mile Zumbro Start - Midnight! 

Several Team R.E.D. members were volunteering at the Fetzer Run to End Hunger today as well.    That's something I love about this group... we didn't get any calls say "I can't come because the weather looks bad".  Instead we received extra help! Above and beyond the number who had committed to the event.   Totally awesome!

At Fetzer the series of events went something like this.

Set up and ready to support the 20K

ut oh.. getting dicey

Hail and Lightning.. very very frightening

Volunteer post celebration...Aaron, Dan, Katie, Jim, Jason, Dan (not pictured but volunteer superstars were Wendy, Jean and Joe with kids in tow!)  We had a great crew!    

Sadly the weather dictated they could not safely run the 20K... I think most runners will understand the decision was made for their safety.  Please continue to support Channel One Food Bank and their mission, as it's vital for so many!

The Sun is Shining!

It's been a few great days to be running!  We'll take them and looking forward to more!

The Tuesday Night Trail crew has kicked up in numbers... would appear many are happy to see the snow melt, and in turn, get outside!

Great turnout at Chester Woods! 

Lets peek at the next few days... one key reminder, we sure can use more Volunteers at the Fetzer Water Stop on Saturday!  It's going to be a great time, with a cowboy/cowgirl theme... music, beer (and water and gatorade provided!)    If you're available Saturday from 8:45 am to 10:30am we'd love to have the extra hands, and smiles!  Please email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com if you want to get on board with this support team!   ** If you're only available for a portion of that time window, we'd love to see you for whatever you can do! 

• Wednesday 6pm:  Naked Wednesday tonight at Beer Bellyz in Rochester.   Come out for the run, and stay for the cheap beer!  (or the expensive beer, whatever you prefer). 
• Thursday 5:30am:   Join us for the Progressive Run from the front doors of the Healthy Living Center.  It's a 7.5 mile workout, and makes you stronger by getting faster each mile!

• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. hits the Bears Den once again!   Routes will be 3, 4 or 6 miles!
• Friday/Saturday:   The Zumbro 100 Mile, 50 Mile and 17 Mile takes place (start date/time depends on the race you select!) - if you're not yet registered you may be out of luck.  See the following link for more information.  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=427&TM=50868.02
• Saturday 9am:  The Fetzer Run to End Hunger 20K & 2 Mile has a new course starting and finishing at the Channel One Food Bank.  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=458&TM=50868.02
• Or Volunteer!  - See the paragraph under the trail run picture to get the volunteer info! 
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders have it going on from Charlies Pub & Eatery on 2nd St (across from St Marys).  Join the fun! 

Here comes the sun!

Warm weather... happy feet!

Congrats to everyone who participated in the Fools Five Road Race today!  It's always such a great event!  I've lifted a couple pics of Team R.E.D. members celebrating post race, and one of two long lost members... come back Angie & Nanci!

Angie and Nanci... in it to win it!

Lorelei, Christina, Jennifer, Gwen, Kathy & Teri ready to rock!

Christina and Jim... celebrating! 

Eric, Teri and Gwen... a happy bunch! 

• Monday 6pm:  Join us at Wild Wood bar and grill as we'll head out for 3, 4 or 6 miles on the Mayowood trail.
• Tuesday 5:30pm:  Get you feet cranking with speed work on the indoor track at RCTC -- Tom does a great job of providing a challenging workout for the group!  
• Tuesday 6pm:  Terraloco continues to serve the community with a charity run.  A 5K for $5... take part in the goodness.
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The trail crew has a plan... it's Chester Woods!  A great location for some trails and friends! Get connected with this group, you will enjoy it!  Meet the others at the Beach House to get things rolling.
• Wednesday 6pm:  Naked Wednesday is on again!  This time from Beer Bellyz in Rochester.   Come out for the run, and stay for some fun.
• Thursday 5:30am:   Join us for the Progressive Run from the front doors of the Healthy Living Center.  It's a 7.5 mile workout, and makes you stronger by getting faster each mile!
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. hits the Bears Den once again!   Routes will be 3, 4 or 6 miles!
• Friday/Saturday:   The Zumbro 100 Mile, 50 Mile and 17 Mile takes place (start date/time depends on the race you select!) - if you're not yet registered you may be out of luck.  See the following link for more information.  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=427&TM=50868.02
• Saturday 9am:  The Fetzer Run to End Hunger 20K & 2 Mile has a new course starting and finishing at the Channel One Food Bank.  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=458&TM=50868.02
• Volunteer with us!   If you are not running Zumbro or Fetzer... please consider volunteering!  Team R.E.D. is hosting a Cowboy themed water stop at the Fetzer Run to End Hunger. It'll be fun for sure!  As is typical, we'll have music and volunteer only beverages available - must be over 21 to partake in those beverages.  Volunteers should get their western look on, and enjoy the theme!  
• If interested in joining this water station, please email Tom at byron.teamred@gmail.com

***********************************************

Here are a couple upcoming events you'll want to consider on Thursday April 17th.... 

• Thursday April 17th... Team R.E.D. is running/walking from the Eagles Club in Rochester.  We are supporting Erin H's continued passion to help the Soldiers Wings fund!  --  They are hosting a BBQ sandwhich dinner for just $5 and the proceeds will help a Veteran with 2 boys (and expecting another child this month).  This Veteran has a currently unusable bathroom due to mold, rotted wood and damage to the basement ceiling.   Our participation can make a difference!   
• The Team RED run/walk is at 6pm.. the event itself runs from 4-8pm... so even if you can't make the run, consider participating! 
• Thursday April 17th... The Rochester Tri Club is offering a Learn to Tri type class starting at 6:30pm.   It's possible to take part in both events!     
• Triathlon 101 class- If you are new to the sport of triathlon or know someone who is interested in doing their first triathlon, we have an intro class that can gives all the basics in an hour and a half information session. We will discuss the following topics: your first race, training, gear, race selection, race day, race nutrition.
  The class is on Thursday, April 17th at 6:30 pm at the Northrop Community Education Center in Rochester.  TriRochester does not charge for the class but there is a small sign-up fee.  Registration is open to anyone  http://www.trirochester.com/getting-started/ 
  When- April 17 at 6:30 pm
  Where- Northrop Education Center

Saturday / Sunday

As always... options abound

Saturday 715am: Marathon & Half Marathon training long run from the RAC. You do not need to be a member of the RAC, The Track Club, Team RED or any other group in order to join this run. Come out and run miles with smiles. This week's Marathon training route is just over 19 miles.
Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are gathering at Brothers Bar & Grill.  As always, meet in the back of the bar for the route talk.
Sunday 8am: The weekly trail run at Oxbow is getting an earlier start this week.  Meet at the first bridge at 8am and explore the park.
Sunday 1pm:  Fools Five road race is Lewiston.  This is a great event and it always raises a bunch of money for cancer research.  (if you've seen the TV commercials for it, you may have noticed a great clip with Tom O' crushing Ryan!)