Updates!

The Sunday Night Hike at Oxbow is on!  6pm at the 1st Bridge.. bring a parking lot beverage if you like.  What a beautiful day!

The Monday/Holiday edition of Off Season Striders is on!  Join OSS at 8am at Panera North (NORTH! by Target).   They meet at the other location a lot, so don't go there...

Monday Maniacs 6pm - still seeking someone who can commit to being there on the holiday edition of Monday Maniac.  Need a person who says "I will be there" so we have a a welcoming member, and they can let people know some run / walk options.  We have not declared a location as I will let whoever is in charge help us decide... something with a patio would be fun!   If you want to head up the Monday run.. please email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com   It's low pressure.. "Hi, are you here to run or walk?  ok.. we'll get started soon... Let's go!"

Waiting to hear on Tuesday's Trail run,... but certain there will be one!

Wednesday Hill work continues at 545pm from the Soldiers Field Memorial.. park in the small lot next to the memorial to meet the crew.

Thursday Team R.E.D. is a Bears Den night starting at 6pm!

We can be grateful if every day a little rain must shine...

"We can be grateful if every day a little rain must shine... "  That's an original line.. feel free to copyright it and sell shirts!

Thanks to Jean and George for hosting Team R.E.D. on Thursday!  I know it was a lightly attended event, the weather was certainly a factor.  None the less, thank you for being great hosts and inviting us to your home!

How do I know the weather might have been a factor in turnout?  Well, I was coaching a high school cross country meet in Stewartville.. see evidence below that weather might have been a factor!

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

Here's a look at the weekend... 

Saturday 7am - the marathon and half marathon training runs continue from the RAC.  This weeks marathon route is 16.5 Miles.. I would anticipate the half marathoners to hit 8-9 miles. 

Sunday 7:30am:  the Off Season Striders get their walk/run on from Charlies on 2nd in Rochester. This group typically goes 5-8 miles and settles in for a breakfast/coffee chat!

Sunday 6pm:  Wendy feels like a hike!  We're meeting at the 1st Bridge of Oxbow for a nice hike through the trails.  Check back in case we learn the rains were heavy enough to dampen the trail system to a mud bath, if that's the case, this hike could get postponed. Updates to follow. 

Monday 8am: Off Season striders are happy to announce a holiday edition.  Meet at Panera North and enjoy!

Monday 6pm:  Not 100% sure yet if there is a Monday Maniac run in place.  Anyone who wants to coordinate it can feel free too email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com    What does it take to coordinate it?  Simply be sure to be there, welcome others, and eventually say "let's go!"

Here's what's up!

Wow... so much going on!  First off... congrats to Dani as she won he Healthy Human Race Half Marathon for the ladies!

Dani Wins!  Sporting a TerraLoco Run Minnesota Singlet!  Way to go Dani!

There are a bunch of results to peek at the following link including a whole lot of Team R.E.D. members, including Woo and Schettle finishing 2nd overall in the relay!   http://onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=13996

I'll have to double check it, but it would appear Paul Chm set a World Record with his half marathon result. He was steady pace at a 30 second mile (that's pretty good for an old guy!)

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

This week....

Monday was a rooftop affair at the Tap House. (it didn't even rain!)
Tuesday 6:15pm - The trail crew is heading to Whitewater.  Meet at the Nature store parking lot!  Always fun at Whitewater and there's a birthday do celebrate!
Wednesday 5:45pm - The Hill work continues.. and it's paying off!  Meet at the Soldiers Field Memorial parking lot.  and get it going!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is home hosted at Jean's place 515 17th St SW Rochester.  Yes it's at the top of the hill, which means you get to run down (before you go back up!).  Our hosts are providing great running foods like BBQ Pulled Muscles!  Jet Booster Beans! 1" Mile Bars! ELO Cukes!  Additionally, they'll have pop, water and crystal light, Norweigen Rocket Fuel.   Bring your own alcoholic beverage of choice, and please bring a lawn chair.

Healthy Human Race!

The weekend is finally here!  Registration numbers are great for the Healthy Human Race weekend!  All the details are at the following Rochester Track Club link  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=27&ArticleID=408

Also, if you're not registering for an event, but want to be part of it you can!  The Team R.E.D. water stop can still use volunteers!   Contact Katie at katie.massen@tenethealth.com to be part of the fun!   Beer and Orange Juice provided for volunteers courtesy of Team R.E.D.! 

Monday 6pm: The Monday Maniacs are heading back to the Tap House once more!  One of these times there will be weather that permits a party on the roof!  Maybe this week!  

Thursdays On First - Cancelled

With Thursdays on First cancelled, move your social evening to the Bears Den in Byron!  We'll get out for a run or walk first, then settle into the comfy confines of the Den!  Hope to see you tonight...

Two New Members!

Over the past few days, along with renewals, we've seen two new members to Team R.E.D.!    They renewed via the online tool at http://form.jotformpro.com/form/41986407849976   and we'll be sure to get a picture of them with the shirt presentation!

In the meantime.. Keep your eyes open for Brendan and Jessie!  Brendan ran with us for the first time on Monday, and Jessie has been hitting some Monday's & Tuesdays for a bit now.    Welcome to both of you!  

Delays Delays!

Hey all.. sorry for the delays.  I've been away on a training trip with the Byron Cross Country Team and we're crushing it!  Super great work ethic by this team, it's highly motivational for our coaching staff!   We'll try to get caught up on the schedule and keep things rolling with RED!

Last week, Team R.E.D. member Jen came by practice and talked to us about goal setting, about what drives us. The team paid attention as Jen ran the Revel Rockies in Colorado with Tom, Gwen, Lorelei, Andy and Paul... The Byron Bears were thrilled to see Jen holding some hardware, and it's a Bear!  Additionally Tom walked away with 1st place in his age group, while Gwen crushed her division!   All of those R.E.D. members were fantastic on a challenging course that started at 10,000 feet elevation!  Congrats! Way to represent! 

Tuesday 6:30pm - Trail runners are heading to Carly State Park.   Meet at the entrance and enjoy the trails of this fantastic park! Hey Carly you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind!   

Wednesday 5:45pm:  The Hill workout crew is at it again. Meet at Soldiers Field Memorial parking lot, and take a nice warmup to the base of the hill, and repeat!  Up and down to your hearts desire, as you know, hills are speed in disguise.  

Thursday 6pm: Team R.E.D. heads to the Bears Den for a great night of walking or running! (don't forget the Eating and/or Drinking that accompanies it!

Volunteers Volunteers Volunteers!  

Team R.E.D. has 9 volunteers for Water Stop #2 at the Healthy Human half marathon this Sunday, August 24th.  It's going to be a hopping stop as the event has grown so greatly!  We could use about 6 more volunteers!   

Team R.E.D. is providing the beer and O.J..... come out and support the race!  If you can volunteer please email Katie at Katie.Massen@tenethealth.com

Remember, you can bring your kids if you like, and if you're cheering someone one, this water stop is a great one, as you'll see them early, and have time to catch the finish!    

Great Times!

It was a super nice night to be at the Torgerson's home for Thursday Night's Team R.E.D.  It was everyone's birthday! Amazing! Thanks so much for hosting!

The way every birthday should be celebrated!

Several members are taking part in the Great River Ragnar!  Some are running, some are volunteering... I'm sure we'll hear many stories in the weeks to come!  Have tons of fun, and post pics!

Another five members have traveled to Colorado for the REVEL Rockies Marathon - It drops 4500 feet over the course of the marathon, starting at over 10,000 feet elevation!  This will undoubtedly bring another set of fun stories! You can track them at http://brooksee-events.appspot.com/rdv  if you like!

Run fast in Colorado!  Don't let those thin air people show you up!

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

Updates for the next couple of days... 

Saturday 7am:  The Marathon & Half marathon training runs continue!  Meet at the Rochester Athletic Club in Rochester and get out for the long run! This weeks marathon training run is 20-22! You can see the route by visiting http://runningrochester.blogspot.com/ 
Sunday 7:30am: The Off Season striders will gather at Brothers Bar & Grill for a run of (typically 5-8 miles).  Following the run you can settle in for some breakfast, coffee or just to chat.   As always with Brothers, please park in back, as we'll gather near the back door.  
Monday 6pm:  It's up on the roof top click click click!  Monday Maniac will head out for 30-60 minutes or running or walking, and come back to enjoy the scenic rooftop at The Tap House in Rochester.  Last time we tried to get up on that roof, the weather didn't play nice.  We'll see if we can do better this time!

Additional Opportunity on Thursday!

Thursday 5:30pm:  Team R.E.D. member Randy Q is planning an hour or so bike ride.  He would like to meet at the host home of Cathy at 720 30th St NE in Rochester, ride about an hour or so, and come back for the birthday celebration!   What birthday celebration? Well, everybody's of course!  Come prepared for a workout and party!  Please bring something to share, your own beverage and a chair (unless you prefer to stand!)
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to Rochester for a Birthday Party!  Cathy T is hosting us at 720 30th St NE in Rochester.  She's having a theme of "It's Everybody's Birthday, Sometime!"   We'll go for a run or walk, and then come back for the celebration. Our host is providing a main course (in a bun), cupcakes complete with candles and water.  Please bring something to share, your own beverage and a chair!


Here is a fine piece of art compiled on Youtube... celebrating the 60th Birthday of Robin Williams.

 One hell of a talent to say the least.

New Member!

We have a new member!  Dave officially registered for Team R.E.D. via the online tool at http://form.jotformpro.com/form/41986407849976  and he selected, "I'll pick up my t-shirt when I join you all on a run, walk, hike, snowshoe or sometime!"  

Well, tonight was sometime!  Welcome Dave!

Dave Joins Team R.E.D. - in the Douglas Parking Lot!

Gwen & Lorelei set the pace early!

Paul is back in Minnesota for a bit! .. running with new guy Dave.

Sarah hasn't stopped smiling since we met her.. and Mike is wondering which way to turn. 

Angela and Jessie keep finding their way to Monday Maniacs!  Awesome! 

Week Ahead!

Here's a look at what's coming.... the weather is perfect for walking, running, hiking, and of course, sipping a refreshing beverage post workout!

We sure could use more volunteers for the Team R.E.D. aid station at the Healthy Human Race!  If you're available, please contact Katie - details in the Volunteer section below.

Also, if you want a chance to join a Ragnar team, see an opportunity in the race section! It's not too late!  

Group Run/Walk Opportunities

Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading to Douglas for an out and back on the Douglas Trail.  You can go as far as you like, and turn around!  Bring a cooler with beverage of choice to have a beverage in the parking lot if weather permits, of course, we could also dip into the Douglas Saloon and Social Club!  If you've never been in the Saloon, it's a treat!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The trail crew is heading to Willow Creek for 1-2 loops around the lake! The following link will help you find the parking lot to get connected at!  https://www.google.com/maps/preview?q=43.940676,-92.483554&num=1&t=h&z=16
Wednesday 5:45pm:  Another hill workout is on tap at Soldiers Field Memorial parking lot in Rochester.  It's always a short warmup to the base of the hill, then up an down - repeat!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to Rochester for a Birthday Party!  Cathy T is hosting us at 720 30th St NE in Rochester.  She's having a theme of "It's Everybody's Birthday, Sometime!"   We'll go for a run or walk, and then come back for the celebration. Our host is providing a main course (in a bun), cupcakes complete with candles and water.  Please bring something to share, your own beverage and a chair!

Race Opportunities

Aug 15-16th - Ragnar Relay - Mike S is on an ultra team and they had a teammate drop out due to a conflict, and need a replacement!  If you're available, contact Mike at mtschmitt@gmail.com
Aug 16th Ag Days 6K - The race takes place in Spring Valley as part of their celebratory weekend.  It's not every day you get to race a 6K. More details at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=620&TM=36185.41

Volunteer Opportunity!  

We are only two weeks from the Healthy Human Race!  This event is going to be much larger than the race formerly known as Rochester Half.  Team R.E.D. is hosting the 2nd water stop, please contact Katie if you can help!  The 2nd waterstop is a great one, as you'll get the chance to wrap up early and get to the finish line if you're interested in watching, or celebrating with Teammates.   Contact Katie at katie.massen@tenethealth.com

Winner Winner - He's buying us all dinner!

Ok maybe not... yet Congrats to Ryan for winning the caption contest!   His winning entry for the following pic was:

"That's alright Dawn, you hold the camera, I've got the rest."

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

Let's look ahead now to a few group runs... you can check the previous post to see the area races coming up this weekend!

If you only run one race this weekend, consider the eco-tri (or their new run only event).   The Eco-Tri is directed by Team R.E.D's Steve Dawson, and the event supports a great purpose in Camp Victory!

Tonight 6pm:  Gather at the Bears Den, I'm sure Ryan is buying!  I'm sure of it.. as he has $15 bucks to blow through!   Come for a run or walk, and back for a social.
Saturday 7am:  The marathon and half marathon training runs are cranking it up.  This weekend the marathoners have 19.25 miles!  That  puts you halfers are approx 10!  You can see the long run each week at http://runningrochester.blogspot.com/
Sunday 7:30am:  The Off Season Striders are gathering at Panera South.  Plan on 4-8 miles (or whatever you want really!) and come back to join the social over coffee and a bagel or breakfast!

Caption Contest!

We've posted a pic of one of our newest members, Brad, with his daughter...  The lovely wife Dawn snapped the pic and posted it on Facebook!

Via Facebook, we requested people to 'caption the pic' and got quite a few responses!  Those captions can be found on the right hand side of the blog.  Vote for as many of them as you like... the caption with the most votes by Wednesday evening at 11pm wins a $15 Gift Card to the Bears Den.  So, vote for your absolute favorite, or for any/all of them that make you smile!

There were a lot of entries, so make sure you use the scroll bar to see them all!  (the scroll bar within the Poll section)...  Late entries might be at a disadvantage if you don't read them! 

Below is the picture being captioned... 

Please vote 'Best Caption' via the poll on the right hand side of the blog. 

Week Ahead

If you haven't seen this yet... here it is.  You can now Register as a Member of Team R.E.D. or Renew your Membership online!   Just follow this link, and it's easy! Team R.E.D. Membership & Renewal

Was a big day of racing around the area.... I was able to attend the Douglas Trail 11 Mile Race... it a nice turnout, with a lot of Team R.E.D. taking part not only as runners, but also volunteers!  A special Thanks to Allan and to the Boynton Family for stepping in to fill those aid stations -- it was a warm one, the aid stations were a great help, nice work!  Also a special thanks to Lorelei as lead biker, she didn't even get lost!

Allan ready to ride to his aid station

Lorelei as lead bike... she didn't even get lost on this out and back! 

Dawn & Brad brought the kids to run the aid station while simply supervised (and on their left, you'll see Claire and Lana 

Dani won it for the women... as is tradition, a Watermelon is the prize!  The male winner prictured here is Mario. 

Gwen & Sonja enjoy the awards... Several RTC Board Members (many of whom are also Team R.E.D. members) put in some O.T. to make this race a reality, and it went very well!  

Group Run/Walk Opportunities

• Sunday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders are meeting at Charlies Pub & Eatery on 2nd St SW in Rochester.  Plan on 5-8 miles and some post run chatter, with breakfast if you like. 
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs will gather at Green Mill for a run and some cocktails on the patio!  Join this group, as there have been a few new faces coming of late! 
• Tuesday 6:30pm:  Whitewater State Park is the site of this weeks Trail Run.  This is one of the favorite locations for so many!  A couple of choices as to where to meet. Either at the RCTC Field House at 6pm to carpool/caravan to the park, or go directly to the Whitewater Nature Store, plan to arrive there by 6:30pm. 
• Wednesday 5:45pm: Join the hill workout crew for some repeats.  What are hill repeats?  Much like it sounds.. you go up the hill, come down the hill... and repeat.  You can choose how many repeats is right for you!  Gather at the Soldiers Field Memorial to get a short warmup over to the base of the hill.  
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den in Byron.  The official home of Team R.E.D. is always a fun place to run and fun from. Come join us! 
• Saturday 7am:  The Marathon & Half Marathon training runs continue from the RAC in Rochester.  I suspect the longer of the runs will approach 18 miles this week.  More details will be posted at www.runningrochester.blogspot.com later this week. 

Local Race Opportunities

Tuesday 6pm:  Note: Every Tuesday this event is held!

• TerraLoco 5K for charity is a go again!  Just $5 to enter, and the funds go to a local charity.  Meet at TerraLoco, located near Trader Joe's in Rochester. 

Saturday Aug 9th

• Bolder Dash 5k and 1 Mile.  This event is hosted by Bolder Options. More details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=617&TM=78870.14
• Kasson Festival in the Park 5K and 1 Mile.  This event also has a family rate! I love events that have a family rate!  More details can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/kassonfestivalrun/
• Run for the Children 5K and 1.8 Mile Walk is held at Silver Lake. More details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=581&TM=78870.14
• Big Head 5K is a Cross Country event run on grass at the Oaks Country Club in Hayfield.  More details can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=627&TM=78870.14
• Chatfield Western Days 10K & 2 Mile were evading my radar for a bit.. but here they are! http://www.zapevent.com/listactivities.aspx?eventid=5515

Sunday Aug 10th

• Rochester Eco-Tri  with Kayak, Mountain Bike and Run - Kayak rentals are available.  There's also a 10K run option if you prefer to stick to 1 out of 3.   This event is directed by Team R.E.D. member Steve Dawson, and supports Camp Victory.    You can find more information at http://www.rochesterecotri.com/Rochester_MN_eco_triathlon.html

Don't forget to keep an eye on our teammates just north of us... you can now view updates of Team R.E.D. Metro at http://teamredmetro.blogspot.com/

Woah! Way behind on Blog Updating!

Hey!  It was a great night at Somerby!  I think at last count 37 people had joined the fun (and most went for a walk or run, while some sat down for the party from the time they arrived!

Food a drink post workout! 

Many thanks to Amy, Ann, Dan and Mike for providing the drinks and food! Surely was appreciated by many, and super fun to sit on the patio on that beautiful evening!

It was a great night for sitting still! 

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

I still owe you all updates on the awards from Sunday's Pentenial Celebration.. and that will still have to wait, as I need to get what's going on tomorrow in front of you now.

There are a lot of choices if you're up for a race on Saturday, take a gander!

• Kids Triathlon at the Rochester REC Center.  What a great way to get the young ones involved in sport, competition or purely a fit lifestyle!  More details at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=588
• Douglas Trail 11 Mile is a Rochester Track Club Grand Prix event. Starts and finishes in Douglas.   Get the details at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=179&ArticleID=471
• Athens Fest 5K Run/Walk Toga is optional!  Without a toga, I'd be naked wouldn't I?!  Sounds fun with or without!  More details at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=621
• Little Miracles 5K & Family Fest at Silver Lake, near the fire station.  Check out the details here.. http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=606
• Run with the Breast of Us 5K takes place in Brownsdale.   It's a Breast Cancer Awareness run and in the first year was able to generate some funds for research!   More details at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=176&ArticleID=571

If you are not planning to race... consider the Marathon & Half Marathon Training run starting at 7am from the RAC.  This weeks marathon distance is at 16 miles and you can check out the route at http://runningrochester.blogspot.com/    Half Marathoners, should plan for roughly half that distance! 

Off Season Striders are at Charlies Pub & Eatery Sunday morning at 7:30am.  This is a great location to run from and gather after.  I know a few members won Charlies Gift Certificates at the Team R.E.D. Pentenial! Get out and enjoy!