New Member.... A look at the next week... and a peek at Grandmas Marathon!

Please welcome Janelle to Team R.E.D!  Some of you may have met her before, and I know some met her for the first time Thursday night.  Happy to have her with Team R.E.D.  - We love new members! 

I'm also excited to announce she has accepted a position on the coaching staff of Byron Track & Field!  

Tom & Janelle... clearly each looking at a different camera - the Paparazzi! 

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• Saturday 6am:  If you're looking for a 20 miler, consider a Pre-Load at the RAC prior to the 13 miler which starts at 7:15am.  
• Saturday 7:15am:  Long Run from the RAC.  This weeks mileage is scheduled for 13 miles... 
• Please bring a $1 contribution to help off-set the expenses of the bananas/gatorade they provide along the route!  
• Plan to join us at Charlies Eatery & Pub on 2nd Street (across from St Mary's) for a post workout social too!  
• Saturday from 3-5pm:  Join Roger & Joyce at Whistle Binkies North for a celebration!  Just over one year ago, Roger suffered a cardiac arrest while on a group run... he's back and he's strong!   Certainly worthy of celebration! 
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are gathering at Charlies Eatery & Pub on 2nd St in Rochester.  Join for the run and come back for the fun!
• Sunday 12:45pm:  Snowshoeing!  Meet at the first bridge of Oxbow park (that's the 2nd parking area on your left as you enter the park).  We might get some more snow Monday/Tuesday, so possibly we can get more shoe opportunities! 
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are at it again, this time from Brothers Bar & Grill on Broadway in Rochester. Park in the back parking lot and come in the back door for the route talk.  
• Tuesday 5:30pm:  The Hillbillies hit the hills again but check back when we have the day of the week finalized.  Once we know the day, you'll want to plan to meet at Edina Realty for repeats on some nice "make you stronger" hills!
• Tuesday 6pm: TerraLoco 5K series is committing to the Channel One Food Bank for the month of March.  
• For a $5 contribution you can participate - a great deal!  Then for every canned good you donate, you'll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a FREE pair of Saucony Shoes! 
• This weeks event is also a DEMO Night... you can try out a pair of Saucony Shoes during the 5K!
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading for Chester Woods Park.  The run is billed as the Last Tuesday Night Run in the Dark until Fall!  - Meet at the parking lot near the beach house and have some fun! 
• Wednesday 6pm:  The Progressive Runs continue from Broadway Pizza in Rochester. The route utilizing the perimeter road around IBM worked very well.  It's three loops around the plant, but if you want a shorter work out, make it two!  - the Progressions can be at any pace that suits you... just pick a pace that you want to target in the last mile, and we can calculate the progression that makes you work for it. 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den in Byron... plan on 3, 4 or 6 mile options!  Remember, we plan to take care of the Back of the Pack, so never steer away because you fear you are too slow, all paces are welcome1  And it's always fun at the Den post workout! 

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Below is a list of Team R.E.D. members and friends, participating in some portion of Grandmas Marathon!  It's quite a list, and the weekend should prove to be very fun!

If you're going and don't see your name on this list, please contact Gwen at gwenjacobson@charter.net as she is the keeper of the list  -- the dorms that Gwen has reserved are currently full!  A couple of notes regarding the dorms below. 

• If you registered for the lottery but are unsure if you got in, check out the following link.  https://register.racepartner.com/GarryBjorklund/lottery/status
• If you signed up to stay in the dorm, consider this a reminder that you have committed to pay for two nights lodging.  Any questions... see Gwen!
• If you see your name listed as staying at the dorms, but you never intended to be on that list.. see Gwen!  
• If more people want to join that group, please get a hold of Gwen right away, and she'll see if she can score more rooms (no guarantees).   

Grandmas Marathon List

It's a Celebration!

This is a friendly reminder that Roger & Joyce are hosting a party this Saturday afternoon at Whistle Binkies North!  It's been one year since Roger's Cardiac Arrest during the Saturday morning long run... and it's time to celebrate!  

Roger did come back and avenge that very run two weeks ago!  

If you RSVP'd great!  If not, join us anyway and invite others who may be interested in Celebrating!

See the invite below from Roger & Joyce.....

Thank You Celebration

Please join us to celebrate our appreciation for all your kindness and prayers this

past year during my cardiac arrest recovery.

Hors d’oeuvres and Beverages

Saturday, February 28, 2015

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Whistle Binkies North

3120 Wellner Drive NE

Rochester, MN  

Looking forward to seeing you!

Roger & Joyce Heil

Roger & Joyce

Finally a Peek at the Week!

It was a great turnout at the Long Run from the RAC today.  Several members ran into each other at Rooster Barn & Grill post workout, but part of that was pure luck the two groups picked the same spot but hadn't really discussed it ahead of time.  - So, we thought it would be good to add a designated gathering spot to the blog updates... send input if you have a favorite spot!

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

• Monday 5:30pm:  The Hill workout crew, also know as: Hillbillies... are meeting at the parking lot of Edina Realty near TJ Max for hill repeats.  This type of workout is challenging, but certainly pays off! - some of them plan to head to Beetles for E.D. after the workout. 
• Monday 6pm: Monday Maniacs are starting and finishing at Beetles on 2nd St in Rochester.  We'll get our run on... any distance you wish, most will likely log 4-6 miles. Then back for the social.  
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues their 5K charity runs.  Just $5 get's you involved!  TerraLoco does a great job staying connected to the community! 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:   The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Willow Creek Reservoir for some snowshoeing or hiking.. you choose what you wish to do!  Meet in the parking lot at the end of Lone Pine Drive.  See the following link for a map  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Willow+Creek+Reservoir,+Rochester,+MN+55902/@43.9402772,-92.4890605,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x87f758460bbda9f3:0x63a8ad803fd68e02
• Wednesday 6pm:  Progressive Run from Broadway Pizza in Rochester.  This is a new route, and it should be well lit with good footing as we'll head to the IBM perimeter road (it's always clear and has had very light traffic of late).   - I would anticipate a social at Broadway Pizza afterwards!  
• The Progressive Run is a workout in which you get faster each mile.. the workout is designed at 7.5 miles, but you can make it any distance you wish, and progress to any pace you wish!  - if you want more details feel free to drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com  
• Thursday 6pm:  The O'Leary's are home hosting at 805 1st Ave NW in Byron.  Routes will be the typical 3, 4 or 6 mile options and we'll have Beer, Wine & BBQ Pork available... please bring a dish to share! 
• We decided not to make it a theme night... so show up ready to walk or run.. and have some fun!  
• Saturday 6am:  If you're looking for a 20 miler, consider a Pre-Load at the RAC prior to the 13 miler which starts at 7:15am.  
• Saturday 7:15am:  Long Run from the RAC.  This weeks mileage is scheduled for 13 miles... 
• Please bring a $1 contribution to help off-set the expenses of the bananas/gatorade they provide along the route!  
• Plan to join us at Charlies Eatery & Pub on 2nd Street (across from St Mary's) for a post workout social too!  

Foot Hoodies

Before the Foot Hoodie chatter... just a reminder the Long Run from the RAC is approx 10 miles starting at 7:15am.   If you'd like additional miles, there are some members pre-loading at 6:15am and they will join the full crew at 7;15am.

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Wendy and I (along with others) have been testing a product produced by Steve & Jean Knutson, both Team R.E.D. Members.  The product is called Foot Hoodies, and they fit over the toes of your shoe, keeping wind, snow and moisture out, while still allowing your feet to breathe.  We like them a lot!

Wendy often get's very cold toes... typically she would wear toe warmers, on a recent walk, she skipped the toe warmers and used the hoodies instead and her feet remained warm.

I have one big toe that often get's very cold (I think it is due to a prior frost nip)... I've worn the hoodies on three runs (two of them with below zero windchill), and have never experienced a cold toe.

There might be some design things they can work on, but from a results stand point, we really like this product!  - I have in the past, and I know many of you have used Duct Tape to keep your toes warm, this is a bit more stylish solution, and gives your feet more breathing room compared to Duct Tape.

 11 Below Zero Windchill

Foot Hoodies worked! 

Chilly but no wind!

It was a moderately light turnout for the Run or Walk portion of Team R.E.D. tonight, but a strong turnout for the Eat. Drink!  

Here's the crew... fearless!

Back row.. Mike, Jill, Sarah, Annette, Marisa, Tom, Brian
Front row.. Ann, Aaron, Claire, Lance

Aliens

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Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon & Half Marathon training runs continue from the RAC.  It's a great chance to log long miles with others!
Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are sure to be out and about, but I have not yet seen the location. Check back...

We'll get the full upcoming week posted by Saturday - no promises to post it by Friday as I have plans to watch the following movie on it's release date.. see the trailer below..

Paid In Full!

Please take part in the poll on the right hand side of the blog... if there's enough interest, we'll get it set up.

If you're looking for what's going on the rest of this week, it's all laid out in the Feb 13th post.. check it out!  Not yet posted is the RAC Long Run Saturday at 7;15am... and the Sunday OSS Run at 8am with location TBD.

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It was a good night at Monday Maniacs with a light dusting of snow falling on the run.  Of course the post workout social was fun too!

Wild Bills for Monday Maniacs

At Wild Bills, a woman who shall remain unnamed may have accidentally slipped out of the Bears Den one evening without paying her bill. Well, that unnamed woman has now paid in full!

Paid in Full!

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Congrats to several Team R.E.D. members for their races this past weekend... they raced in distances from the 10K to the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon.  Gwen & Kristine each won their respective age groups at the Lost Dutchman!

Kristine, Dan, Gwen, Rick, Tina & Ron

Gwen & Kristine with the Hardware!

Brian celebrates his Paradise Coast Half Marathon! 

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Thank You Celebration!

We created a Facebook Event to give Roger & Joyce an idea of how many people they may expect at the Thank You Celebration!  If you're not on Facebook (or just don't use it often)... please feel free to RSVP to byron.teamred@gmail.com   - Also.. invite others who may be interested in Celebrating with Roger & Joyce!

See the invite below from Roger & Joyce.....

Thank You Celebration

Please join us to celebrate our appreciation for all your kindness and prayers this

past year during my cardiac arrest recovery.

Hors d’oeuvres and Beverages

Saturday, February 28, 2015

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Whistle Binkies North

3120 Wellner Drive NE

Rochester, MN  

Looking forward to seeing you!

Roger & Joyce Heil

Week Ahead... Check it out!

Keep it rolling.. spring is just around the corner!  Check out all the group opportunities coming up this week!

• Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon & Half Marathon Training runs start from the Rochester Athletic Club aka RAC.   You do not need to be a member of the training class, nor do you have to be a member of the RAC.  In fact, you don't have to be a member of any club to join these group runs.  Please bring $1 donation each week to help cover the cost of Gatorade & Bananas provided at aid stations on these long runs.   
• Saturday 6:15am:  Pre-loading  This first run of the training plan is about 8 miles.. so if you'd like to get more, you can join a group that is pre-Loading.  They are starting from the RAC at 6:15am to get a little extra mileage and will circle back to the RAC to join the rest of the group. 
• Lin is always seeking volunteers for the water stops that support these group runs, so if you, or a family member are interested in volunteering please do so.. kids can help too (they really like doing things like waterstops!)  -- If you're available, please contact Lin at lsgentling@charter.net   
• If we don't have enough volunteers there is a high likelihood we'll be running endless loops around the RAC.
• Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders are heading to Panera South.  There's great access to the trail, and away we go!  NOTE: There are a few people pre-loading for this run too.  They will start at 7am and come back to meet the 8am crew. 
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Wild Bills for a run, walk or jog. We'll have someone available for all paces... Can't make it at 6pm.. come around 7pm and join us for the social.
• Tuesday 5:30pm:  Team R.E.D. heads for the hills!  Meet at the Edina Realty parking lot near TJ Maxx and enjoy the hill repeats.
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail Crew is heading to Bill Barnacle Woodland.  This is a fun place to snowshoe, hike or run - this weeks options are likely snowshoe or hike!   Meet at the BP in Marion (the township of Marion, located on Hwy 52 and just south of I-90).   A carpool / caravan will head to the woodland from there, as the parking may be limited at Bill Barnacle in the winter time. 
• Wednesday - Ash Wednesday - No scheduled workout unless someone contacts me to say they'd like to lead one. 
• We do have a new location for the Progressive Runs - so they will return. 
• Thursday 6am:  Speed work on the track at the RCTC field house! Get your speed on, and learn from the master of speed!
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads to the Bears Den in Byron.  Expect to hear options of 3, 4 or 6 miles and pick your distance!   Come check out the newly decorated Team R.E.D. corner, now complete with the Beer Mile Champions, Bucket Award Winners, Tee Shirts and Melby!  

The Cold? What Cold!

A great turnout at Wildwood tonight!  Members got the reflective gear on and got out for some great fitness, and the post social was fantastic!

We appreciate all of our sponsors so much... and tonight Needs Car Wash in Byron, owned and operated by Team R.E.D. member Dave Eide,  handed out FREE VIP Car Washes to everyone!  - Needs has just updated their automatic wash to be the best in the area, they also have self serve stalls for those of you who like to brush and spray it yourself!

Be sure to check out Needs Car Wash, and if you fill up fuel at Byron Marketplace (also a sponsor!) you can also buy a car wash at the checkout.

Sonja tried out for the role of Beer Mile server... I'm not sure she made the cut.

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• Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon & Half Marathon Training runs start from the Rochester Athletic Club aka RAC.   You do not need to be a member of the training class, nor do you have to be a member of the RAC.  In fact, you don't have to be a member of any club to join these group runs.  Please bring $1 donation each week to help cover the cost of Gatorade & Bananas provided at aid stations on these long runs.   
• This first run of the training is about 8 miles.. so if you'd like to get more, you can join a group that is Pre-Loading.  They are starting from the RAC at 6:15am to get a little extra mileage.
• Lin is always seeking volunteers for the water stops that support these group runs, so if you, or a family member are interested in volunteering please do so.. kids can help too (they really like doing things like waterstops!)  -- If you're available, please contact Lin at lsgentling@charter.net   
• If we don't have enough volunteers there is a high likelihood we'll be running endless loops around the RAC.
• Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders are heading to Panera South.  There's great access to the trail, and away we go!  NOTE: There are a few people pre-loading for this run too.  They will start at 7am and come back to meet the 8am crew. 

Next Up?

We welcomed two new members to Team R.E.D. during Monday Maniacs!  So happy to have Kasey & Mark join us!  Both bring great energy to the group.... Welcome Casey & Mark!   

We had a limited turnout for Wednesdays Progressive Run, and quite frankly the sidewalks, and trails were a mess for an attempt at speed.  We have come up with a solution for for a safe winter route... so if you ever considered trying the Progressive Run, next Wednesday just may be a great time to get it done!   Additionally, we're going to move the start time back to 6pm - hopefully that helps more people get out of work, and ready for a workout! 

Now a look at the next couple of days....   

• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading back to Wildwood Bar & Grill.  Once again, WildWood is kind enough to extend their happy hour until 7:30pm for us!  No need to cut your run short, you can get it done, and still enjoy Buy One Get One Free beverages!    Join us for a run or walk of 3, 4 or 6 miles (really any distance you want to go!).  We'll have all paces available, including a leader for Back of the Pack.
• Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon & Half Marathon Training runs start from the Rochester Athletic Club aka RAC.   You do not need to be a member of the training class, nor do you have to be a member of the RAC.  In fact, you don't have to be a member of any club to join these group runs.  Please bring $1 donation each week to help cover the cost of Gatorade & Bananas provided at aid stations on these long runs.   
• Lin is always seeking volunteers for the water stops that support these group runs, so if you, or a family member are interested in volunteering please do so.. kids can help too (they really like doing things like waterstops!)  -- If you're available, please contact Lin at lsgentling@charter.net   
• Sunday 8am:  The Off Season Striders will get their run on!  - Location TBD, so check back for those details.  

It's a Celebration!

Mark your calendars!

Roger & Joyce are celebrating... and we are all invited!  The Heils are one of the most awesome couples I have met, both filled with kindness and love.

They want you to help celebrate Roger's 1-Year anniversary of his Cardiac Arrest.  If a medical emergency was going to happen, please send thanks to God that it happened on a group run, and such great people were there immediately to take action!  We are blessed to be having this celebration!

See the invite below from Roger & Joyce.....

Thank You Celebration

Please join us to celebrate our appreciation for all your kindness and prayers this

past year during my cardiac arrest recovery.

Hors d’oeuvres and Beverages

Saturday, February 28, 2015

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Whistle Binkies North

3120 Wellner Drive NE

Rochester, MN  

Looking forward to seeing you!

Roger & Joyce Heil

Volunteer Opportunity!

There is a group planning a new event, one with some serious creativity!   They are seeking volunteers for their planning committee, as well as participants and event day volunteers.  See the message below... and make contact if it's a good fit for you!

Contact Craig at craig@reichelfoods.com if you're interested in assisting... Thanks for all you do!  Team R.E.D. members crush everything!

Subject: Coyote Games

Making a difference!

I know I should be committed but we are hosting another event at Coyote Creek Outdoors.  This event is separate from our cancer fundraising event held on August 1, 2015- Shoot for the Cure-, which is basically a 3-D archery event.

This event which so far is called Coyote Games is structured somewhat after similar runs like Tough Mudder,  Hunger Games with everyone (living) winning.   The twist on this event is it will include archery, tomahawk throwing, creek crossing challenge, and many other obstacles designed for the runner who needs a fun challenge to go to the next level.   In the last 4 years Coyote Creek has raised 210,000 dollars for cancer research at our facility.  We know we can do much better and because of the popularity and our great location we decided to jump in (literally)!

We are having an organizational meeting at 6:30 this Wednesday February 11, at Coyote Creek in our classroom.  You have been asked to attend to support us with ideas, organization, volunteering, and to make a difference!  Bring a friend or anyone who wants to help out.  Best part is you do not have to go around begging for wine baskets etc.  Our proceeds come from the entry fees. 

So far the best date the team has come up with is June 27^th as it has the least amount of conflicts with other running events in the area.  I know some who are on board cannot make it but please contact me if you can be a small part of this.  Many hands make the heavy lifting light!

It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself. –Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Craig

Craig Reichel

CEO

Reichel Foods Inc.

www.ReichelFoods.com

Great Weekend!

What a great weekend for Team R.E.D!  - be sure to check out the upcoming weeks activities in the previous post, and check back as updates continue.

It all started with Saturday mornings Off Season Striders.. there were 25-30 runners, creating a lot of paces for people to find a running partner or group!  Additionally, there were some new faces that we'd love to see more of as well!  - one of the new faces was Heather and she is a brand new Team R.E.D. Member!

Saturday night, a handful of Team R.E.D. were spotted at Boomers watching one of our newest members sign for Nite Shift.  Kasey and her band crushed it in front of a full house! I don't have pics of everyone as Wendy and I arrived pretty late.

Gwen, Ann & Wendy on the Dance Floor!  - Jess and Lorelei are out there too, but apparently hiding from the camera!

Kasey belting it out!  She was strong, as was Nite Shift!

Lorelei found a gentleman who was ready to dance!  I thought she was going to knock him right over!

Sunday morning brought along another Off Season Striders... while Sunday afternoon provided a snowshoe & sleigh ride opportunity!

Some preparing to snowshoe while others preparing to sleigh ride!

Wendy, Cathy, Mary & Elaine getting rolling. 

Beautiful horses on the property.

Dennis at the reins with Caylee as co-pilot.  Dawn and Nona are the backseat drivers! Dennis & Nona are Mike's parents, and they were kind to host us for the afternoon!

Dave, Cathy, Wendy, Mary, Elaine, Ann, Mike & Gwen... Mike has not sleeves, who knew?!  And it was Cathy's Birthday....  Happy Birthday! 

A woodland hideout! Or potential dog house when Dennis is in hot water. 

Mike and his dad, exploring the property. 

Snowshoe & Sleigh Ride!

We are moving Sunday's snowshoe event to the Nepstad property located at 6245 Cty Rd 105 NW Byron (very near Oxbow Park).  -- Mike called and said they have the sleigh out, and ready for rides, so we can snowshoe and enjoy some sleigh riding!

Bring your own beverages... this will be fun!

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Here's a look at the upcoming group events.

• Sunday 8am: Off Season Striders gathers at Dunn Bros North.  Get out, have some fitness & fun! 
• Sunday 1pm:  Note: New location!  We're going to gather at the Nepstad Homestead at 6345 Cty Rd 105 NW Byron for Snowshoe & Sleigh Rides!   Don't have snowshoes?  We will have at least one pair of loaners with us (sometimes other members have extra pairs along too).   Bring your own beverage.  
• Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading to Cowboy Jacks in Rochester. They are located at 1625 South Broadway.  The Monday crew has been getting stronger by the week, come out and enjoy!  All paces... we'll have a Back of the Pack leader to make sure we all get to the post workout social! 
• Tuesday 5:30pm:   The Hill crew continues to gather at the Edina Realty near TJ Maxx in Rochester. Get out and get stronger! 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  Carley State Park for some snowshoeing if the snow permits, otherwise prepare for a run or hike! Meet at the first parking lot past the entrance. 
• Wednesday 5:30pm:  Progressive Run - it's a 7.5 mile workout, and your mission run each mile faster than the previous mile (and then finish with a 1/2 mile cooldown).  Gather at Cowboy Jacks on South Broadway.  We have a relatively flat route planned, along some of the wider streets in Rochester.  Click the following link to see the route.   http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/629797834
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading back to Wildwood Bar & Grill.  Join us for a run or walk of 3, 4 or 6 miles (really any distance you want to go!).  We'll have all paces available, including a leader for Back of the Pack.
• Saturday 7:15am:  The Marathon & Half Marathon Training runs start from the Rochester Athletic Club aka RAC.   You do not need to be a member of the training class, nor do you have to be a member of the RAC.  In fact, you don't have to be a member of any club to join these group runs.  Please bring $1 donation each week to help cover the cost of Gatorade & Bananas provided at aid stations on these long runs.   

New Member!

Did we ever mention how much we love having new members?!   Tonight Brian joined us... some of you may have met Brian as he joined us on the Road Trip to Surly and has been to a few group runs now.  Many of you also may have met his wonderful wife Angela too!

Welcome Brian to Team R.E.D.!  

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It was a bit chilly still tonight, but the forecast looks like it's warming a bit!  Here's what the next few days look like for Group Run or Walk opportunities.

• Saturday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders is heading to Brothers Bar & Grill... as always, park behind the bar, and use the back entrance.  (It keeps the prime front spaces for customers who are coming in right away, rather then leaving for an hour or so!)
• Saturday 1pm:  The Optimist Frozen Goose 10K and 5K takes place at the University Center Rochester Atrium (851 30th Ave SE Rochester).  More information available at http://optimistclubrochestermn.org/frozen-goose/
• Sunday 8am: Off Season Striders gathers at Dunn Bros North.  Get out, have some fitness & fun! 
• Sunday 1pm:  Snowshoe at Oxbow Park (I hope the snow depth permits!).  Don't have snowshoes?  We will have at least one pair of loaners with us (sometimes other members have extra pairs along too).   Additionally, you can rent them at the oxbow park office. 
• Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading to Cowboy Jacks in Rochester. They are located at 1625 South Broadway.  The Monday crew has been getting stronger by the week, come out and enjoy!  All paces... we'll have a Back of the Pack leader to make sure we all get to the post workout social! 

Parking & Route Talking

Just a friendly reminder on a couple of items to keep in mind for the establishments that we start and finish our group workouts at.

• It's a great courtesy for us to not take the prime parking spots.  Please park in a space away from the main entrance so that other customers don't arrive at 6:10pm and fail to find good parking spots and think  "it's too busy, let's go someplace else." when in fact it's not too busy... we arrive at 6pm, and might not be back until 6:45 or 7pm...  and not to mention, we're endurance athletes, we can handle the walk to the front door! 
• When we gather inside of a place of business, we should try to find a gathering space that does not interrupt traffic flow... Many of us, myself included, stop very near the front door. Finding the right place for a group to gather is a tough one for all of us as there is not always an easy answer... but we can do it!   i.e. Beatles you can usually stand along the bar which gets you away from the door, at the Bears Den our space in back is typically already reserved, so just head there.  

By the way.. the places we visit love hosting us, and they love the business.  In fact, nobody has complained about these types of issues for a long time, so I'm just trying to stay ahead of it.   It's easy to forget the protocol... and of course, we are seeing so many wonderful new members who may have never heard this. 

Reminder complete! 

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Seven people participated in the Progressive Run tonight!  We have some work to do on figuring out the right route in Rochester, but we can do it.  We want to be mostly flat terrain, and minimize street crossings.  We're planning to continue the workout on Wednesday evenings... we'll find the right start/finish for a Rochester location, and we'll find some sort of rotation to be in Byron occasionally as well.

If you've never tried this workout, give it a shot!  It tests you physically, as well as mentally.  If you tell me what you want to hit for your final mile, I can help you plan the progression.  

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Check out Sunday's "peek at the week" post and you'll find a great race hosted by the Optimist Club of Rochester on Saturday, as well as a Snowshoe Opportunity for Sunday!  Additionally, the locations for Saturday & Sundays Off Season Striders have been updated! 

USATF Team Circuit

Reminder: There's a Progressive workout taking place this evening at Brothers Bar & Grill starting at 5:30pm near the back doors of Brothers.   The group run and snowshoe opportunities through Sunday are listed in the previous post.

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

Below is a message from USA Track & Field with specific instructions for registering for some of the races that make up the Team Circuit.  Additional instructions will come for the other races as they are available.

The following are registration instructions for the Team Circuit races through the Richard A Hoska Midsummer Mile.  Please forward to your teams.

Read the specific instructions on each race web site for entry deadlines.Remember - you MUST have a valid 2015 USATF membership to use these discounts.

Thanks,

Craig

Irish Run Saint Paul 8k

TSL Events offer comp or discounted 8k entry based on standards you can find at http://www.tslevents.com/2014/03/irish-run-saint-paul-is-fast-kickoff.html Follow the directions to apply.

For Registration use this link

http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=23041

Click “REGISTER for this event” button on the upper right of the page

Select “I'm a USATF member doing the Team Circuit 8k”

USATF Minnesota members receive a $5 discount. You can select not to receive a shirt and receive an additional $5 off later in registration.

Get in Gear 10k

Elite Athlete information for Get In Gear is found at http://www.getingearevents.com/elite_athlete.html

Registration information is at the following link:

http://www.getingearevents.com/registration.html

Click “Register Now for 2015” button in the middle of the page

Select "Register" on the next page toward the bottom

Fill out the entry form and include your USATF number blank and select $5 USATF discount option. DISCOUNTED ENTRY IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 150 ENTRIES.

Medtronic TC 1 Mile

Attached is a PDF with entry instructions for the Medtronic TC 1 Mile. The registration link opened on February 3.

Brian Kraft Memorial 5K

Registration will open in the next week or so. 

Grandma's Marathon

Eventually there will be on option on online registration to enter your USATF number and receive a $5 discount. If you have already registered for the marathon follow these directions to add your USATF number:

"we can add their # to their registration in our system and issue them a $5 refund on a case-by-case basis --- emailing grandmas@grandmasmarathon.com is the best route for them."

Richard A Hoska Midsummer Mile

Registration is at the following link - http://www.midsummermile.com/registration.html 

Click the "Register Online Now" in the upper right. Click the "Register Now" button on the Zap Event page. Follow the directions and use "USATFMN" as the discount code.

A Peek at the Week!

• Sunday (Today) 1pm:  We're going for a hike at Oxbow Park, snowshoes optional as I'm still not sure there's enough snow to snowshoe (but you can try if you like).  Join us at the 1st bridge to burn a few calories before the Super Bowl binge begins! 
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are gathering at Glynner's Pub, located in the Northbrook Shopping Center near Silver Lake.  We'll hop on the trail and away we go! All paces are welcome!  There will be a Back of the Pack group comprised of anyone who wants to walk, or run a 12/min mile or slower. 
• Tuesday 5:30pm: The hill workout makes you stronger, join the group for some ups & downs.  Meet at Edina Realty near TJ Maxx.
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail Crew is Cruising Carley State Park.  Bring your snowshoes, because if there's enough, that's the plan!  Meet at the first parking lot on your right, just past the main entrance. 
• Wednesday 5:30pm:  Give the progressive run a shot!  We'll meet at the back entrance of Brother Bar & Grill in Rochester and utilize the trails to keep us from battling traffic at intersections while trying to maintain a strong pace. The entire workout is 7.5 miles.   
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. hits the Bears Den in Byron once again! We'll get out for a run and/or walk and back for the social!  Plan on options in the ranges of 3, 4 or 6 miles. As always, the Back of the Pack group is welcome to join! 
• Saturday 7:30am:  Off Season Striders is heading to Brothers Bar & Grill... as always, park behind the bar, and use the back entrance.  (It keeps the prime front spaces for customers who are coming in right away, rather then leaving for an hour or so!)
• Saturday 1pm:  The Optimist Frozen Goose 10K and 5K takes place at the University Center Rochester Atrium (851 30th Ave SE Rochester). 
• Sunday 8am: Off Season Striders gathers at Dunn Bros North.  Get out, have some fitness & fun! 
• Sunday 1pm:  Snowshoe at Oxbow Park (I hope the snow depth permits!).  Don't have snowshoes?  We will have at least one pair of loaners with us (sometimes other members have extra pairs along too).   Additionally, you can rent them at the oxbow park office.