More ahead!

Take a peek at Team R.E.D. member Dana Palmer as she is showing up on the pages of Rochester Magazine!  Looking good, feeling good! Congrats on the photo shoot Dana! 

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Congrats to Dan Leach as he has knocked out a couple of medals recently.. crushing events in both Dallas and San Francisco! 

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Also, congrats to Andy Becker as he cruised to a 3rd place finish at the Trailbreaker Marathon in Wisconsin!  Andy makes it look so easy!

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I haven't seen results yet, but it sounds like the Return of the Robin 5K, 10K & Half Marathon went very well! Congrats to all of you who participated! 

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The snow it is melting!  The snow it is melting!  The snow it is melting!

Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are taking off from Glynners Pub in the Northbrook Shopping Center, 1643 N Broadway.  Come out regardless of your pace, meet some people and get some fitness in!
Tuesday 5:30pm:  I haven't heard for sure yet, but typically the Hillbillies roll at this time! Check back to be sure, but if it goes as usual, the plan is to meet at Edina Realty Parking lot near TJ Maxx and hit the hills for repeats!
Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues the great work with their Tuesday Night Charity 5K's... bring a $5 donation to the cause and have some fun! This is a low key event, with no official results.
Tuesday 6:20pm: The Tuesday Trail crew is going to Quarry Hill.. this is always a popular spot for a great night on the trails. Meet in the parking lot near the tennis courts on West side of the park.  Note: you are not meeting at the main entrance parking lot, you are on the west side of the park.
Wednesday 6pm: The progressive run is TBD pending a location choice.   Turns out the security at IBM parking lot frowns on speedy people running around the perimeter road.
Thursday 6pm: Team R.E.D. goes to the Bears Den in Byron.  It's going to be a beautiful night for a group run or walk.  Join us!

Busy week.. and here's to the Weekend!

Sounds like a strong turnout at Brothers Bar & Grill this evening! ... we have more to look forward to this weekend!  

• Saturday 7:15am - Marathon & Half Marathon training long runs take off from the RAC.  This week's distance is 15 miles - you could sneak in some extra miles around Silver Lake or Soldiers Field if you're looking to do so! 
• Plan on joining the group for some breakfast post workout at Charlies Eatery & Pub on 2nd Street in Rochester. 
• Saturday the Return of the Robin Half Marathon, 10k & 5K take place, with a great post race party! It all takes place at Graham Arena #2 -  check out the following link for additional details.  http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=697 
• Sunday 8am - Off Season Striders are heading to the Peoples Food Co-op for this weekends run. It's a fun place to meet, and log some miles!  Meet inside the foyer for the route talk, stick around for the social post workout!  

Quick Hitters

For tonights gathering in Douglas you can plan to run on the roads, trails or if you prefer, bring your snowshoes!   - we'll meet at 6pm in the parking lot along the trail.  Post workout is the always lovely Douglas Saloon and Social Club!

The lodging reserved for Team R.E.D. at the College of St Scholastica during the Grandmas Marathon weekend is full.  

If you are attending any portion of Grandmas Marathon and have not yet registered, you can do so using the following link http://iamteamhope.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1127954&lis=1&kntae1127954=87DC6F5FAC77467F98E6658213E37E90&team=6271191  and your registration fees will go to the Pancreatic Cancer Network.  This link is provided by the Hogan Family... and they want you to know you do not need to do any fundraising above or beyond your entry fee! What a great way to raise money!

Don't Need A Weatherman to Know Which Way the Wind Blows!

Winter is back!  Temporarily.

Some Team R.E.D.ers found a rain soaked marathon in Georgia!  While others sought nicer weather up north der!    St Paul was near perfect for racing! Regardless of the elements, Team R.E.D. get's after it, very nice work everyone!

Gwen & Kasey before and after!  Nice work ladies!

The Mesenburgs found the deal of the day! 

USATF Team Circuit Representatives at the Irish Run...                                                                                            Andy, Tom, Jen, Jill, Roger.. and hiding in back is the guy with a PR today.. Lance!  Nice work all! 

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• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are gathering at the trailhead in Douglas MN.   This is a fun place to run or walk from, as it's along the trail, giving you a choice of paved or dirt... and on Monday, a bit of snow might be in place, but consider it all part of the adventure!   Some are even planning to bring snowshoes!  
• We will wrap up the workout with a social at the Douglas Social Club.. we love this place! 
• Tuesday 5:30pm:  The Hillbillies are at it again.... Of course they are, because it makes you stronger! Meet at the parking lot of Edina Realty near TJ Max and repeat the hills for strength.  A hill workout is speed work in disguise!  
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco has their charity 5K.  What a great non-pressure event in which you help raise money for a local charity, while getting your workout in!  
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail Crew is heading to Millville! This is another super fun spot to run, and enjoy the post workout. 
• It's a out and back so suitable for all speeds and distances. You can't get lost on this one! Meet at the parking lot for the ball diamond just south of town on Co. Hwy 2. Just off the road, you can't miss it! Most the group will probably do about 6 miles. A few will stop after at Lucky 7 for taco bar and all you can eat buffet.
• Wednesday 6pm: TBD if we have a progressive run... we will watch the weather and consider if the roadways are clear to allow for the proper progression. There is not much value in this workout if you're slipping and sliding.. but if things look clear, there's a ton of value in this workout and we'll be on! 
• Thursday 6pm: Team R.E.D. heads to Brothers Bar & Grill.  We'll gather at the back door (park in back).. and hit the trail system for mileage in the range of 3, 4 or 6 miles.  Brothers is so good with groups, the post workout will be a lot of fun! 

New Member!

What a great night at Team R.E.D. on Thursday!  We had another new member join tonight!  One who we actually had a shirt to fit her!  New shirts and singlets are both on the way.. anyone past due is getting handled (unless they requested the color orange, that is not yet handled).

Angela joins Team R.E.D.... we are lucky to have her on our team! 

The Dream Team! 

Rumor has it the Wednesday progressive was also fantastic, and we see the Tuesday Trail run kicked butt too!   Let's stay after it people!

To protect the innocent, these butts shall remain nameless. 

Awesome mix of new and returning faces!  Trail Crew is on it! 

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• Saturday 7:15am:  The Long run from the RAC is scheduled for 15 miles. There are water/gatorade stations along the way. What a great way to get your long miles in! 
• Several members are gathering early to preload at 6am. If you want/need more than 15 miles, this is a great option. 
• The Post Long run gathering is set for Brothers Bar & Grill.  A great breakfast awaits!
• Some R.E.D. members are planning to cut the course to approx 10 miles.  
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders is gathering at Panera north (note North!.. ) It's not the most common Panera location, so think north!  
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to an all time favorite of mine.. Douglas Saloon!  Park in the trail parking lot, in Douglas.  We'll do an out and back of your favorite distance and then settle in to the most comfortable chairs in Southern Minnesota...  Bring cash, credit cards are not accepted at this establishment. 

Have a Safe & Happy St Patrick's Day!

For the USA Track & Field Club competition... Team R.E.D. is in the Blue Division, and below is a list of clubs we are competing against. Let's get after them!  The first circuit race is this Sunday at 1:20pm in St Paul... it's called the Irish Run and is an 8K.  Our carpool departs from Rochester at 10:30am.   If you're not sure how to 'race' for Team R.E.D. but you are interested, please drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 

Blue

Gear West Racing Team

Harriet Run Club

Life Time Run

MDRA

Minnesota R.E.D.

Molar Milers

North Shore Striders

Running Ventures

St. Cloud River Runners

Sweat Shop Training Team

Team R.E.D.

Twin Cities Running Club

Twin Cities Track Club AAA

Week Ahead!

Be sure to check out today's post for a look at the week ahead, but also yesterdays post to get updated on some of the other great things taking place!

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All sorts of Team R.E.D. members were out this morning with the long training run group from the RAC.  Mileage was reported anywhere from 6 to 23!  Nice work this morning! I believe there were personal distance PRs recorded by Claire & Mike!

Kentucky Jim was in Jacksonville Florida running a 15K! It's the longest he has raced! Congrats Jim! This past week, Jim also logged the most miles of his running career.. he's crushing it!

Jim's 15K post race celebration! 

 Below are some of the other pics I've found on Facebook this morning with R.E.D. members achieving great things! --  I know there are more of you out there staying fit and having fun!

Ron and Kristine - Irish for a Day - 19 Miles and Guinness! 

Dan at Get Lucky - Sporting a Run Minnesota Shirt! 

Heather and Friends - Get Lucky! 

Troy get's lucky! 

Tina find Luck O' the Lake! 

Team R.E.D. Metro at Get Lucky!  Love to get together with them more often! 

Team R.E.D. Metro & Mothership

Mothership with the Metro King Pin

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• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs head to Wildwood (located near TJ Maxx).  The trails are all clear, let's have some fun in the sun! 
• Tuesday 5:30pm:  The Hillbillies are hitting the hills once again from the Edina Realty parking lot near TJ Maxx.  Run up, run down, repeat!  - it does indeed make you stronger!
• Tuesday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues the Charity 5K for Channel One food bank!  Bring non-perishable foods, and $5 to enter!  
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail crew is celebrating St Patty's Day at Chester Woods!  Get out the green and join the trail fun!  Meet in the parking lot near the Beach House.  They are running in honor of Oliver, David and Myself!  - sadly I can not make it as I have prior commitments with the Byron Track Team and Marathon Training class. Please feel free to toss an extra one back on my behalf!    
• Wednesday 6pm:  The progressive run is on again... we'll meet at Broadway Pizza in Rochester and again work our way to the IBM perimeter road for a series of progressive miles.  Each mile gets faster.  Come give it a shot! 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is at the Bears Den in Byron.  We'll have routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles.. and I'm sure we'll have a great post workout celebration.  
• If you have concerns about keeping up with the group, Tom O' has signed up to lead the Back of the Pack crew. No one left behind!  
• Note: This is perfect car wash weather! Consider coming early to get your car washed at Need's Car Wash in Byron!  The Eide's put in a new wash, and would love to see you give it a shot!  Many of you already have free car wash tickets from a previous give-away, what a great time to use them!  - Also note, the Byron Marketplace is selling the $12 wash for just $7!   - I've love to get some pictures of Team R.E.D. members rolling through the car wash! 

Long Past Due Update!

Best wishes to all those running this weekend!  Several members will be at the Get Lucky, and I'm sure they'll have a blast!  Send us pics!

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As for this past Thursday, what a great crew filled with a bunch of new faces!  The service was interesting, but people seemed to have a great time, I think we could try it again one day!

Thursday @ Billottis

Alex and Kim join us for the first time! 

One of the many packs!

Enjoying the post workout... We just keep pouring into the establishment! 

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It's been a fantastic few weeks of meeting new people! We have gained members at such a rate that our T-shirt supply dried up... the new shirts are already in process (along with the new singlets) and we're placing another order to keep up with the fun!  For anyone who has not received their tee's, we'll get them to you very soon!

By the way, each of you awaiting a shirt are receiving a car wash courtesy of Need's Car Wash in Byron!  It's a $12 value with the brand new equipment!  -  It's now part of the new membership award!

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• Sunday March 22nd is the Irish Run 8K... this is part of the USATF MN Championship series... Team R.E.D. competes with clubs across the state!  It's super fun, and super fast!  
• Carpool / Caravan will depart from the Gander Mountain Parking lot, near the Kwik Trip along 55th St NW at 10:30am on race day.  email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com if you are planning to join that carpool so we can leave as soon as we know we have everyone on board!
• Join us regardless of your pace... it's way fun to know you're in a competition beyond the race itself.  If you want to race for Team R.E.D. you do need to be a member of USA Track & Field.  
• You can join USATF at the following link, and make sure you select Team 0435 - Team R.E.D. (don't get off track and accidentally pick Minnesota RED unless that's you're intent!)   http://usatfmn.org/membership
• What does a USATF membership get me?  Well, in my opinion the best thing is guaranteed entry into lottery races, i.e. TC 10 Mile, TC 1 Mile.. - there are also other discounts to many races!

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Another upcoming event that is sure to be fun is the Return of the Robin Run!  They have added a Half Marathon to the already existing 5K & 10K!  Your race will end with a great post race party cpmplete with bloody's and beer, and don't forget Hairball at night!  

Check it out http://www.returnoftherobin.com/all-events#n2

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One of our newest members, Mark St. Peter is heading up a great opportunity for Team R.E.D. to remain involved in the community as volunteers!  I know so many of us enjoy doing just that, volunteering!  

Mark is leading our crew in the Making Rochester A Littmarkst.peter@cityautoglass.comer Bit Better campaign.  It's an impressive program reaching it's 9th year!  -- This years event takes place April 18th - 25th. 

A Litter Bit Better! Volunteers can be proud of their accomplishments over the last eight years. To date approximately 95 tons of litter has been collected in Rochester through this program. 

Let's make this a fun way for Team R.E.D. to contribute!  If interested, contact Mark at markst.peter@cityautoglass.com  so we can put in a bid for a section of Rochester!  Team R.E.D. members rock when it comes to volunteering!  - I bet we can find a way to celebrate after our good deed is complete! 

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Are you going to the Boston Marathon this year?  If so, be sure to contact Jess, as she has made reservations at Cheers!  See her note below.. you can RSVP for the fun at jfeda@hotmail.com 

For those running Boston, I would like to extend an invitation to join us for dinner at Cheers Beacon Hill at 5 pm on Sunday April 19th. We thought it would be a great way to get together while in Boston and hang out before the big day! There is pasta on the menu and quality brews. If you would like to join us, please let me know so I know how many to plan for (we currently have a reservation for 25). Join us for fun and good food at a place where we really do know your name!

Quickie!

Quick notes... more details (and pictures to follow!)  

• Saturday 7:15am:  Marathon & Half Marathon Training long runs roll out of the RAC! The Marathon route appears approx 16.5 miles... I would anticipate the Half Marathoners to be in the 9 mile range. 
• You do not need to be a member of the RAC, the Track Club, Team R.E.D. or any group to join this run.  Please bring $1 to help offset the cost of bananas and gatorade. 
• Many members of Team R.E.D. are gathering at Charlies Eatery & Pub on 2nd street after the long run on Saturday!  Join the fun!
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are running from Panera South (near Hy Vee south).   It's a fun group and stick around for coffee, breakfast and chatter afterwards!  

Another Full Week!

The weather is cooperating.. and the Saturday morning long run from the RAC was a great success!  Several Team R.E.D. members found the miles easier in that group! Maybe they showed up because there was beer at the water station? No no.. they showed up because they were dedicated! -- it should be noted, one dixie cup at a time, they did manage to consume 7 beers on the 13-20 mile run! 

Carbs! - pic courtesy of Oliver. 

The pic below is from this past Thursday at the Bears Den... Center is Bob, one of our newest Team R.E.D. Members!  Welcome Bob! 

Standing: Jill, Mike, Don Bob, Sarah, Lance, Marisa, Tom,
Kneeling:  Dave, Gwen, Dan, Elaine, Jess, Shannon
Not Pictured:  You!  Get out with us!  

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Turn our clocks ahead one hour.. and enjoy the daylight evening fitness! It's a very confusing concept.. spring forward, fall ahead or back, or don't fall down?  - This clip below captures the critical nature of the changing of the clock.

 

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Needs Car Wash in Byron is now offering a free Car Wash to every new member of Team R.E.D.!  If you join now, your $20 will get you a Team R.E.D. T-Shirt and a $12 wash at the newest wash in the area!   --   Don't feel bad for the current members as they already had a shot at car washes when the Eides passed them out at WildWood a few weeks ago!   

Additionally, if you want a discount.. another Team R.E.D. sponsor, Byron MarketPlace, is selling NEEDs $12 car wash for just $7... Wendy and I got in on the deal!  

Have you recently joined and not yet received your Team R.E.D. Shirt?  Bonus... you'll get a car wash too! 

The Week Ahead! 

Monday 5:30pm:  The Hillbillies are meeting again at the parking lot of Edina Realty near TJ Maxx for repeats that only make you stronger!  Join them.. then join Monday Maniacs crew at Wild Bills!
Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Wild Bills for a Run and/or Walk.... followed by a great social!  Wild Bills has $5 Burger Night on Mondays, and they are yummy!
Tuesday 6pm: TerraLoco is hosting Ladies Night!  It's bound to be fun!  The first 100 women to arrive receive a gift bag!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Trail Crew is heading to White Water State park for an evening of Snow, Slush, Mud!  Bring your running shoes.. as it's unlikely to be a snowshoe event.  Meet at the Nature Store parking lot, and plan on a social at Mauer Bros! - Always fun!
Wednesday 6pm:  Progressive Run from Broadway Pizza! This location is a very good one for the workout as it allows us to get off icey paths/sidewalks and onto a more private roadway.   We'll run from Broadway to the IBM Perimeter Road.. approx 1/2 mile to get there.. then 2.5 miles around!  Consider 2-to-3 loops of progressing faster each mile!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to Billotti's Pub and Grill!  It's a new location, formerly known as Beer Bellyz and/or Players located at 821 Civic Center Drive...   We'll play frogger across Civic Center Drive and then run and/or walk the trails along the creek!   - We will plan on a social as well.   Tonight a few of us met the owners of the restaurant, and they're excited to host!

See you soon!

• Tonight (Thursday) -  We're at the Bears Den at 6pm!  Come out and enjoy the evening with some Fitness & Fun!   3, 4 or 6 miles routes... (of course you can always change it up yourself). and back for the social!  
• Saturday 6:15am - A group is pre-loading mileage from the RAC.  Saturday's long run is roughly 12 miles... so if you want more, join the 6:15am pre-load group!
• Saturday 7:15am - The long run gathers at the RAC... last week a lot of people were standing in the walkway during the route talk, so if we can, please move out of the walkway so people trying to check in for the RAC can pass through more easily.   -- This weeks long run is scheduled for 12 miles.. I suspect the half marathon distance will be roughly 6 miles.   
• We are trying to communicate post long run gatherings.  This week we plan to head to Brothers Bar & Grill post long run for breakfast, coffee and social...  please join us!
• Sunday 8am - Off Season Striders are meeting at Dunn Bros South  
• **NOTE** Dun Bros SOUTH!  This location is near TJ Maxx so not the Dunn Bros we typically meet at. 

Wednesday Progressive Run - Cancelled.

Tonight's (Wednesday) Progressive Run previously scheduled from Broadway Pizza has been cancelled.  If someone messages and let's me know they will for sure be there, and are able to lead the workout, I will re-post, but for now, consider the workout cancelled. Sorry for the late notice!

Miles... Celebrations... and Memories

Team R.E.D. members have been in so many places this weekend it's amazing!

They were seen logging miles at the Marathon & Half Marathon Training run on Saturday. Despite below zero windchills many members logged 20+ miles outside on Saturday!  Whiles others put in 7-13!   Others yet found themselves tucking to the indoor track, and getting it done.  All very impressive!

On Saturday afternoon, many members celebrated with Roger & Joyce! What a great thing to celebrate... life!  We often miss that opportunity, but this day, we celebrated and it was awesome!  We're grateful that Roger & Joyce are part of our lives, yesterday, today and into the future!

Our Hosts Joyce & Roger

Roger serenaded with an original song by Lorelei! 

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About 20 members joined the crew at the Off Season Striders run this morning, logging a variety of distances at a variety of paces.  Super fun to enjoy the morning with this group while meeting and getting to know new people!

Following the OSS run, Tom Woo was presented his Rochester Track Club Runner of the Year jacket, and I was honored to be asked to present it.  There is a lot of cross over between Rochester Track Club and Team R.E.D.  -----  Team R.E.D. members have earned the honor of Runner of the Year three of the last four years!

Tom is an inspiration to many of us as his results are clear for all to see through his dedication to the sport of running.  As a veteran, and talented runner at every distance from the 1 Mile to 5K, Half Marathon and Full, Tom demonstrates what it takes to succeed.  We're all proud to call Tom Woo our friend, and to know he can mentor us all to be better runners, and strong, positive people.  Congrats Tom!

Tom O' presents the Runner of the Year jacket to Tom Woo!  

As many of you may already know, Tom and family suffered a loss this past week as his mother, Wai-Jant passed away peacefully.  She lived a rich life of 100 years, many of those spent in the home of Tom & Shirley, along with her grandchildren Richard and Alex.  Our thoughts and prayers go to the entire Woo family.

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Today, the snowshoe crew got a sampling of Oxbow Park.  Here's a shot of the ladies relaxing while I'm sure the men were doing the heavy lifting. Let's get some snow for a few more trips this season! 

Mary, Cathy and Wendy... enjoying the sunshine at Oxbow Park!

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The Chmielewki's are celebrating today as they have a new grandchild in their lives!  It's so awesome to see the happiness that brings!  Congrats to the Chms!  Sorry I don't have any baby pics to share yet, but it's hard to believe these two lookers are grandparents twice over!

Paul & Annette