Happy New Year everyone!

We had a wonderful turnout for this mornings New Years Eve Run/Walk/Breakfast!  - we started with about 20 people and finished the morning with more than 30!  We were able to toast Jean & Randy, as for years they have coordinated the Holiday run but neither was able to join us today.  Cheers to all...  Be safe tonight, and have lots of fun!

A look at what's coming up!

Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are running from Panera South - Southside today, north side tomorrow!  Join the fun!
Monday 8am:  Off Season Striders are running from Dunn Bros North... for those who have the day off, get out and log some miles with friends!
Monday 6pm: Monday Maniacs are trying a new location.  Newts at Crossroads.. Join for the inaugural run from this spot, and stay for some great social time!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail crew are heading to Essex park in Rochester to kick off the New Year! - Snowshoe, run, hike? Again the weather and individual taste will determine the mode of propelling yourself thru the park. Meet at the main parking lot (entrance drive is off W Circle Drive/55th St NW). Thinking Binkies North for afters.
Tuesday 9pm:  The Night Owls are on again! - Beetles Bar and Grill for some evening miles of fitness and fun! - If you haven't joined this crew yet, you should consider it!
Thursday 6pm:  It's the Bears Den in Byron for a great night on the mean streets and of course another awesome social! - Join us for routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles!
Saturday 10am:  The Polar Bear Prediction 5K.  You do not need to be the fastest to win this one, simply predict your time, and be the closest to your prediction without going faster then predicted!  No watches, music, or anything that might help you track your pace.   This is a lot of fun... and this is my year to win a bear!    There are always lots of prizes and a free lunch too!  More details, including registration information, can be found at http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=920

Thursday Already!

The Holiday excitement helped me lose track!

• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is at Wild Wood Bar & Grill in Rochester! We'll log some running or walking miles, whatever you prefer.. and back to the bar for a cold one and social! 
• Saturday 7:15am:  Team R.E.D. & Off Season Striders are joining for a celebration run or walk from the new location of Charlies Pub & Eatery at the Hillcrest Mall off Hwy 52 and the 19th St Exit (same mall that has Godfathers Pizza).   Meet at the Pub doors!   
• Theme: This is New Years Eve so we're thinking formal wear!  Dress for the occasion if you wish, Below I shared an old video of a previous formal night..  you never know what may happen on New Years Eve! 

Enjoy the Christmas Season! - Happy Holidays to all!

Team R.E.D. and Off Season Striders are coming together on the morning of New Years Eve for a Holiday Celebration run or walk from Charlies Pub & Eatery at his new location at 1654 Hwy 52 Frontage Road (in the strip mall that has Godfathers Pizza).  - the event is a festive one, plan to dress for the New Year and walk, run and back for fun! - More details to follow as the gathering approaches.

There is no Off Season Striders Run planned for Christmas morning...  there is one for Monday the 26th instead, here's a quick peek at the next couple of days.

Monday 8am:  OSS runs from Dunn Bros North at 120 Elton Hills Drive in Rochester.  Join the group for some morning miles, and come on back for some coffee and chatter!
Monday 6pm: Monday Maniacs are heading to Glynners Pub at 1643 North Broadway in Rochester.  This group is always a lot of fun, and Glynners as a starting spot gives us a lot of options! Join us!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Chester Woods Park for a great night out! Depending on the snow cover,  we may be running, hiking, snowshoeing, just about anything! Meet at the parking lot by the boat landing and enjoy the evening.  
Tuesday 9pm:  The Night Owls are out and about with a starting location of Beetles Bar & Grill on 2nd Street in Rochester.  This location worked well last week, so it's a go again! All the best stuff happens after 9pm!

Warming up our vocals!

From here on out, it's getting warmer!  We're expecting a high of approx 21 degrees ABOVE zero tomorrow for our Caroling on the run fun!

Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs gather at Cowboy Jacks for Caroling on the Run!  Get dressed in some festive gear (santa hat, antlers, bright lights, jingle bells ect... )   We have two songs, with printed lyrics - 1 verse each! - even I can sing one verse! - Please bring a cash donation to help pay for some meals as we leave each establishment - that's a very fun thing to do!

We'll enter singing Jingle Bells.. and exit singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way

Bells on bob tail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight!

Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

 We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas

And a happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring

To you and your kin;

We wish you a merry Christmas

And a happy New Year.

Then we hoot and hollar and wish everyone a Merry Christmas during our exit... and repeat... 

 We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas,

We wish you a merry Christmas

Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew heads to Gamehaven... this is a great spot to get lost in the woods with friends! So lace up your running shoes (or boots and snowshoes) and join us for another adventure on the trails. Meet at the main parking lot off of 45th St. SE. Possible afters are Fat Willie's or Binkie's by the Lake. BTW it's supposed to be downright balmy by then with temps forecasted in the 20's!
Tuesday 9pm: The Night Owls are heading to a new starting location at Beetles Bar & Grill on 2nd Street. Plan to get a great run in, and enjoy the social indoors afterwards!
Thursday 6pm: Brothers Bar & Grill is the site for Team R.E.D. - Remember, when we meet at Brothers we like to park in back so as to not take up all the prime parking in front before we leave for an hour! - We'll hit the trails and you'll be able to take your pick of 3, 4, 6 or whatever mileage you wish!

Off Season Sriders

There are no Off Season Striders runs scheduled for this weekend.  I will update the upcoming week on Saturday -- in the meantime, remember, Monday is Caroling on the Run!  You don't have to be a great singer and we keep the songs pretty simple, with printed lyrics if you need them!

See you soon!

Quick!

We had a nice turnout at Team R.E.D. tonight... remember, we are just entering winter now.  Let's get bundled up, and suck it up! - Also remember 2 out of 3 ain't bad, so if you want to join post run or run on your own earlier or indoors - you are always welcome to join the Eat. Drink.! - some people made that choice tonight and it added nicely to the social!

The Off Season Striders are not planning runs this weekend due to the projected weather.  If anyone would like to plan a group snowshoe opportunity or group run opportunity, please share it with me at byron.teamred@gmail.com and I'll share your plans.. or feel free to post your plans on the Team R.E.D. Facebook page.

We'll post the upcoming week opportunities on Friday evening...

These opportunities include a very fun Monday Night Christmas Caroling night! -  You do not need to be a good singer, or to know many songs as we'll provide the lyrics, we'll practice a couple of times before we get in public.. additionally, we limit ourselves to two songs that you already know well...    We will enter each establishment singing Jingle Bells - and exit singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas. ---- and of course, as we exit, we'll buy some meals for some families!

The week ahead!

What a great time we had at the Ugly Sweater Bowling contest! - I'm struggling to get pictures off my phone tonight, so I'll either get that done, or steal from others via Facebook

Here's one pic I already lifted...  Congrats to Tod for his 2nd Championship in three years.  He earned the title again, that ever elusive title for me!

Many thanks to Adam & Jill for all the legwork to make that evening happen!  They do a great job with planning and making sure we all have a great night! The leg wrestling was new!

• Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading to Beetles Bar & Grill on 2nd Street in Rochester.  Join the fun... I'm sure all the sidewalks and trails will be clear and happy to have us running and/or walking on them! 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew are visiting Quarry Hill for about 5 miles of fun! - There just might be enough snow for you to consider snowshoeing if you prefer!  Meet at the parking lot near the tennis courts on the West side of the park. The parking lot is at the dead end of 9th St NE - Likely to hit up Glynner's Pub for afters and to celebrate a birthday!
• Tuesday 9pm: The Night Owls head to the trail head of Douglas Trail, along Valley High near IBM.  It's an out and back with friends! This time-slot may appear unusual, but hey, unusual is ok! 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. at the Bears Den for the last time of 2016! - Join us for the walk, run and fun! 3, 4 or 6 miles - or of course, whatever you prefer! 

 December 19th's Caroling on the Run from Cowboy Jacks!!  What is caroling on the run? - it's a fun way to spread holiday cheer while we sing out loud for all to hear. 

• We ask that you bring a cash donation of any amount you are comfortable with.  In the past most donations have been in the range of 10-30 dollars.  
• Do not worry about how much you can donate... it's a general pot, we are not asking for a minimum donation, nor are we tracking what any one individual contributed.  Your generosity and spirit of giving already shows by putting yourself into such a unique situation... singing to strangers and doing something nice! 
• We''ll run to 2-3 restaurants, surprise the customers and staff with 2 songs and then before we leave, we'll buy some meals for some of the customers in the restaurant.  - super fun... then off to the next stop! 
• Do not worry about how fast you are... we make sure we all arrive before we go in.  Walkers take an alternate route from runners, and we all arrive roughly the same time and go in as a team. 

Snow just in time for Santas on the Run!

A small but hardy group participated in Thursday Team R.E.D. walk or run... it wasn't until I was uploading this picture that I realized, Brian is wearing Jammies - he must have the the Jammie mile was on a Thursday night!

Claire, Brian, Mike, Brian, Bear, Don, Adam, Wendy pushing Grant, Cindy pushing Quinn - there were a couple of people hiding inside and skipping the walk/run portion! 

Sweet Hoodie and pants for Quinn! - hand crafted by the ever talented Claire - for claire-ih-fi-kay-shun (see what I did there?)  that's not Claire in the picture, that's the wonderful Wendy! 

• Saturday 7:15am: Off Season Striders are rolling from the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center in downtown Rochester. It's a fun group to run with!
• Saturday 8am:  Santas On The Run from A Childs Kingdom.  - This is a great event and several members have taken part in this previously! Check ou the link for more details on registration and packet pickup!  http://www.medcityevents.com/santas-on-the-run.html
• Saturday 7pm:  Team R.E.D. Ugly Christmas Sweater Bowling Championship - held at Sandbaggers in Byron - 501 Frontage Rd NE  -- Details from the Facebook posted shared below - if you are not on Facebook and want to RSVP, please send us an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 
• Note: There are some planning to pre-load a beverage or two starting at 5:45pm at the Bears Den. All are welcome for pre-loading. 

• 
  
  • It's that time again for a little bowling & beer! 
  • Put on that ugly Christmas sweater and get ready to challenge for the Best TEAM RED BOWLER!
  • A nice little prize for the Champion Bowler will be awarded.
  • COST WILL BE $10.00 AT THE DOOR!!!
  • The set-up will be just a bit different this year as Sandbaggers is still in the construction phase with the kitchen. The cost this year is just for the bowling at $10. All beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda and frozen pizzas will be available for you to purchase. We may also bring in some small snacks, chips, etc. (no drinks) since their kitchen is not complete. If you plan on bringing some snacks etc, please provide any plates, bowls and utensils too for your snack. 
  • We will draw for lane assignments and winners will keep advancing to a final 4 and one wild card....Winner take all!
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders hit it again, this time from Brothers Bar & Grill. Remember, when we gather at Brothers we park in the back, and gather outside for the route talk if it's nice, and we scoot in the back entrance if it's not so nice.   Enjoy the run, come back for the fun! 

Be sure to mark your calendar for December 19th's Caroling on the Run from Cowboy Jacks!!  What is caroling on the run? - it's a fun way to spread holiday cheer while we get some running and walking fitness! 

• We ask that you bring a cash donation of any amount you are comfortable with.  In the past most donations have been in the range of 10-30 dollars.  
• Do not worry about how much you can donate... it's a general pot, we are not asking for a minimum donation, nor are we tracking what any one individual contributed.  Your generosity and spirit of giving already shows by putting yourself into such a unique situation... singing to strangers and doing something nice! 
• We''ll run to 2-3 restaurants, surprise the customers and staff with 2 songs and then before we leave, we'll buy some meals for some of the customers in the restaurant.  - super fun... then off to the next stop! 
• Do not worry about how fast you are... we make sure we all arrive before we go in.  Walkers take an alternate route from runners, and we all arrive roughly the same time and go in as a team. 

Here's a quick peek at the rest of the week!

Tonight 6pm:  LTS is the spot! Can't make it by 6? Join around 7pm for a beverage and social!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  Eastwood park in Rochester is the location for the Trail Running Crew!  Join the fun! Park at the main lot along Hwy 14 - and prepare for the Wicked Moose and taco's afterwards!
Tuesday 9pm:  The Night Owls continue to impress along the Douglas Trail. Meet at the trail-head on Valley High Road in Rochester, next to IBM and get your miles before you dream your smiles!
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to the Bears Den for a fun run, walk and/or social!  Join us for routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles - or really whatever you prefer, and come back to chit chat and meet some people!

The Weekend has fun too! - I'm sure Off Season Striders will have morning group runs, but I haven't seen them yet.  - I'll update that when available.  

• Saturday 8am:  Santas On the Run takes place at A Childs Kingdom! - This is a fun event that many Team R.E.D. members participated in the past. Get your santa costume and have a blast! For more information follow this link.  http://www.medcityevents.com/santas-on-the-run.html
• Saturday 7-9pm:  It's Ugly Sweater Bowling! Not our first rodeo either!   Get decked out for the holidays and join us in Byron for a fun night at Sandbaggers (under new ownership). 
• Notes regarding bowling: 
• Straight Cash Homie - Randy Moss  
• Sandbaggers is currently a cash only business as they are still setting up! 
• The set-up will be just a bit different this year due to the new construction phase with the kitchen. The cost this year is just for the bowling at $10. All beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda and frozen pizzas will be available for you to purchase. 
• We may also bring in some small snacks, chips, etc. (no drinks) since their kitchen is not complete. If you plan on bringing some snacks etc, please provide any plates, bowls and utensils too for your snack. 
• If you won a trophy last year, remember, these are traveling, we need it back!  - Hopefully you'll be here to defend your title! 
• A nice little prize for the Champion Bowler will be awarded.
• Reminder: the cost is $10.00 at the door plus whatever you want to spend. 
• We will draw for lane assignments and winners will keep advancing to a final 4 and one wild card....Winner take all!

Dec 19th 6pm:  Caroling on the Run from Cowboy Jacks! This is a Monday Night event and a highlight for many members! 
• We ask that you bring a cash donation of any amount you are comfortable with.  In the past most donations have been in the range of 10-30 dollars.  
• Do not worry about how much you can donate... it's a general pot, we are not asking for a minimum donation, nor are we tracking what any one individual contributed.  Your generosity and spirit of giving already shows by putting yourself into such a unique situation... singing to strangers and doing something nice! 
• We''ll run to 2-3 restaurants, surprise the customers and staff with 2 songs and then before we leave, we'll buy some meals for some of the customers in the restaurant.  - super fun... then off to the next stop! 
• Do not worry about how fast you are... we make sure we all arrive before we go in.  Walkers take an alternate route from runners, and we all arrive roughly the same time and go in as a team. 

Great weekend!

Thanks to all of you who joined us at the Underwear Mile and Pajama Mile - both were low key, yet fun events!  We'll get the food and clothing all donated early this week!

• Monday 12/05 @ 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to LTS (Life's Too Short) for a run, and social! - This location gives us lots of options and some great craft beer and soda! 
• Note: Monday 12/19 with be the Team R.E.D. Christmas Caroling on the Run! As we've done in the past, each participating member is suggested bring a cash donation of any kind and we'll use that money to pay for meals for customers in the restaurants we carol at! 

We're tied up with a busy Sunday, so an update regarding the rest of the week will follow this evening.

It's the weekend - Have some fun!

We had a great time at the Undie Mile tonight! - Congrats to one of our newest members Joachim as he won the Fastest Male Title in a time of 5:31 under the cover of darkness.   Congrats are also in order for Cassy as she defended her 2014 championship by finishing in 6:09!

Cassy trying to be a bit taller... no worries about your height Cassy, you can run when you're cold! 

Joachim & Cassy... Champions! 

In addition to declaring fastest cold weather runners, we had a competition for Best Undies! - We found an impartial set of judges and after our contestants made the rounds the judges gave great thought and selected the skimpiest! Winners are pictured below along with the judges who are all guilty of judging! How dare they!

Best Undies Award Winners and Judges - left to right, Rox, Joachim, Paula, Claire, Todd & Jerry - oh, Jerry has some stories! 

Everything we did tonight was fun! Yet there are more opportunities.. check out the rest of the weekend below, and look for updates on next week Monday - Thursday being posted soon!

Dec 3rd 7:15am:  Off Season Striders are hitting the road from the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center.  This is a great group that can connect you with others while getting miles through the winter!

Dec 3rd 10am:  Pajama Mile! Run one mile in your Jammies during Byron's BrrrFest! Cost is just $10 + a Food Item or Clothing Item for the Food & Clothing Drive ($25 Family Max cost!).  You can register race day starting at 9am! 

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Dec 4th 8am:  Off Season Striders are heading to a great spot to catch the trail system and that's Panera South.  Often a great coffee social post run! 

Dec 10th 8am:  Santas On the Run takes place at A Childs Kingdom! - This is a fun event that many Team R.E.D. members participated in the past. Get your santa costume and have a blast! For more information follow this link.  http://www.medcityevents.com/santas-on-the-run.html

Dec 10th 7-10pm:  Team R.E.D. Ugly Christmas Sweater Bowling Championship - held at Sandbaggers in Byron - 501 Frontage Rd NE  -- Details from the Facebook posted shared below - if you are not on Facebook and want to RSVP, please send us an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 

• It's that time again for a little bowling & beer! 
• Put on that ugly Christmas sweater and get ready to challenge for the Best TEAM RED BOWLER!
• A nice little prize for the Champion Bowler will be awarded.
• COST WILL BE $10.00 AT THE DOOR!!!
• The set-up will be just a bit different this year as Sandbaggers is still in the construction phase with the kitchen. The cost this year is just for the bowling at $10. All beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda and frozen pizzas will be available for you to purchase. We may also bring in some small snacks, chips, etc. (no drinks) since their kitchen is not complete. If you plan on bringing some snacks etc, please provide any plates, bowls and utensils too for your snack. 
• We will draw for lane assignments and winners will keep advancing to a final 4 and one wild card....Winner take all!

Dec 19th 6pm:  Caroling on the Run! This is a Monday Night event and a highlight for many members! 

• We ask that you bring a cash donation of any amount you are comfortable with.  In the past most donations have been in the range of 10-30 dollars.  
• Do not worry about how much you can donate... it's a general pot, we are not asking for a minimum donation, nor are we tracking what any one individual contributed.  Your generosity and spirit of giving already shows by putting yourself into such a unique situation... singing to strangers and doing something nice! 
• We''ll run to 2-3 restaurants, surprise the customers and staff with 2 songs and then before we leave, we'll buy some meals for some of the customers in the restaurant.  - super fun... then off to the next stop! 
• Do not worry about how fast you are... we make sure we all arrive before we go in.  Walkers take an alternate route from runners, and we all arrive roughly the same time and go in as a team. 

Thankful!

I hope this Thanksgiving holiday gave everyone a chance to reflect on the things we're all most thankful for.. I know that opportunity existed in our household, and we feel very blessed.

Here's a look at what's going on...

Saturday 7:15am: Off Season Striders are heading out from the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. This is a diverse group of runners of many paces.  Join the fun!
Sunday 8am: Off Season Striders are at it again, this time from Dunn Bros North on Elton Hills Drive. Join the run and come back for a beverage and chat!
Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs is set to run from the Tap House in downtown Rochester.  What a great place to hit the paths and streets with an opportunity to enjoy one of many beverage choices during the social!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew heads to Carley State Park as last weeks venture was cancelled due to weather. The park is located about 2 miles south of Plainview and offers a great chance to be outside during this fantastic fall weather! http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/carley/index.html
Tuesday 9:30pm:  The Night Owls head to the scene of the evening workouts... meet at the Douglas Trailhead parking lot off Valley High next to IBM.
Wednesday: I'll update this space when I hear the plan for speed! - There is a crew that is adding some sessions, and details will be updated here.
Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads to the Bears Den - We'll have routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles and of course, come back for a social in the Home of Team R.E.D. - The Den!

• Note: The Bears Den is the location for the following two fun events hosted by Team R.E.D. - if you'd like to participate, you'll find registration links below.  If you'd like to volunteer just drop me an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com - note, these are both low key events, so we do not have a lot of volunteer work needed, but we can use a few hands.  

Dec 2nd 6:30pm:  Underwear Mile!  Run one mile in your Undies during Byron's BrrrFest!  Cost is $10 + a Food Item or Clothing Item for the Food & Clothing Drive.  You can register at the following link - https://raceroster.com/events/2016/10854/underwear-mile-dec-2nd-630pm  

• If you can't make it to the Undie Mile, but still want to contribute, you can bring a donation to Thursday's Team R.E.D. at the Bears Den

Dec 3rd 10am:  Pajama Mile! Run one mile in your Jammies during Byron's BrrrFest! Cost is just $10 + a Food Item or Clothing Item for the Food & Clothing Drive ($25 Family Max cost!).  You can register at the following link - https://raceroster.com/events/2016/10855/pajama-mile-dec-3rd-10am

• If you can't make it to the Pajama Mile, but still want to contribute, you can bring a donation to Thursday's Team R.E.D.  at the Bears Den

Dec 10th 8am:  Santas On the Run takes place at A Childs Kingdom! - This is a fun event that many Team R.E.D. members participated in the past. Get your santa costume and have a blast! For more information follow this link.  http://www.medcityevents.com/santas-on-the-run.html

Dec 10th 7-10pm:  Team R.E.D. Ugly Christmas Sweater Bowling Championship - held at Sandbaggers in Byron - 501 Frontage Rd NE  -- Details from the Facebook posted shared below - if you are not on Facebook and want to RSVP, please send us an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 

• It's that time again for a little bowling & beer! 
• Put on that ugly Christmas sweater and get ready to challenge for the Best TEAM RED BOWLER!
• A nice little prize for the Champion Bowler will be awarded.
• COST WILL BE $10.00 AT THE DOOR!!!
• The set-up will be just a bit different this year as Sandbaggers is still in the construction phase with the kitchen. The cost this year is just for the bowling at $10. All beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda and frozen pizzas will be available for you to purchase. We may also bring in some small snacks, chips, etc. (no drinks) since their kitchen is not complete. If you plan on bringing some snacks etc, please provide any plates, bowls and utensils too for your snack. 
• We will draw for lane assignments and winners will keep advancing to a final 4 and one wild card....Winner take all!

Bowling & Ugly Sweaters!

Thursday Morning Run from the O'Leary's has been updated to include an address!

Wednesday:  There is no speed session scheduled for this week. 
Thursday 8am:  The O'Leary's are hosting a Thanksgiving Morning Run/Walk from their home at 805 1st Ave NW Byron....    simply a chance to join each other, appreciate each other before we all go onto our own Thanksgiving gatherings.  Light snacks, coffee, and a few adult breakfast beverages will be provided. 
Thursday Gobble Wobbles .. you can join any Gobble Wobble and have fun... here's one led by Mom's On the Run      http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=904
Thursday Team R.E.D. - there is no official Team R.E.D. run the evening of Thanksgiving night.. I hope you all enjoy the day with friends and family... and of course.. we'll see you soon!

Dec 10th 7-10pm:  Team R.E.D. Ugly Christmas Sweater Bowling Championship - held at Sandbaggers in Byron - 501 Frontage Rd NE  -- Details from the Facebook posted shared below - if you are not on Facebook and want to RSVP, please send us an email at byron.teamred@gmail.com 

• It's that time again for a little bowling & beer! 
• Put on that ugly Christmas sweater and get ready to challenge for the Best TEAM RED BOWLER!
• A nice little prize for the Champion Bowler will be awarded.
• COST WILL BE $10.00 AT THE DOOR!!!
• The set-up will be just a bit different this year as Sandbaggers is still in the construction phase with the kitchen. The cost this year is just for the bowling at $10. All beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda and frozen pizzas will be available for you to purchase. We may also bring in some small snacks, chips, etc. (no drinks) since their kitchen is not complete. If you plan on bringing some snacks etc, please provide any plates, bowls and utensils too for your snack. 
• We will draw for lane assignments and winners will keep advancing to a final 4 and one wild card....Winner take all!

The weekend has arrived!

Here we go...

Saturday 7:15am:  Off Season Striders step out from the DAHLC - this seems to have settled in as a nice Saturday morning starting location!
Saturday 7:30pm: The Night Crawler Run takes place as Essex Park! Check out the details at http://robinevents.com/all-events#n18 as they are planning for bonfires, s'mores, beer and more!
Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders head to 5-West... this is another great location to run, walk and come back for the social!
Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are going to Buffalo Wild Wings. This gives us a new starting location with new places to run...  and that is always fun!  - 10% of proceeds are being donated to a local broomball team - let's do it!
Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Carley State Park.  This is a fun place to celebrate the outdoors .. park at the main entrance parking lot.  Afters are typically held in plainview.
Wednesday 6pm:  This week is an off week, but there has been a movement of speed sessions on Wednesdays, simply not on the track - I'll try to include these workouts as I'm aware.
Thursday 8am:  The O'Leary's are hosting a Thanksgiving Morning Run/Walk... simply a chance to join each other, appreciate each other before we all go onto our own Thanksgiving gatherings.  Light snacks, coffee, and a few adult breakfast beverages will be provided.
Thursday Gobble Wobbles .. you can join any Gobble Wobble and have fun... here's one led by Mom's On the Run      http://rochestertrackclub.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=28&ArticleID=904

Thursday Team R.E.D. - there is no official Team R.E.D. run the evening of Thanksgiving night.. I hope you all enjoy the day with friends and family... and of course.. we'll see you soon!

Chester Woods Registration Now Open!

Today we opened the Mason Run @ Chester Woods registration.. I want you to note, without increasing the final price tag we have added some sweet price breaks for early registration, especially nice these next couple of weeks!  - Get registered at https://raceroster.com/events/2017/10771/chester-woods-trail-races

Please help spread the word about all the price breaks, but especially the 5K prices, and encourage neighbors and friends who might otherwise shy away - 10 bucks for a 5K right now! - I'd love to see more kids at this event, and the 5K is a perfect way for them to fall in love with running and trails.

***** What's Next?  *******

Clothing Drive:  Byron's BrrrrFest Dec 2nd/3rd.  Team R.E.D. has always been behind fundraising, community impacting events, and we'd like to see that continue with your help for a clothing drive!  Note there are two events coming up soon, one with the adults in mind, and another with families in mind. - Whether you participate in the races or not, please consider bring clothing for this drive. Let's make an impact! -- Online registration for each of these events will be available by Nov 13th. 

• Friday Dec 2nd - 6:30pm - Adult only Underwear Mile
• Free Team R.E.D. membership or renewal for fastest Undie Miler Male and Female. 
• Additional prizes offered for most favored undies! - judges are random people selected at the Bears Den on event night. 
• Saturday Dec 3rd - 10am - Family Friendly Pajama Mile on Dec 3rd 
• We call it a 1-Mile but it is in 1/4 mile loops, so even little ones can get it done! - Run 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or the full mile - it's all for goodness!
• We'll have ribbons for all participants.  

*** Now to the more immediate ***

• Sunday 8am: The Off Season Striders are checking out the new location for Charlies (previously Charlies Pub & Eatery on 2nd Street) but is  now located at north end of the Hillcrest Plaza - same plaza as God Fathers Pizza. 
• Sunday 10am:  There's a walk to support Veterans at Soldiers Field Memorial in Rochester. This is a great way to say "Thank you!" - Dress in Red-White-Blue and grab a flag!  Then go on a 1 to 2 mile walk - they will have a few sandbags if you want to get a feel for what a soldier may carry.  
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to WildWood Bar and Grill in Rochester.  Get a great run on the area trails - the weather sure seems to be in our favor this season! - come back for a wonderful social - Monday fitness/social - what better way to start your week! 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Whitewater State Park to Howl at the Supermoon! - Meet at the Nature Store parking lot, enjoy the park and head to Mauer Bros for the post run social! 
• Tuesday 9:30pm: The Night Owls figure it doesn't actually get any darker as the night goes on, so they'll run! - Meet at the trail head parking lot for Douglas Trail - located at Valley High Drive near IBM.   Enjoy the peaceful weather we've had this fall! 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. is heading to the Bears Den in Byron.  Come join us at our official Home! we'll have routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles and of course come back for the social of smiles! 

Tonight it's Brothers and then we head to the weekend!

• Thursday 6pm:  Brothers Bar & Grill in Rochester for the run/walk - and of course the social! - Please park in the back - we'll likely do the route talk just inside the back door - as always, try to keep the pathway open for customers who are coming and going. 
• Saturday 7:15am:  The Off Season Striders are running from the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. 
• Sunday 8am: The Off Season Striders are checking out the new location for Charlies (previously Charlies Pub & Eatery on 2nd Street) but is  now located at north end of the Hillcrest Plaza - same plaza as God Fathers Pizza. 
• Sunday 10am:  There's a walk to support Veterans at Soldiers Field Memorial in Rochester. This is a great way to say "Thank you!" - Dress in Red-White-Blue and grab a flag!  Then go on a 1 to 2 mile walk - they will have a few sandbags if you want to get a feel for what a soldier may carry.  

Thursday Brothers!

Here we go... I thought after cross country season I would be more ahead of this!

Thursday 6pm:  Brothers Bar & Grill in Rochester for the run/walk - and of course the social! - Please park in the back, as that way we don't take up prime spaces and immediately leave for 45-60 minutes! -  I'll be sure to get the details for the weekend posted in the next day...

Tom O'

Holy Cats! We have more group runs!

Happy Election Day to you! - vote your conscious and then join a group run!  

• Tuesday 6:15PM: The Tuesday Trail Crew - SE MN Trail Runners are heading to Bill Barnicale Woodlands.  If you're not familiar with this hide-away you can meet the group and caravan to the space... details below.. Plan for a social in a warm cozy location nearby.  
• We'll run the old stagecoach trail thru Bill Barnacle Woodlands. If you're feeling adventurous feel free to run some of the single track mountian bike trails. Meet at the old BP gas station (now Minnoco) near the Rochester KOA on Highway 52 south of I-90 to caravan out to the site.
• Tuesday 9:30pm:  The Night Owls continue the fun along the Douglas Trail... meet at the trail head located on Valley High Drive near IBM.  It's a great group... dedicated to not running into any trees! - It's safe to say, "no trees have been harmed in a Night Owl run"
• Wednesdays - the track is pretty dang dark by the time most people get off work.  Watch the Facebook page for Wednesdays updates - if you want some sort of speed or tempo, you will learn about it there. 

Next Couple of Days

• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are gathering at the People's Co-op in Rochester. What a great downtown location to scoot around, and come back to enjoy a snack, beverage and social! 
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Grand Rounds Brewpub located on the corner of Broadway and 3rd St SW in Rochester.  - Another great downtown location and great location for a social! 

The Week Ahead!

The Monster Dash seemed to be full of Team R.E.D. types, as does the Marine Corp Marathon! - Nice work everyone!

Rose & Bob either looking for a Taxi or saying Hi to the SE MN Trail Runners!

Peter looking very touristy but ready to rock!

Jim, Scott, Kirsten, Sonja, Gwen, Lorelei and Shaun sight-seeing before the race!

Monday 6pm: LTS is the scene for Monday Maniacs.  We'll get our run rolling and come back for the social.  It is Halloween, so consider a costume for the evening!  

Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Root River County Park is the spot for the Tuesday Trail Crew.  This is a pretty small park, so you pick, two loops? three loops?  Bring a beverage for the parking 'afters'.  The park is located at 4012 80th St SE, Rochester, MN, 55904  - I'm not sure why, but the SE MN Trail Runners seem fascinated with Porta Potty's to the point Lonna made a cake!

Tuesday 9:30pm: The Night Owls will get together once again at the trail head of Douglas Trail - the trailhead is located along Valley High in Rochester (near IBM). 

Wednesday:  With much of the racing done, I'm not planning to set up any official track workouts, unless people tell me "but that's what we want!" If you know you're going to execute a speed session, and you want joiners, please let me know and I'll post it.  - the Track in Byron is open most evenings this time of year. 

Thursday 6pm:  We'll head to the Bears Den in Byron to get out for a run or walk.  This is a great location for anyone who has considered coming, but has been nervous.  Join us! We'll have routes of 3, 4 or 6 miles, but as with any group event, run or walk whatever distance is right for you, and join the social to meet others! 

** Living History Farms slots still remain**  

We had another Team R.E.D. join the pack a week or so ago.. but there's room for more!  Register at https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=125122  and note, the price increases next Sunday.  

Team R.E.D. @ Brothers!

• Thursday 6pm: Brothers Bar & Grill along Broadway in Rochester is the scene for Thursdays Team R.E.D. gathering.  While downtown, and much of the trails are lit, it is certainly headlamp time of year... Join us for a run or walk, and stop into the bar for a post workout social! 
• As always, at Brothers, please park in the back - if the weather is nice, we'll do the route talk in the parking lot, if it's cruddy, step inside the back door of Brothers and we'll chat there.  See you soon! 
• Saturday 7:15am: Off Season Striders are gathering at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center for a group run.  This gets you downtown for the fun! 
• Saturday 9am/9:30am:  The Spirit Run is on again from Holy Spirit Church in Rochester. This is a family fun event with courses from 1K to 5K to 10K!  Get in costume if you dare!
• Sunday 8am:  Five West is the scene for Off Season Striders.  After a workout, join for a great breakfast and chatter!  

Walk. Run. Eat. Drink. Dance.

Here's a look at the next group opportunities!  - By the way -- Living History Farms Off Road Race registration is still open! Register as part of the Team R.E.D. team and drop me an email so you can join us on the journey!  This is a blast of an event! You can register at https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=125122

Saturday 7:15am:  The Off Season Striders are going out for a run from the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center.  Join this fun bunch, and log some miles!
Sunday 8am: Off Season Striders are back to back.. this time from Panera South. Be sure to stick around after the run and enjoy a nice social with great people!
Monday 6pm: Monday Maniacs heads to Dooley's in downtown Rochester. This is a fun location to hit some bike trails or city streets.. of course, back for the social!
Tuesday 6:15pm: Millville is the scene for the Tuesday Trail Crew.. this is another fun location for an easy out and back along the Zumbro - you can pick your distance, the long crew will be about 6 miles.   Park by the ball fields marked with the red X in the picture below.

Tuesday 9:30pm:  The Night Owls continue the fun on the Douglas Trail. Meet at the trail head in Rochester, along Valley High Road near IBM.  The parking lot is the site of the social!

A few more updates!

Tuesday 6:15pm - The Tuesday Trail Crew is exploring the fall colors of Chester Woods park.  Park near the beach house and since the sun is going down earlier, we'll not only see the colors, but a sunset as well!. - Always a social post trail run!
Tuesday 9:30pm - The Night Owls will hit the Douglas Trail - starting at the parking lot near IBM along Valley High Rd.   This is a fun way to explore the night life!
Wednesday 6pm - Speed work on the track in Byron... this is how we all can get faster! We start right at 6pm, so if you need some warm-up time, arrive accordingly.  The track is located behind the Middle School at 601 4th St NW.
Thursday 6pm - Team R.E.D. is getting together at the Bears Den.  We'll get out for runs or walks of 3, 4 or 6 miles.  Pick your pace, pick your distance and come back for the social!

Keep on Moving! - a couple quick updates below....

Here we go!  There were a lot of great results, along with some struggles at Whistlestop on Saturday, and it looks like some other members found success along the Superior Trails near Duluth!

Best wishes for everyone taking part in Mankato on Sunday!

Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders are getting the run on from Brothers Bar & Grill.  Park in back and gather near the back door (if weather in poor, head inside the back door!).
Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Cowboy Jacks...  join for the fun and come back for more fun!  Peanuts in a shell... yum!

Fall is upon us - and it's wonderful!

Great races in the Twin Cities as well as in Witchita!  Nice work Team R.E.D.!

• Monday 6pm:  The Monday Maniacs are heading to TerraLoco for the $5 Charity 5K. - Bring at least a $5 donation and you are in! - Remember, you don't have to be limited to a 5K distance, if you want more miles, keep it rolling.   
• This weeks charity is one that near to the O'Leary family, and in fact, is near to 1 in 4 families - the funds raised go to NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness.  Consider joining the run and the fun!
• Post workout social at WildWood Bar & Grill.  
• Tuesday 6:15pm: The Tuesday Trail crew is heading to Lost Creek Trail - Groen Park in Chatfield. This is a great trail to run and always fun with the South East Minnesota Trail Runners!  The park is marked with the Red X in the pic below.. 

• Tuesday 9:30pm:  The Night Owls continue with a run along the Douglas Trail. Meet at the trailhead located on Valley High Driver, near IBM. It's a fun crew! 
• Wednesday 6pm:  Speed work on the track in Byron ... the track is located at 601 4th St NW in Byron. We sometimes have a post workout social, and sometimes we run and are done!   
• Thursday 6pm:  The Bears Den in Byron is the sight of Team R.E.D. - Plan on routes of 3, 4 and 6 miles.. then back to the original home of Team R.E.D. for the social! 

Keep on running.. Keep on walking.. Keep on dancing... Let's go Team R.E.D.!

• Monday 6pm: Monday Maniacs are heading to LTS - a great spot for a great forecast! - It sure appears like a beautiful night is head, and the company you'll have on your workout is even better!  LTS is located at 2001 32nd Ave NW Rochester. 
• Monday 6pm:  TerraLoco continues the 5K charity series.  This week benefits the Women's Shelter.  A $5 contribution gets you in the race!  Join the fun! 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail crew is heading to Winona to celebrate Lonna's Birthday at Holzinger - Meet at the parking lot adjacent to the lodge, located at 925 W Lake Blvd.  Bring your headlamps or flashlights.  Afters  are TBD.  
• Tuesday 9:30pm:  It's the Night Owls at it again.  Bring your headlamps for this one too! - Meet at the Douglas Trail Head parking lot along Valley High Drive.  (near IBM).  This crew is consistent and fun too!
• Wednesday 6pm:  The track work continues on the Track at Byron Middle School (601 4th St NW Byron).   The workout gets determined as we arrive, and of course, everyone has the ability to improvise.  The key is to be with people working hard, and follow that lead! 
• We had two new members join Team R.E.D. last week at the Track Workout - picture to come! 
• Thursday 6pm:  Team R.E.D. heads to the Bears Den in Byron. Routes are 3, 4 or 6 miles and loaded with fun! - Come back for the social at the Den! 

Best wishes to everyone racing this upcoming weekend! Be fast, have fun and win at all costs!

When your register for the Living History Farms Off-Road race, be sure to email me at byron.teamred@gmail.com so we can make sure we have enough people to secure the bus! - This is one of the most fun races you'll ever take part in, with 7000 runners, almost 100% in costume! - We haven't yet selected the Team R.E.D. theme, but once we have our team registered, we'll chat that up!

https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=125122

Select that you're part of a team - Team R.E.D. - and our group is co-ed/any age.

We've been Pirates, Pilots/Stewardess, Hillbillies, Underwear, Morph Suits.. what's next?!

Saturday / Sunday!

Registration is open for the Living History Farms Off-Road Race! - When you register, consider registering as part of a team, then choose Team R.E.D. and co-ed (any age).   Let me know when you register, and if you have interest in a charter bus.. we've had a lot of fun bus rides to this event in the past, one more sounds good to me!

You can register at https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=125122
and if you are completely unfamiliar with Living History Farms race, it's a charity run with a theme of fun, lots of costumes! - Team R.E.D. has participated as Pirates, Pilots/Stewardesses, Rednecks, Morph suits, Super hero undies...... what's this years theme? - Well that's to be determined, and those who want to go, will have a voice in the choice!

You can see the infancy journey of Team R.E.D. at this link...  we evolved since this day, which was a great day in 2009!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNKue18Xvh0

• Saturday 7am:  The marathon training long run - last of the year, but have no fear! - Off Season Striders is here! - Seriously, when the long runs end from the RAC... OSS picks up a Saturday run, that's very fun! 
• Saturday 8am:  The Brian Staska Firefighter Cancer Support Network 5K is at Oxbow Park.  Registration starts at 8am.  - Competitive run at 8:30am - Fun Run/Hike at 9am. 
• Saturday 9am: It's been around 10 years as a fundraising walk, but now there's also a 5K/10K race!  Consider joining Brains Together For A Cure and help!    https://www.facebook.com/events/329683204031900/
• Sunday 8am:  Off Season Striders rolls from Panera South. Always a great location for access to the trails and for some good chatter post run! 

Wednesday / Thursday!

• Wednesday 6pm - get your speed on at the Byron Track! - The track is located behind the middle school at 601 1st Ave NW in Byron.  - remember, it's not about how fast you are today, it's about how fast you want to be tomorrow! Let's work on it!
• Thursday 6pm - Team R.E.D. has another wonderful home host! Thanks to the Eides for having us. Our hosts are providing Pulled Pork Sandwhiches, chips and water.  BYOB and something to share if you would like.  
• The Eides are located at 27116 - 675th Street, Kasson.   - From Byron on Hwy 14 go West about 3 miles and turn left (south) onto 270th Ave and go about 3-1/2 miles and take a left on 675th Street.  Thye are the 3rd mailbox on the left, if lost, call 507-259-4261.  

The weekend and a bit beyond!

Here we go.. there's a lot going on!

• Saturday 7am:  The Marathon & Half Marathon training runs are down to 2-to-go! - This week the Longer run is 15ish miles, based on being two weeks from Twin Cities and Chicago marathons.  For those running a marathon a week or two later, you are encouraged to pre-load 5-6 miles and make it your last 20+ run of your training! 
• Saturday 1pm:  The NAMI Walk is on! - Join us at RCTC with an 11:30am registration - and walk begins at 1pm.  - If you can't join us but want to donate, please consider joining the O'Leary team called O'Nami - you can do so at http://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=38052
• Saturday 5pm: Med City Fall 5K - all part of the fall half marathon events! - You can register at packet pickup from 10am-4:45pm at Scheels.  
• Sunday Morning - the Med City Half and 10K... and Post Race party with Nite Shift!   - Volunteers are still need to check id's and pour beer for the post race. Also, volunteers are still needed on the course, check the following link to see where you can still help! https://signup.com/client/invitation/6775657374/1557387/false#!1557387/false/false
• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Pappy's, located along the Hwy 52 frontage road, just south of 19th St.  Monday's are great nights to get out, log a few miles, and meet some people! 
• Monday 6pm: TerraLoco continues the 5K $5 Charity series.  Join to support a local charity each week and come back for a chance to socialize, and maybe even with some prizes! 
• Note:  On Monday, October 10th - Monday Maniacs has elected TerraLoco as the location of their run. The charity that evening is NAMI!  - please join us! 
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  Quarry Hill is the scene for the Tuesday Trail Crew!  It's time to start wearing those headlamps!  Meet at end of 19th street in the parking lot near the tennis courts.  The location is depicted in this map, park by the red X

Tuesday 9:30pm:  The Night Owls are running from the Douglas Trail head in Rochester. The trailhead is located on Valleyhigh Drive near IBM.  This group is a lot of fun! - I'd advise headlamps for this one too!

It's a Brand New Week!

Many Thanks to all of you who were able to join us for the Pancake Breakfast! - It was a succes, and we had fun raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). -   Many thanks also go to the Bears Den for hosting! Very generous of them to support these two great causes!

Kim, Chris, Jim, Cathy

If you are interested in getting involved with NAMI, there is another chance next weekend, as Sept 24th is the Annual NAMIWalks event held at RCTC.  I'm happy to answer any questions as I am the walk manager.  If you can't make it, and want to contribute none the less, you can do so by joining the O'Nami team (that's my team) by visiting...   https://www.namiwalks.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.participant&participantID=38052

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• Monday 6pm:  Monday Maniacs are heading to Beetles Bar & Grill in Rochester. - This is always a fun location, and we haven't been there in awhile.  Join us for the run and the fun!  The route is typically 5-6 miles on Monday evenings. - Let's go! 
• Monday 6pm: TerraLoco continues it's $5 5K charity run.  Non competitive event, with lots of fun! Join the crew!
• Tuesday 6:15pm:  The Tuesday Trail Crew is heading to Gamehaven for a Wooley Bear hunt! Apparently, depending how many Wooley Bear you find, you can figure out how much snow to expect this year!  
• Wednesday 6pm:  TerraLoco would love to have Team R.E.D. join their workout as they have a rep doing a demo/sample night from UCAN.    - I'm planning to check it out, and run a bit of an up tempo run that night along the trails.  Consider skipping the track workout, and picking them up and putting them down at TerraLoco! 
• If you're not familiar with UCAN, it's a nutrition supplement not only for runners, but for anyone with a specialized diet. It contains SuperStarch, a natural, slow-releasing carbohydrate that delivers steady energy. Check out their website here: https://www.generationucan.com/  It was originally developed for children with life-threatening hypoglycemia and now Meb K uses it to power his marathons.
• Thursday 6pm:   Don and Sharon Gabrielson are home hosting at 2323 Wilshire Lane NE.  We'll have a couple of route options for you to run or walk, and of course, we'll circle back for the social. 
•  Our hosts will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, chips water and after dinner cigars.  Bring your own beverage and an optional dish to share.  
• Theme: Wear your favorite sports team apparel. Note that there will be a separate serving line for Packer's fans.  

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Volunteers!  - Team R.E.D. could use some volunteers to help us check id's and pour beer at the post race party for the Med City Fall Half Marathon.  The party runs from roughly 9am-1pm - if you can help for any piece of that please let me know by emailing me at byron.teamred@gmail.com   - Remember, Kasey and Nite Shift are the band, it should be a very fun post race celebration!